Met Gala 2026: Everything to Know About the Theme, Co-Chairs, Dress Code and More

The 2026 Met Gala will take place on May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, with the theme "Costume Art" and a dress code of "Fashion Is Art." The event honors the spring 2026 exhibition of the same name, which inaugurates the Costume Institute's first permanent galleries, the nearly 12,000-square-foot Condé M. Nast Galleries. Co-chairs include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. The red carpet livestream will be hosted by Ashley Graham, La La Anthony, Cara Delevingne, and Emma Chamberlain on Vogue's digital platforms.

Museum of Art Donors Celebrate at Impressionist Exhibit

On November 17, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) hosted a donor appreciation reception for its high-level supporters and special guests to celebrate two concurrent exhibitions: "The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art" and "Encore: 19th-Century French Art" from SBMA's own collection. Over 100 guests enjoyed cocktails and toured the galleries, welcomed by Eichholz Foundation Director Amada Cruz, who highlighted the revolutionary nature of Impressionism and its role in birthing modernism. Chief Curator James Glisson led a guided tour, noting the exhibition coincides with the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibit in 1874. Major donors recognized include The Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Charitable Foundation, Manitou Fund, SBMA Ambassadors, and several individual benefactors.

The Craziest Venice Biennale Ever: One Week Before Opening, the Jury Resigns (The Public Will Decide the Lions!)

La Biennale di Venezia più pazza di sempre: a una settimana dall’apertura si dimette la giuria (I Leoni li deciderà il pubblico!)

The entire international jury of the 61st Venice Biennale has resigned en masse just one week before the opening. The jury, chaired by Solange Oliveira Farkas and including Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, had publicly announced they would not consider countries whose leaders are accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court—effectively excluding Russia and Israel from the Golden Lion competition. This decision came amid ongoing tensions between Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli and Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco over Russia's participation, as well as controversy surrounding Israel's presence. After a meeting with Buttafuoco, the jury resigned, leaving the Biennale without a key body to award its top prizes.

Venice Biennale jury quits amid row over participation of Russia

The entire jury of the Venice Biennale resigned just days before the 61st international art exhibition's opening on May 9, following a dispute over the decision to allow Russia to participate. The five-member panel, led by Solange Farkas and including Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, had previously stated it would not award prizes to artists from countries whose leaders face charges of crimes against humanity, a move seen as targeting Russia and Israel. The Biennale responded by postponing the award ceremony to November 22 and announcing it would give two awards, including one that could go to any national participation, citing its founding principles of openness and rejection of censorship.

Quietly in Milan, a collector has opened a new exhibition space: "Finally I can see my works"

In sordina a Milano un collezionista ha aperto un nuovo spazio espositivo: “Finalmente posso vedere le mie opere”

Collector Pier Luigi Guzzetti has quietly opened Gallerie Guzzetti, a new 300-square-meter private exhibition space in Milan's Cenisio/Mac Mahon district. The minimalist basement venue serves as a dedicated home for Guzzetti’s eclectic collection of over 300 works, which spans 20th-century masters, emerging artists, and a significant photography archive. Managed alongside Corinne Cortinovis, the space operates with a philosophy of discretion, favoring word-of-mouth over traditional press offices or social media presence.

December First Friday 2025: 20+ art show openings, markets and concerts

LancasterOnline reports on the December First Friday 2025 event in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, featuring over 20 art show openings, markets, and concerts. The monthly gallery walk and cultural celebration brings together local galleries, artists, and musicians for a night of visual art, live performances, and community commerce.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted its 2026 Vanguard Council dinner, celebrating the institution's youngest patrons. The evening featured a Chinese-inflected menu developed by James Beard Award-nominated wine bar Lei, remarks from Met CEO Max Hollein and Vanguard Council co-chair Arielle Patrick, and a crowd of New York tastemakers including dealer Lucas Zwirner, patron Laila Blavatnik, and designer Isabel Wilkinson Schor. Guests departed with custom tote bags as parting gifts.

fashion art 6397 creative growth

On a rainy evening at 495 Broadway in SoHo, fashion label 6397, founded by designer Stella Ishii, partnered with the Oakland-based nonprofit Creative Growth for a fashion show and fundraiser. The event, hosted by PAPER Magazine's Kim Hastreiter and Mickey Boardman alongside Ishii and Creative Growth's executive director Sunny A. Smith, featured a runway collection of minimalist silhouettes adorned with artworks by Creative Growth's artists, who are individuals with disabilities. Guests browsed limited-edition pieces and wearable art before the show, which included New York creatives as models.

