Louvre and Grand Palais among French museums closed due to nationwide strikes

On Thursday, September 18, several major French museums and cultural venues closed due to a one-day strike against budget austerity. Affected institutions include the Musée du Louvre, Château de Versailles, Grand Palais, Musée d’Orsay (where visitors were allowed in freely), Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Panthéon, and Musée Picasso. The strike, supported by the CGT union, also led to closures at dozens of other monuments and institutions across the country, with demonstrators protesting outside the office of Culture Minister Rachida Dati. Separately, the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux is closed for two years for renovations, and the planned loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum has been postponed due to the strikes, raising concerns about the embroidery's fragility.

Bayeux Tapestry to return to UK for first time in almost 1,000 years

The Bayeux Tapestry will be loaned to the British Museum in London for display from September 2026 to July 2027, marking its first return to the UK in nearly 1,000 years. The agreement was announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit, as part of a broader cultural partnership that also includes the loan of Sutton Hoo treasures and the Lewis chessmen to French institutions.

Special art exhibition unites works of late CSUF alumna

Cal State Fullerton's Nicholas and Lee Begovich Gallery has opened "Carole Caroompas: Mystical Unions," a special exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of the late contemporary artist and CSUF alumna Carole Caroompas. Curated by College of the Arts Director Jennifer Frias and Caroompas's longtime friend Mary Anna Pomonis, the show features paintings, mixed-media works, and personal ephemera drawn from the artist's archives at the Getty Research Institute, including journals, letters, and sketches that offer an intimate look at her creative process.

From Mondrian to Man Ray, Here Are the Best-Sellers at Auction So Far This Year

The article analyzes the best-selling artworks at auction in the first half of 2025, covering Old Masters, Impressionist and Modern, and Postwar categories. Notable sales include a pair of Francesco Guardi views of Venice that sold for $10.5 million at Sotheby’s New York, a Piet Mondrian abstraction from the estate of Barnes & Noble founder Leonard Riggio that fetched just under $50 million, and a monumental rhinoceros-shaped desk by François-Xavier Lalanne that more than tripled its high estimate after a 13-minute bidding war. The report highlights that Old Masters sales were up 24% year-over-year, while top Impressionist and Modern lots saw lower prices compared to 2024.

Luxury Art Gallery Debuts in Nashville, Launches Profound Exhibit Exploring Shared Culture

CASS Contemporary, a Tampa-based luxury art gallery, opened its new Nashville location in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood on September 12, 2025, with a grand opening event. The gallery launched its inaugural group exhibition, "CLTRL CNTXT," featuring eight artists from eight countries, including Florian Eymann, Michal Mraz, and Faith47, running through November 7. Founded by Cassie and Jake Greatens over a decade ago, CASS Contemporary has expanded from a gallery into art consulting and management, serving high-profile clients such as celebrities, athletes, and developers.

UL’s Hilliard Art Museum showcases permanent collection

The Hilliard Art Museum at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is showcasing its permanent collection for the first time in over a decade through the exhibition "Tides, Times and Terrain: Floyd Sonnier and the Evolving Cultural Landscape." The show features more than 41 artists from southwest Louisiana, including the prominently displayed 1844 painting "Woman In Tignon," which was once misidentified as Marie Laveau. Executive Director Molly Rowe and Curator-at-Large Aaron Levi Garvey are rotating pieces from the museum's 2,000-work collection throughout its 11,000 square feet of gallery space, emphasizing the importance of placing historical works in contemporary context.

Boston Public Art Triennial launches with more than a dozen projects across the city

The inaugural Boston Public Art Triennial launches on 22 May, bringing over a dozen site-specific installations, performances, and community-led activities to public spaces and cultural institutions across Boston through October. With a projected cost of $8 million, the free event features newly commissioned works by artists including Stephen Hamilton, Swoon, Nicholas Galanin, Beatriz Cortez, and Ekene Ijeoma, exploring themes such as Indigenous experience, trauma and healing, social justice, and humanity's relationship with nature.

