Cultural heritage reform. The 'Italia in scena' law gives some answers but raises many questions

Riforma dei beni culturali. La legge “Italia in scena” dà alcune risposte ma produce tante domande

Italy's parliament approved the "Italia in scena" law in March 2026, a cultural heritage reform aligned with right-wing priorities: territorial valorization, local identity promotion, autonomy, and private-sector involvement. The law establishes a digital registry (Anagrafe), a roster of accredited operators, and a framework for private management of cultural assets, but allocates only €4.5 million annually—a symbolic sum compared to France's cultural mediation budgets. It also opens participation to the Third Sector (cooperatives, community foundations) but defers all critical details to implementing decrees with no strict deadlines or enforcement mechanisms.

In Milan, the furnishings of the White House go on display. Design and architecture to talk about propaganda

A Milano vanno in mostra gli arredi della Casa Bianca. Design e architettura per parlare di propaganda

An exhibition titled 'The White House. Domestic Propaganda' has opened at Dropcity, an experimental center in the tunnels beneath Milan's Central Station, as part of the city's Design Week. Curated by students from the Politecnico di Milano's Interior Design Laboratory, the show critically examines the White House as a domestic space for political propaganda, using installations, models, and drawings to explore how its architecture and furnishings project cultural and social meanings.

The process for awarding the title of Italian Capital of Culture should be rethought. Here's why.

Il processo per assegnare il titolo di Capitale Italiana della Cultura andrebbe ripensato. Ecco perché

An analysis of the selection process for Italy's "Capital of Culture" title reveals a consistent pattern: cities chosen for the prestigious designation are almost exclusively administered by political coalitions aligned with the national government in power at the time of selection. The sole exceptions were Bergamo and Brescia, which were jointly awarded the title via a special parliamentary decree in recognition of their suffering during the pandemic, bypassing the standard procedure. This political alignment has persisted across different legislatures and changes in government.

In Bologna, an exhibition combines pictorial traditions and contemporary perfumes

A Bologna una mostra mette assieme tradizioni pittoriche e profumi contemporanei

The exhibition "Sogni di natura" (Dreams of Nature) has opened at the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte in Bologna’s Palazzo d’Accursio, coinciding with the 57th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide. The show transforms the historic Sala Boschereccia into a multisensory "imagined garden" where 18th-century landscape paintings by Vincenzo Martinelli and Giuseppe Valiani are paired with contemporary fragrances. Students from the Italian Perfumery Institute developed these scents by analyzing the historical and symbolic identity of the room’s original decorations.

In Trentino, an immersive exhibition tackles workplace safety to engage with urgent issues

In Trentino una mostra immersiva affronta i temi della sicurezza sul lavoro per coinvolgere su questioni urgenti

The METS – Museo etnografico trentino San Michele is set to launch an immersive exhibition titled "Un lavoro a regola d’Arte" on April 17, 2026. Created by artists Paola Samoggia and Carlo Magrì, the project utilizes seven rooms featuring short films, video art, and multisensorial elements to explore themes of workplace dignity, health, and safety. The exhibition moves beyond mere statistics to address the human reality of labor, incorporating music, dance, and performance to create a reflective space on the risks and rights of workers.

In Lucca, the Perfect Exhibition to Rediscover the Talent of Painter Emilio Malerba

A Lucca c’è la mostra perfetta per riscoprire il talento del pittore Emilio Malerba

The Fondazione Ragghianti in Lucca is hosting a major retrospective dedicated to Emilio Malerba, a key member of the Novecento Italiano movement who died a century ago. Curated by Paolo Bolpagni and Elena Pontiggia, the exhibition marks the first solo presentation of Malerba’s work since 1931. The showcase spans his early career in commercial advertising for brands like Amaro Ramazzotti to his mature paintings that lean toward Magic Realism, featuring intimate portraits that prioritize psychological depth over narrative.

Withdrawing from Intense Labor: 'Quiet Quitting' Discussed in a Milan Exhibition

Sottrarsi al lavoro troppo intenso. Si parla di ‘quite quitting’ in una mostra a Milano

Artist Niccolò de Napoli explores the phenomenon of "quiet quitting" in his solo exhibition, "I’m here, but not entirely yours," hosted at Studio Lombard DCA in Milan. The exhibition, produced by PROGETTO LUDOVICO, utilizes the unconventional setting of a strategic consultancy firm to showcase works that critique modern labor expectations. Key pieces include a blue neon sign mimicking corporate aesthetics, a sound installation referencing the 1983 film "Vieni avanti cretino," and monochromatic cases made of switchable glass that obscures itself as viewers approach, symbolizing the withdrawal of the self from the workplace.

Popular sculptor Jago sets his sights on Capri with an exhibition that is also a territorial enhancement project

Il popolare scultore Jago punta su Capri con una mostra che è anche un progetto di valorizzazione territoriale

The Italian island of Capri has announced a major solo exhibition by the sculptor Jago, scheduled to open in June at the historic Villa Lysis. This ambitious project will feature the artist's works distributed across the villa’s eclectic spaces, including its Art Nouveau interiors, the Chinese-style opium den, and its panoramic terraces. The initiative is a strategic move by the local administration to revitalize the site, which, despite its architectural significance, suffers from its remote location on Monte Tiberio.