Museum of the year finalists revealed by Art Fund

Art Fund has announced the five finalists for the Museum of the Year 2026 award, the world’s largest museum prize. The shortlist includes Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, The Box in Plymouth, and London’s National Gallery and V&A East Storehouse. The winner, to be announced on June 25 at the Cutty Sark, will receive £120,000, while the remaining four finalists will each be awarded £20,000.

In Minor Keys: The 61st Biennale di Arte Venezia Opens Under Koyo Kouoh (1967–2025).

The 61st Biennale di Arte Venezia opens under the posthumous curatorial vision of Koyo Kouoh (1967–2025), the late Cameroonian-born curator who reshaped contemporary African and diasporic art discourse. The central exhibition, spanning the Giardini and Arsenale, features 111 participants including artists, collectives, and artist-led organizations from across the Global South, with works in textiles, film, sculpture, and performance that interrogate colonialism, migration, and ecological repair. The Biennale is also marked by a pronounced presence of African and diasporic narratives across national pavilions, including several first-time pavilions from the African continent.

pemberton asset management buys bonhams from private equity firm epirus for undisclosed sum

Pemberton Asset Management, a European private credit manager backed by Legal & General, has acquired the auction house Bonhams from private equity firm Epiris for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition led to the departure of Bonhams's global CEO Chabi Nouri and chief commercial officer Céline Assimon, with a new senior leadership team appointed including Seth Johnson as CEO, Liese Thomas as CFO, and Jennifer Babington as COO. Bonhams chairman Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard will remain in his role, while Chris Ellerker and Mohit Agarwal from Pemberton join the board.

vapid art world novel dimes square zoe dubno happiness love

Zoe Dubno's novel *Happiness & Love* is a satire of the art world, heavily borrowing from Thomas Bernhard's 1984 novel *Woodcutters*. The book follows an unnamed narrator who relentlessly criticizes the vapid, social-climbing denizens of the downtown New York scene, using the word "stupid" over twenty times. The narrator laments the art world's obsession with wealth and clout over meaning and beauty, but her own hypocrisy and lack of self-awareness are evident. The novel has received superficial coverage from outlets like *New York Magazine*, focusing on the author's lifestyle rather than the book's content.

These Four Filmmakers Have Never Fully Gotten Their Due. The Kitchen Wants To Change That.

The Kitchen, a New York nonprofit arts organization, held its annual spring gala at City Winery to honor four female filmmakers: Cheryl Dunye, Garrett Bradley, Shari Frilot, and Catherine Gund. The event was co-chaired by prominent figures including Ava DuVernay, Julie Mehretu, and Komal Shah, and featured performances, remarks, and a crowd of artists, curators, and collectors. The gala celebrated the filmmakers' contributions to cinema, with special recognition of their work in expanding representation and narrative boundaries.

parties spector craft prize new york 2

A celebratory apéro dînatoire was held at the New York home of patrons Warren and Abigail Klem Spector to launch the Spector Craft Prize, a new initiative by the Spector Family Foundation that supports fine craft and its makers through recognition and financial support. The evening was co-hosted by CULTURED Editor-in-Chief Sarah Harrelson and artist Katie Stout, whose ceramics were integrated into the tablescape, and featured a crowd of cultural heavyweights including prize jury chairman Glenn Adamson, jurors Zesty Meyers and Rosanne Somerson, and designers Misha Kahn and Adam Charlap Hyman.

Israel’s Artist Said to Have Threatened Legal Action Before Venice Biennale Jury Resignation

Belu-Simion Fainaru, the artist representing Israel at the 2024 Venice Biennale, allegedly threatened legal action against Biennale officials, accusing them of “racial discrimination” and “antisemitism” after the international prize jury announced it would exclude countries whose leaders are charged with crimes against humanity—effectively barring Israel and Russia from awards. The jury, handpicked by late artistic director Koyo Kouoh, resigned en masse on April 30, citing their earlier statement of intent. Fainaru had previously opposed calls to exclude Israel over its military actions in Gaza, arguing for dialogue over boycotts.

