Low Road and Windmill Music Federation hosts first-ever art exhibition

On July 9, 2025, the Low Road and Windmill Music Federation held its first-ever art exhibition on school grounds, showcasing artwork from every pupil in Reception through Year 6. The event, led by art lead Morag Watson, featured splatter paintings, photography, and other works, with local photographer Elaine Goddard announcing winners of a photography competition and local artist Paul Fretwell contributing a painting. The exhibition was open to students, parents, governors, and the community, and was hailed as a resounding success.

MFA Boston returns two works to Kingdom of Benin

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston has returned two looted artefacts—a bronze relief plaque and a terracotta and iron head—to the Oba of Benin during a ceremony at Nigeria House in New York City. The works, stolen by British forces during the 1897 punitive expedition against the Kingdom of Benin, were traced to the collection of Augustus Pitt-Rivers and later acquired by investment titan Robert Owen Lehman, who donated them to the MFA in 2013 and 2018. The pieces will be handed over to Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments and ultimately to His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba Ewuare II.

Should UK museums display mummies? One institution is asking its visitors for their view

Manchester Museum in the UK is asking visitors whether the mummified remains of Asru, an Egyptian woman who lived around 2,700 years ago, should remain on display. The public consultation, running until the end of August, invites comments online or in a box next to her case. The museum notes that Asru's body was acquired in the early 1800s by the sons of a man who profited from slavery, shipped to Manchester, and unwrapped in 1825.

Galleria brings unique approach with flowing, weaving of art

The Viera Voice reports on a local gallery, Galleria, which is introducing a distinctive artistic approach centered on flowing forms and weaving techniques. The article highlights how this gallery is bringing a unique perspective to the local art scene through its focus on these dynamic, textile-inspired methods.

Three works by artist and sexual abuser Eric Gill withdrawn from UK exhibition after consultation with survivors group

Three artworks by Eric Gill, a sculptor and artist who sexually abused his daughters, have been withdrawn from the exhibition 'It Takes A Village' at the Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft in the UK, opening on 5 July. The works—two depicting his daughter Petra naked in a bath and one of a nude Elizabeth—were removed after the museum consulted with the Methodist Survivors Advisory Group, a group of abuse survivors. The survivors found the pieces offensive and potentially upsetting to visitors. The exhibition will still include Gill's watercolor 'Annunciation' in a separate room, and the museum's director, Stephanie Fuller, emphasized that the decision was led by the survivors' input.

Dive into the works of artist Badri Narayan and the Vitrum Studio at this art exhibition in Mumbai

Curator Puja Vaish discovered ceramic works by artist Vijoo Sadwelkar in the Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation's collection, leading her to Haresh Mehta, who preserved original works from the Vitrum studio. This resulted in the exhibition "A Glazed History: Badri Narayan & the Vitrum Studio" at the JNAF Gallery at CSMVS Museum in Mumbai, the first retrospective of the studio that operated from the 1950s to the 1970s. Vitrum, founded by emigre glass expert Simon Lifschutz and his wife Hanna, blended art, craft, and design by having artists create hand-painted ceramic tiles and Venetian glass mosaics for everyday homes.

Art in the Atrium Opens 33rd Annual Exhibit in Morris County

The 33rd annual Art in the Atrium (ATA) exhibit, titled “Another Slice of Sweet Potato Pie,” opened on June 19, 2025, at the Morris County Administration and Records Building in Morristown, New Jersey. The show features over 75 Black and Afro-Latino artists and serves as the signature event of the Juneteenth Arts Celebration, a three-day series co-organized with the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morris Arts, and Morris Museum. Curated by Onnie Strother, the exhibit pays homage to the late Russell Murray, an original ATA curator and founding member of the Newark Art Colony, whose namesake painting greets visitors. The public reception included remarks from Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, who highlighted county support for Juneteenth as a holiday and for educational initiatives like the College Promise programs.

Artists, Fashion Designers Tap State-of-the-Art AI for NVIDIA GTC Paris Gallery

NVIDIA GTC Paris, held June 10-12 at VivaTech, will feature a curated AI art gallery showcasing seven artists and fashion designers who use machine learning to create artwork. Exhibitors include aurèce vettier (Paul Mouginot), whose series 'le travail des rêves' and 'the light that is not seen' train AI on personal childhood photos to generate dreamlike oil paintings, and Senegalese artist Linda Dounia Rebeiz, whose project 'Once Upon a Garden' documents extinct flora from West Africa's Sahel region using AI-generated imagery. The gallery aims to demonstrate how AI can serve as a creative partner rather than just a tool.