The Welcoming Spaces of Italian Artist Donatella Spaziani at Her First Major Exhibition in China

Gli spazi accoglienti dell’artista italiana Donatella Spaziani alla sua prima grande mostra in Cina

Italian artist Donatella Spaziani has opened her first major solo exhibition in China, titled "Incolume tra le cose" (Unharmed Among Things), at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute Art Museum in Chongqing. The retrospective features over 100 works, including drawings, collages, site-specific installations, and sound art, spanning her career and highlighting her recent residency in the city. The exhibition eschews chronological order, instead creating an immersive environment where the artist’s signature silhouettes and explorations of the human body interact with the architectural space of the museum.

Between Control and Fragility: The Invisible Stories of Martina Zanin on Display in Rome

Tra controllo e fragilità: le storie invisibili di Martina Zanin in mostra a Roma

Martina Zanin’s solo exhibition, "EVERY CARESS, A BLOW," has opened at the Fondazione Pastificio Cerere in Rome. Curated by Antonio Grulli, the show features a multidisciplinary range of works including photography, bronze sculpture, and immersive installations that explore the thin line between protection and threat. Through recurring motifs like falconry gloves and symbolic animals such as the hawk and the hare, Zanin investigates the invisible power dynamics and rituals inherent in relationships.

Shanghai Artists Association Holds Third Meeting of Its Ninth Council

上海美协九届三次理事会召开

The Shanghai Artists Association convened its Ninth Council Third Meeting at the Shanghai Literary and Art Hall. Key figures including Fang Kun, Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and Zeng Chenggang, Chairman of the Shanghai Artists Association, delivered speeches reviewing the association's 2025 achievements and outlining plans for 2026. The meeting focused on five major work areas: ideological guidance, creating high-quality artworks, embracing technological change, innovating service mechanisms, and expanding international influence. Over 60 council members participated in discussions covering exhibition optimization, talent cultivation, art-tech integration, and improving association services.

Three Years, One City: Tulsa’s Transformative Artist Fellowship.

The Tulsa Artist Fellowship has announced an open call for its 2027–2029 award cycle, seeking ten artists and arts workers for a three-year residency in Oklahoma. Selected fellows receive a comprehensive financial package totaling over $150,000 in stipends, plus housing and relocation support, in exchange for committing to live and work in Tulsa. The program, established by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, emphasizes long-term community engagement and the development of ambitious, site-specific projects.

Atmosphere is the star in new exhibition at James Cope Gallery

James Cope Gallery has unveiled a new exhibition where the primary focus shifts from individual subjects to the evocative power of atmosphere. The presentation prioritizes mood, lighting, and spatial resonance, inviting viewers to engage with the sensory qualities of the environment rather than traditional narrative structures.

Best Art of 2025

The New York Times has published its annual roundup titled "Best Art of 2025," highlighting the most significant artworks, exhibitions, and artistic achievements of the year. The article curates a selection of standout pieces and shows that defined the visual art landscape in 2025, as chosen by the newspaper's critics and editors.

Crealdé celebrates America250 with people, places and ideas

Crealdé School of Art is presenting "American Mosaic: Stories in Color, Clay and Canvas," an exhibition celebrating the nation's 250th birthday. The show features works like Stefan Alexandres' "The Journey," which uses mixed media to explore literal and symbolic references to an immigrant's experience, reflecting the exhibition's focus on people, places, and ideas that shape America.

Gallery opening reception for Samuel Baltes May 8 at Yes Arts

Kentucky-based painter Samuel Baltes will be featured in a solo exhibition opening May 8 at Yes Arts in Frankfort. The showcase highlights Baltes’ plein air landscape paintings, which draw heavily from Realist and Impressionist traditions to capture the subtle shifts of light and atmosphere in everyday environments.

LEGO exhibition set to return to Mossley in aid of local causes

Mossley Bricks is returning to Mossley Methodist Church on May 16, featuring an extensive collection of LEGO models created by adult enthusiasts. The exhibition will showcase detailed and imaginative displays, offering a creative community event for families and hobbyists in the local area.

Exhibition of Chebykin’s work has opened in Kyiv: from intimate drawings to images of war and nation

The National Museum “Kyiv Art Gallery” has launched a major exhibition titled “Andriy Chebykin. MASTER AND WORKSHOP” to celebrate the 80th birthday of the renowned Ukrainian graphic artist and educator. The show features a comprehensive range of Chebykin’s work, from his classic 1970s etchings and 1990s nudes to recent pieces created during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, such as “The Enemy Was Shot Down Over Tatarka.” Uniquely, the exhibition also includes works by his former students, highlighting his 55-year legacy at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture.