EPCC holds annual gallery hosting juried student art exhibition

El Paso Community College (EPCC) hosted the grand opening of its 49th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition at the Transmountain campus Gallery of Fine Art. The event featured a wide range of visual art created by students across various disciplines and levels within the college district. Highlighting the evening was an awards ceremony judged by Michael Reyes, an EPCC alumnus and Senior Curator at the El Paso Museum of Art, who recognized top works including Camila Galindo’s "Medieval Sadness," which took home the Best of Show honors.

Naramore Art Show

Seattle Public Schools has launched the 2026 Naramore Art Show, a long-standing annual tradition featuring over 200 artworks created by middle and high school students. Hosted at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) Community Gallery, the exhibition includes a diverse range of media such as ceramics, digital art, photography, and sculpture. The event features both a physical installation running through May 31 and a virtual gallery to ensure wider accessibility for the community.

Statement of Intention by the International Jury of the 61st International Art Exhibition In Minor Keys of La Biennale di Venezia

The international jury for the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, titled "In Minor Keys," has issued a statement declaring their intention to exclude from consideration any countries whose leaders are currently charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. The jury, chaired by Solange Farkas and including members Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi, was selected by artistic director Koyo Kouoh to award the Golden and Silver Lions among the 110 artists in the exhibition.

'Our Living Heritage' opens at Old Gaol Museum

Stanley Grootboom, a renowned local author and artist from Knysna, South Africa, recently unveiled his latest exhibition, 'Our Living Heritage,' at the Old Gaol Museum. The opening drew an enthusiastic crowd of art lovers, cultural ambassadors, and community members. The exhibition highlights Grootboom's commitment to preserving South Africa's indigenous history, particularly the cultural heritage of the Khoi and San peoples, and features his acclaimed interactive book installation 'South African Gelieblik Stories and Songs,' which has earned national and international recognition. It also includes his powerful artwork 'The Battle,' currently housed at the Koena Art Institute at the Castle of Good Hope, and works by fellow artists Anthony Roach, Marlene Liebenberg, Gatsby Mpoyi, Zoe Fick, and Donald Hartzenberg as part of his ongoing art outreach programme.

Jury for Venice Biennale's art prize resigns after refusing to recognise Israeli, Russian artists

The international jury of the 61st Venice Biennale art exhibition resigned just over a week before the May 9 prize ceremony, after announcing they would not consider artists from countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court charges—an apparent reference to Russia and Israel. The jury included president Solange Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi. In response, the Biennale established two Visitors’ Lions to be awarded by ticket-holder vote, postponed the awards to November 22, and reaffirmed that all national participations remain eligible, effectively reinstating Russian and Israeli artists.

Biennale, rules announced for Visitor's Lion. But dozens of artists withdraw

The Venice Biennale has announced the voting rules for the new Visitors' Lion awards, which replace the traditional Golden Lions after the original jury resigned before the opening. On the same day the popular voting opened, dozens of artists from the central exhibition 'In Minor Keys' and several National Pavilions announced their withdrawal from the competition in solidarity with the resigned jury, releasing a statement via e-flux on May 9, 2026. The voting system requires visitors to have attended both the Giardini and Arsenale venues, with anonymous voting open until November 22, 2026.

Art students in Canfield, LaBrae named to Governor’s Exhibition named to Governor’s Exhibition

Six high school students from Ohio's Mahoning Valley, representing Canfield and LaBrae high schools, have been selected to showcase their work in the 2026 Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. Out of nearly 6,000 statewide submissions, pieces by students including Mia Tisone, Zoe Dillinger, and Truly Jacops were named among the top 300 in the state. Their artworks will be displayed at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus from April 12 through May 15, while additional works will appear in a digital "cameo" exhibition.

Monumental Rubens ceiling painting revealed once more after two-year renovation

The monumental Whitehall Ceiling at London’s Banqueting House, painted by Peter Paul Rubens, is set to reopen to the public following a comprehensive two-year renovation and conservation project. Managed by Historic Royal Palaces, the initiative included the installation of advanced climate control systems to preserve the 17th-century canvases, structural stabilization of historic plaster, and the addition of a lift to provide the first-ever step-free access to the Main Hall.

Chihuly glass art exhibition fuels SA economy with record visitor turnout

The "Chihuly in the Botanic Garden" exhibition at Adelaide Botanic Garden concluded after seven months, drawing 1.4 million visitors and generating $55.7 million in economic benefits for South Australia. The show featured Seattle-based artist Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures, including ticketed experiences like "In Full Colour: Dale Chihuly" and "Chihuly Nights," which attracted over 200,000 attendees. Key artworks, including the Glacier Ice and Lapis Chandelier and the Jet and Crimson Fiori, will remain as permanent fixtures thanks to donations from local philanthropists.