Ukrainian art exhibitions open at five Tallinn galleries for UKUfest

On Friday, the Ukrainian Art Festival (UKUfest), Estonia's first festival dedicated to contemporary Ukrainian art, launched with new exhibitions opening simultaneously at five galleries across Tallinn: Fotografiska Tallinn, Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Center, Temnikova & Kasela Gallery, Truus Gallery, and ArtDepoo Gallery. The exhibitions feature works by nine Ukrainian artists—Tania Ruda, Taras Bychko, Vira Minailova, Maya Kolesnik, Pavlo Mazai, Viktoria Berezina, Anton Hudo, Roman Minin, and Andrii Palval—many created specifically for the festival. Two charity auctions are planned: one on May 11 at Kadriorg Art Museum hosted by the Kozytskyi Charity Foundation, with proceeds split between artists and medical transport for Ukraine; and another on May 13 at Noblessner Foundry, with all proceeds going directly to artists. Additional works are available for purchase via the Osta.ee platform. The festival runs through June 30.

Study highlights link between cultural engagement and workforce levels

A new study from the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) reveals a strong correlation between the number of people working in arts, culture, and heritage occupations in English local authorities and the rates of public participation in cultural activities. Analyzing data from DCMS's Participation Survey 2023–24 and the Office of National Statistics Labour Force Survey, the report found the strongest link between cultural employment and art gallery attendance, followed by literary events and live dance. London boroughs dominated the top rankings, with Cambridge, Brighton and Hove, Oxford, Bristol, and Waverley also showing high correlations, though exceptions like Stoke-on-Trent and York highlighted local variations in specific art forms.

The Pressure to Mean Something: Inside the VCUarts’ MFA Exhibition

The article covers the MFA exhibition at VCUarts, showcasing the work of graduate students in the visual arts program. It highlights the pressure on emerging artists to imbue their work with meaning and the diverse approaches taken by the exhibitors.

‘Exhausted’ life models at Florence art academy threaten nude protest

Life models at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze (Florence Academy of Fine Arts) are threatening legal action and a nude protest in the academy's courtyard over poor working conditions. They describe their work as “exhausting,” involving eight-hour sessions with minimal breaks, and say their renewable annual contracts—offering 500 hours over 11 months—lack insurance, paid leave, sick days, or a digital timecard. The dispute centers on Italy’s ministry of universities and research rules introduced last year, which the academy interprets as excluding models hired more than three years ago under simplified procedures from permanent contracts. Union president Giancarlo Iacomini has met with academy director Gaia Bindi to seek a resolution, while the academy says it will publish a new public recruitment notice that counts previous contracts as qualifications.

France Passes Law Easing Process of Returning Looted Art

France has passed a new law that simplifies the process of returning looted art and cultural artifacts to their countries of origin. The legislation, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, is seen as a major step in addressing colonial-era acquisitions, particularly for African artworks held in French museums. Experts describe the law as a seismic shift in restitution policy, enabling faster and more systematic returns without requiring individual parliamentary approvals for each item.

In Shaker Design, a Zeal for No Zeal

The New York Times explores the enduring influence of Shaker design on contemporary artists and designers, highlighting how its principles of simplicity, utility, and spiritual integrity resonate in today's world. The article features creators like furniture maker Thomas Moser and ceramicist Mary Law, who draw directly from Shaker aesthetics of plainness, proportion, and honest craftsmanship.

In Japan, Making Wooden Kokeshi Dolls

The article profiles the traditional Japanese craft of making kokeshi dolls, focusing on the artisans in the Tōhoku region who continue this centuries-old practice. It details the specific techniques, types of wood used, and the cultural significance embedded in the dolls' simple, limbless forms.

The New School Plans to Lay Off 15% of Staff By June

The New School in New York City plans to lay off 15 percent of its full-time faculty and staff by June. This follows a months-long conflict with faculty and a reported $48 million deficit, with the university previously offering voluntary separation packages to 40% of staff.

“Jeffrey Epstein Walk of Shame” Appears in Washington, DC Public Park

A guerrilla art installation called the "Jeffrey Epstein Walk of Shame" appeared in Washington, DC's Farragut Square. It consists of sidewalk stickers resembling Hollywood stars, bearing the names and images of twenty public figures linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including Prince Andrew, Ghislaine Maxwell, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Gates, and Bill Clinton. Each sticker features a QR code linking to Department of Justice evidence or the Epstein Files.