6 of the world’s 100 most visited art museums are in Tokyo

Six museums in Tokyo have been ranked among the world's 100 most visited art museums, according to a report. The list, compiled by AECOM and the Themed Entertainment Association, highlights the city's significant cultural draw.

Duo opening new Dallas gallery with 'playful, flexible' approach

Art advisors and curators Allison Zatarain and Kevin Rubén Jacobs are launching a new gallery space in Dallas called Zatarain Jacobs. Located in the Dallas Design District, the gallery aims to move away from the traditional 'white cube' model by offering a flexible, playful environment that accommodates both curated exhibitions and private advisory services.

‘Visions of Freedom’ America 250 exhibit opens in Riverhead

The Suffolk County Historical Society Museum in Riverhead has launched "Visions of Freedom: America 250," a multidisciplinary exhibition curated by the nonprofit Women Sharing Art. Featuring 45 works by 38 artists, the show utilizes painting, sculpture, mosaics, and fiber art to explore themes of democracy, empowerment, and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Key works include Sue Miller’s "Broken Barricades," which addresses gender-based social barriers, and Gail Neuman’s provocative sculptural interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

At the Galleries for March 12, 2026

The East End's gallery scene is seeing a seasonal shift as several new exhibitions open across the Hamptons and North Fork. This week's highlights include a group show focusing on abstract landscapes at a local mainstay and a solo presentation of experimental photography that challenges traditional perspectives on coastal environments.

Art exhibition celebrates Valentine’s Day in Ogbomoso

The city of Ogbomoso hosted "Exhibit Mosho," a Valentine’s Day pop-up exhibition designed to showcase the region's artistic depth and foster community pride. Featuring works from 24 artists across Nigeria—including paintings, sculptures, and photography—the event centered on the theme of "Love, Bravery, and Conquest." Organizers from Ennovate Lab and the local creative community utilized the holiday to draw residents into a shared space for storytelling and cultural reflection.

Creativity Shines At 2026 All Schools Student Art Show Opening Feb. 26 In Step Up Gallery At Mesa Public Library

The Los Alamos Public Schools are launching the 2026 All Schools Student Art Show on February 26 at the Step Up Gallery within the Mesa Public Library. This annual exhibition features hundreds of artworks created by students ranging from Pre-K to high school seniors, curated by the district's art faculty to celebrate student art month and the New Mexico Year of Arts in Education.

Unfiltered and unapologetic: Black women artists step into the spotlight at a new Tulsa exhibit opening this weekend

A new exhibition titled "Permission to Breathe: A Black Woman’s Perspective on Living Life Unapologetically" opens at Positive Space Tulsa in midtown Tulsa, featuring nearly 30 works by Black women artists. Co-curated by Ebony Iman Dallas, Elizabeth Henley, and Jaiden Jiji McClellan, the multidisciplinary show explores themes of rest, resistance, joy, ancestral memory, and radical self-acceptance, with most artwork available for sale. The exhibition runs from February 7 to February 28, 2026, and includes both seasoned and first-time artists.

Common Ground: Belgium's Most Anticipated Exhibition of Emerging Artists in 2026

ArtDependence has announced "Common Ground," billed as Belgium's most anticipated exhibition of emerging artists in 2026. The show will spotlight a new generation of Belgian and international talents, though specific artists, venues, and dates have not yet been detailed in the available text.

Fifteen Standout Exhibitions to Catch This Winter

Boston Art Review (BAR) has published a curated list of fifteen standout exhibitions to visit this winter, highlighting a diverse range of contemporary art shows across Boston and beyond. The selection includes both local gallery presentations and major museum exhibitions, offering readers a guide to the season's most compelling visual art experiences.

First-night energy at ‘Eyes in the Forest’ opening

The article reports on the opening night of the exhibition 'Eyes in the Forest' at an unspecified venue, highlighting the energetic atmosphere and attendance at the event. The exhibition appears to be a local art show, likely featuring works related to nature or the forest theme, drawing a crowd for its first night.

Blunk Space’s 100 Candleholders illuminates a humble object

Blunk Space, a gallery known for its focus on craft and design, has mounted an exhibition titled "100 Candleholders" that elevates the everyday object of the candleholder into a subject of artistic exploration. The show features works from numerous artists, each contributing a unique interpretation of the humble candleholder, transforming it from a functional item into a sculptural and conceptual piece.

“Produce” Exhibition Opens at Third Street Gallery

The City of Moscow and the Moscow Arts Commission have announced the opening of the "Produce" exhibition at the Third Street Gallery, running from January 15 to March 13, 2026. The show features works by 14 regional artists including Elizabeth Adan, Nancy Bowman, Mary Katherine Clancy, Julene Ewert, Rebecca Lewis, Maria Marx, Debbie McCormick, Martha McIver, Toya Pham, Megan Phelps, Belinda Rhodes, Ludmilla Saskova, Evelyn Simon, and Heather Woolery. An artist reception on January 15 from 4-6 p.m. will coincide with Moscow's Artwalk event, with refreshments from Goose House Bakery.