Life Lines // Haggerty

The Haggerty Museum at Marquette University presents "Life Lines," an exhibition running from August 22 to December 20, 2025, featuring works by Sol LeWitt, Jean Dubuffet, and Victor Vasarely. Curated by Lynne Shumow with intern Bridget Neugent, the show is designed to encourage contemplative beholding, inviting visitors to slow down and reflect on the art as a sacred or meditative experience. The exhibition was created in collaboration with Fr. Ryan G. Duns, S.J., whose Contemplation and Action class will visit regularly.

Russia and Israel cannot win any prizes at the next Venice Art Biennale 2026. The jury takes a stand

Russia e Israele non potranno vincere nessun premio alla prossima Biennale Arte di Venezia 2026. La giuria prende posizione

The international jury for the 61st Venice Biennale, led by Solange Farkas, has unanimously declared it will not consider countries whose leaders are currently accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. This means Russia and Israel are excluded from competing for the Golden Lion awards, including Best National Participation and Best Artist. The jury's statement, published on e-Flux Notes, emphasizes the Biennale's historical role as a platform connecting art with contemporary urgencies and acknowledges the complex relationship between artistic practice and state representation.

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Colm Dillane, designer and artist behind KidSuper, co-hosted an intimate dinner with CULTURED magazine at his 10,000-square-foot Williamsburg studio during New York Fashion Week. Guests toured the brand's headquarters—featuring a recording studio and rooftop soccer field—before enjoying an Italian dinner prepared by Eric Madonna of Bar Madonna. Attendees included fashion tastemakers, gallerist Hannah Traore, curator Zoe Lukov, and musician Gashi, and each received a tote bag with the inaugural CULTURED at Home interiors issue and KidSuper's new book with Rizzoli, *The Misadventures of KidSuper*.

Israeli Pavilion Artist Made Legal Threats Before Venice Biennale Jury Resigned

New reports reveal that Israeli Pavilion artist Belu-Simion Fainaru issued legal threats against the Venice Biennale, alleging antisemitism and discrimination after the awards jury decided to exclude Israel and Russia from consideration due to human rights charges. The jury, which included Elvira Dyangani Ose, Zoe Butt, Marta Kuzma, Giovanna Zapperi, and Solange Farkas, initially stated on April 22 it would not consider nations whose leaders are charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. Fainaru filed legal warnings with the Biennale, the Italian Ministry of Culture, and the Prime Minister's office. The jury abruptly resigned eight days later, leading the Biennale to scrap the Golden Lion awards and institute "Visitor Lions" decided by public vote. Reports indicate the Biennale's legal department warned jurors could be personally liable for damages, and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli promised to promote Fainaru's work.

Jury of the Venice Biennale Resigns

Jury der Venedig-Biennale tritt zurück

The entire jury of the Venice Biennale, appointed by artistic director Koyo Kouoh, has resigned with immediate effect. In a statement released on Thursday, the jury members—including chair Solange Oliveira Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi—cited a prior declaration from April 22 in which they announced they would not award Golden or Silver Lions to artists from countries whose political leadership is currently indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. Although no specific countries were named, the move implicitly targets Russia (President Vladimir Putin) and Israel (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), both subject to ICC arrest warrants. The resignation comes amid escalating tensions over Russia's participation in the Biennale despite EU sanctions, which had already led to a freeze of EU funding and widespread protests.

Under pressure, the Venice Biennale jury resigns and is replaced by a public vote

Sous pression, le jury de la Biennale de Venise démissionne et est remplacé par un vote du public

On April 30, just days before the Venice Biennale's public opening on May 9, the entire international jury responsible for awarding the Golden and Silver Lions resigned. The jury—comprising Solange Farkas, Zoe Butt, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Marta Kuzma, and Giovanna Zapperi—had been caught in a escalating controversy after Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco reinstated Russia, which had been excluded since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The European Union threatened to suspend or cancel its €2 million subsidy if Russia remained included. The jury attempted to exclude countries whose leaders face International Criminal Court arrest warrants, effectively targeting Russia and Israel, but ultimately resigned under pressure from both external diplomatic turmoil and internal institutional opposition to any discrimination between pavilions.