Oculus Serenade: Artwork by Peter D. Gerakaris - The Berkshire Edge

The article announces and describes artist Peter D. Gerakaris's exhibition "Oculus Serenade," which features a collection of vibrant tondo (round) paintings, works on paper, and mosaic artworks. Gerakaris's work merges microscopic and macroscopic perspectives, focusing on motifs from the natural world such as endangered botanicals, exotic birds, and aquatic life, inspired by his firsthand experiences in diverse ecosystems. The exhibition's centerpiece is a four-foot diameter "Orchid Oculus Tondo," surrounded by hand-embellished prints and a cut-glass mosaic, with the artist's process described as a form of "visual jazz." The article also notes Gerakaris's interdisciplinary practice, his previous projects including a permanent installation at the Berkshire Botanical Garden, and details for an upcoming artist's reception at the Cornwall Library.

Cultural alliance between Rome and New York. The two cities sign the first agreement between major historic centers

Alleanza culturale tra Roma e New York. Le due città siglano il primo accordo tra grandi centri storici

Rome and New York have signed the first cultural cooperation agreement between their historic centers, Municipio I Roma Centro and Manhattan. The protocol was formalized during the Forum Cultura Roma Centro at the Temple of Vibia Sabina and Hadrian, aiming to establish an international network based on collaboration between cultural institutions and governance models. It includes exchanges, youth programs, artistic initiatives, and public art projects involving museums, archives, libraries, universities, and educational entities.

BASE cultural center in Milan turns 10: the full program for the big celebrations

Il centro culturale BASE di Milano compie 10 anni: tutto il programma per i grandi festeggiamenti

BASE, the cultural center in Milan's former Ansaldo industrial complex, celebrates its 10th anniversary on May 23, 2025, with a 16-hour event called FIESTAS. The program runs from noon to 5 a.m. and includes performances, workshops, concerts, installations, and shared practices by artists such as MOMBAO, Stalker Teatro, Klaus, Francesca Grilli, Nazario Graziano, Michele Rizzo, and many others. The event also launches BASE's first summer season, keeping the center open throughout the summer months.

Two Major Architecture Firms Aim to Revolutionize Rome Over the Next 25 Years

Due grandi studi di architettura puntano a rivoluzionare Roma nei prossimi 25 anni

A multidisciplinary team led by Italian architecture and urban planning firm IT'S and Dutch firm OMA has won the international ideas competition "Vision for Rome," promoted by the Fondazione Roma REgeneration. Their project, "Roma Continua," was presented at the Auditorium della Tecnica di Confindustria during the second ROMA REgeneration FORUM. The proposal aims to rethink Rome over the next 25 years through a paradigm shift in urban, social, and cultural planning, envisioning the city as a living ecosystem. It is based on five guiding principles—care, beauty, knowledge, movement, reuse, and grafting—and includes five green corridors anchored to the Tiber River, "Fori dell'innovazione" (innovation forums), and a continuous mobility network. The project also seeks to reduce tourist pressure on the historic center by creating new cultural itineraries and sustainable transport links.

A Roma il popolare quartiere Quadraro ospita un festival d’arte diffuso. Il programma

The IPER Festival delle periferie returns to Rome's Quadraro neighborhood for its fifth edition, titled "Super Lieux (Super luoghi) Periferie. Storie e geografie." Running until May 31, the festival features conferences, roundtables, study days, talks, exhibitions, and performances. A highlight is "Überlagerungen," a diffuse art review curated by Spazio Y that animates the Quadraro Vecchio district on May 16 with actions, installations, and shows from 4 PM to 11 PM. Participating venues include Spazio Kina, vineria Moggio, and osteria Grandma, with works by artists such as Lucia Bricco, Giulio Cassanelli, Felice Levini, and many others.

A review of the 2026 Venice Biennale without naming a single artist

Una recensione della Biennale di Venezia 2026 senza nominare neppure un artista

This review of the 2026 Venice Biennale describes an exhibition that overcame dire circumstances—the death of curator Koyo Kouoh early in preparations, losses of key artists, and international political controversies—to deliver a surprisingly joyful and engaging show. Titled "In Minor Keys," the Biennale features a well-conceived, flowing presentation across the Giardini and Arsenale that prioritizes beauty, craftsmanship, and hope over a punitive or documentary tone.

Ministry of Culture inspectors present report on Biennale: Russia pavilion will remain closed

Gli ispettori del Ministero della Cultura in Biennale presentano relazione: il padiglione Russia resterà chiuso

Italian Ministry of Culture inspectors have submitted a report to the Prime Minister's office regarding Russia's participation in the 2026 Venice Art Biennale. The report concludes that Russia did not receive a formal invitation from the Biennale Foundation to participate, nor did it sign the participation agreement—a situation shared by other countries with permanent pavilions. While Russia submitted a project and appointed a commissioner, its pavilion will remain closed to the public due to EU sanctions, though a private vernissage may proceed. The report finds no serious violations that would cancel Russia's participation, but notes critical issues that warranted more caution. The international jury resigned en masse after announcing it would not consider countries whose leaders are accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, including Russia and Israel, and after an Israeli artist threatened a discrimination lawsuit.