The rise of contemporary African art in a global market

The article reports on the rapid growth of the contemporary African art market, which has more than doubled in value since 2016 to an estimated annual combined value of $72 million. Sales of ultra-contemporary works by African-born artists under 45 surged from $16.2 million in 2020 to $40.6 million in 2021, and the market could reach $1.5 billion this year. Aspire Art, a South African auction house, has set records for artists like Joseph Ntensibe, whose painting *Forest Scene* sold for R924,200, and Nicholas Hlobo, whose work *Intlambo yochulumanco* fetched R1,479,400.

Paradise at Stove Works in Chattanooga

Paradise, an exhibition at Stove Works in Chattanooga, Tennessee, curated by Graham Feyl and J. Sova, presents works by thirteen artists centered on queer futurity and abundance. The show features installations, sculptures, paintings, and textiles, including Lisa Waud's artificial flower installation 'tread/tender' (2026), Nicholas Elbakidze's erotic Meissenettes (2026), Brian Smith's beaded nets, Aaron McIntosh's quilted 'Invasive Queer Kudzu' (2015-ongoing), and works by Yu Yan, E. Saffronia Szanton Downing, Angie Jennings, Michael Childress, and Hannah Banciella. The exhibition transforms the former foundry into a space of playful, erotic, and joyful refusal, drawing on Audre Lorde's definition of the erotic as a source of power.

‘We Are Here’: Queer Presence and Memory in African Art

The Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art has opened 'Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,' an exhibition curated by Kevin D. Dumouchelle and Serubiri Moses. Developed through years of direct dialogue with LGBTQ+ artists across Africa and its diaspora, the show foregrounds self-representation and community, ensuring artists defined the terms of their inclusion. It features contemporary works alongside historical precedents, creating a continuum of queer presence in African art history.

Amid uncertainty over Trump’s tariffs, many collectors pause purchases while others ‘hold their noses and pay’

US President Donald Trump's proposed tariff regime for around 60 countries has created uncertainty in the art and antiques markets. Dealers and collectors are grappling with questions about whether art, antiques, and decorative objects are exempt, and how import duties might affect pricing and attendance at US art fairs. Margo Thoma of Tai Modern in Santa Fe reports that a 24% tariff on Japanese goods would likely have prevented two out of four recent sales. Steven J. Chait of Ralph M. Chait Galleries notes that while top-tier collectors may accept higher prices for extraordinary objects, the middle market may balk. Art adviser Todd Levin warns that newer, younger collectors could be most affected, and dealer Eric Zetterquist has canceled his spring buying trip to Asia due to economic uncertainty.

devyani saltzman abruptly leaves her role as director of the barbican in london

Devyani Saltzman has abruptly left her position as Director of Arts and Participation at the Barbican Centre in London. Her departure, which comes just weeks after the arrival of a new CEO and shortly after she unveiled a five-year creative vision for the institution, marks another sudden leadership change at the major UK arts center.

Arts Council News – Fine Art Exhibition Awards

St. John’s Hosts Opening of “Debugging the Earth” Art Exhibition

St. John's University opened the group exhibition "Debugging the Earth" at its Yeh Art Gallery on February 5. The show, organized by Queens-based artist Michael Assiff, features works by seven artists including André Magaña, Carly Mandel, Catherine Telford Keogh, Jan Mun, Kahlil Robert Irving, and Serena Chang, who explore themes of environment and production through repurposed everyday objects.

Gamers to perform live alongside musicians about technology in Ilford

Spanish artist Robert Cervera presents 'Hiddenware,' an exhibition at SPACE Ilford on January 31 that blends gaming, sound, and visual art. Three local gamers will perform live video game sessions accompanied by musicians playing a custom instrument made from PC liquid cooling tubes, creating real-time soundtracks based on the gameplay. The event runs from 4pm to 7pm, with a live stream on Twitch, and the exhibition remains open until April.

Good praxis: How a former brothel became one of Adelaide's leading arts spaces - InReview

The article profiles praxis ARTSPACE in Adelaide, Australia, which was originally a former brothel and is now a leading arts space celebrating its tenth anniversary. Founded and directed by Patty Chehade, the space offers professional exhibition facilities for emerging and established artists, featuring a mix of one-person and thematic shows. Notable artists exhibited include Liz Butler, Dianne Longley, Olga Sankey, and Margaret Ambridge.