16th-Century Rome Through the Eyes of a Foreigner: The Exhibition

La Roma del Cinquecento vista con gli occhi di uno straniero. La mostra

Fabio De Chirico has been appointed as the new director of the Istituto Centrale per la Grafica in Rome, with a mission to boost research, strengthen international dialogue, and enhance the institution's collections. His tenure opens with the exhibition "Maarten van Heemskerck e il fascino di Roma: percorsi visivi della Città Eterna," curated by Tatjana Bartsch, Rita Bernini, and Giorgio Marini, running until June 7, 2026. The show features drawings by the 16th-century Dutch artist Maarten van Heemskerck, on loan from the Kupferstichkabinett of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, alongside over sixty works from the institute's own holdings—including prints, engravings, and archival photographs—plus loans from the Bibliotheca Hertziana, the Musei Capitolini, and the Istituto Archeologico Germanico di Roma.

Art can officially be a form of therapy. Interview with Undersecretary of Culture Lucia Borgonzoni, godmother of the project

L’arte può essere ufficialmente una forma di cura. Intervista al Sottosegretario alla Cultura Lucia Borgonzoni madrina del progetto

The Italian Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Health have signed a formal protocol recognizing art as a form of therapy and care. The agreement, championed by Undersecretary of State for Culture Lucia Borgonzoni, mandates that museums, libraries, archives, and cultural institutions play a central role in developing therapeutic pathways using art to improve individual and community well-being. Borgonzoni, who has advocated for this initiative for nearly a decade, traces its origin to a 2018 study at the Sanctuary of Vicoforte that measured cortisol levels in visitors before and after viewing frescoes, showing significant stress reduction.

Wagner comes alive in Milan. Not only at the theater but also in these two exhibitions

A Milano rivive Wagner. Non solo a teatro ma anche in queste due mostre

Two exhibitions dedicated to Richard Wagner's Ring cycle have opened at Milan's Teatro alla Scala, coinciding with a new production of the Ring des Nibelungen and the centenary of the first Scala staging of the tetralogy in 1926. The Museo Teatrale alla Scala presents "La rivoluzione del Ring – Visconti Ronconi Chéreau," curated by Giovanni Agosti with design by Studio Margherita Palli, while the Ridotto dei palchi "A. Toscanini" hosts "Risonanze Wagner – Visioni intorno al Ring," curated by Gianluigi Colin and Mattia Palma, featuring contemporary paintings by four women artists—Antonella Benanzato, Flaminia Veronesi, Chiara Calore, and Federica Perazzoli—each reinterpreting one of the four operas.

In Romagna for over a century there is a "serious" spring carnival. The story of the plaster and thought floats

In Romagna da oltre un secolo c’è un Carnevale “serio” di primavera. La storia dei carri di gesso e di pensiero

A small town in Romagna, Casola Valsenio, has been hosting a unique spring festival for 125 years, featuring massive allegorical floats made of plaster and wood. Unlike traditional carnivals, this event—called the "serious carnival"—takes place in late April/early May and focuses on social and political themes. The floats, up to seven meters long and nine meters high, are built by local youth and paraded twice (day and night) with performers frozen in tableau vivant poses. A jury, this year chaired by Roberto Cantagalli, director of the MAR museum in Ravenna, awards a winner.

Literature Today: The Crisis of the Novel as a Symptom of Social Change

La letteratura oggi: la crisi del romanzo come sintomo di un cambiamento sociale

The article examines the perceived crisis of the novel as a literary form, tracing its historical rise alongside the bourgeoisie in the 17th and 18th centuries. It argues the novel functioned as a mirror for a coherent social class with shared values, serving as a device for collective representation. The form's foundational premise of a recognizable community began to fracture in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, as societies atomized and grand ideological narratives collapsed.

How is ethical knitwear made? The founder of Milanese brand Vitelli explains

Come si fa maglieria etica? Il fondatore del brand milanese Vitelli ci spiega

Mauro Simionato, founder of the Milanese brand Vitelli, discusses the evolution of his label as it returns from a year-long hiatus. Known for its 'Doomboh' regenerative process, Vitelli utilizes recovered yarns and vintage 1980s machinery to transform knitwear into a medium for aesthetic and cultural experimentation. The brand draws heavy inspiration from the 'Gioventù Cosmica' counterculture scene, blending music, material culture, and inclusive community-building into its production model.