Trento, Studio Raffaelli brings Silas and Angus Borsos' painting and photography to Italy

From September 25 to December 15, 2025, Studio d'Arte Raffaelli in Trento, Italy, presents a double solo exhibition by Canadian brothers Silas and Angus Borsos, titled 'Broadway Dreams and the Vancouver Void.' Silas Borsos, a painter based in Brooklyn, shows small-format impressionistic works focused on theater, film scenes, and New York subway glimpses, alongside a large wall installation on paper. Angus Borsos, a photographer and former music video director, exhibits black-and-white analog photographs capturing Vancouver's urban landscapes and existential atmosphere. The exhibition marks the brothers' first joint presentation in Italy and includes a catalog with contributions by Virginia Raffaelli, Camilla Nacci Zanetti, and Gian Marco Montesano.

Union Public Library & Arts Center hosts a grand opening

The Union Public Library & Arts Center in Union, New Jersey, held a grand opening celebration for its newly renovated three-level facility. The event featured an art gallery unveiling with works by acclaimed artist Winston Young, a Black Box Theater plaque unveiling with live performances, a parade from the interim library location, a ribbon cutting, and activities including LEGO workshops led by Corey and Travis Samuels, origami, caricature drawing, face painting, and a book sale. Library director Kassundra Miller expressed excitement about offering new amenities such as a sensory room, creativity lab, study rooms, podcast room, and musical instrument lending.

Royal Ontario Museum picks Nicholas R. Bell as next leader

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has appointed Nicholas R. Bell as its next director and chief executive, effective July 6. Bell, a Vancouver native, succeeds Joshua Basseches, who led the Toronto institution for a decade. Bell joins the ROM from the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, where he was recognized for overseeing a major $200 million renovation and implementing a free admission policy.

British Museum faces internal criticism over private Israel independence day event

The British Museum (BM) in London hosted a private event on 16 May marking the anniversary of the founding of Israel, organized by the Israeli embassy. Speakers included Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely and UK minister Maria Eagle, with attendees such as comedian Jimmy Carr and politicians Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage. The event has sparked anger among museum staff and external critics, who argue it is insensitive given the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has led to widespread famine and civilian deaths. Staff have organized a petition demanding the museum cease relations with Israeli cultural institutions, gathering 250 signatures.

Oshawa seeking artists for temporary exhibition at Convergence Music and Art Festival

The city of Oshawa has opened a call for artists to submit artworks for a temporary exhibition at the Convergence Music and Art Festival, taking place September 19–20 at Veterans Square. Up to five artists will be selected to have a reproduction of their work displayed, with submissions due by June 12. The exhibition celebrates the installation of Oshawa’s first independent sculpture commission, Kaleidoscope by Nicholas Crombach, under the theme “We Gather, We Remember, We Belong.”

Student artists shine in RAM exhibition

Ukrainian artist unveils Tender Light exhibition in Cheb church

Ukrainian artist and poet Oksana Zayets has opened a solo exhibition titled "Tender Light" in the historic Church of St. Nicholas and St. Elizabeth in Cheb, Czech Republic. The show features 40 oil landscapes created between 2022 and the present, with the most recent painting completed about a month ago. The exhibition runs until June 21 and marks the eighth exhibition by a Ukrainian artist in the Czech Republic.

Order of Canada Artist Tom Wilson Tehohàhake Joins Toronto’s Nicholas Metivier Gallery

The Nicholas Metivier Gallery in Toronto has officially announced the representation of Tom Wilson Tehohàhake, a multidisciplinary artist, musician, and Order of Canada appointee. Wilson’s latest paintings are set to make their debut with the gallery at the upcoming Dallas Art Fair in April 2026. His work is characterized by vibrant, intricate patterns that incorporate elements of Mohawk beadwork and excerpts from his own literary writings.

Luckiest Light grand opening | PHOTOS

The Luckiest Light, a non-profit organization in Havre de Grace, Maryland, held its grand opening on Monday. The space features an art gallery with works by local artists, including Joe Harter, JP Henry, and Anthony Allerton, and includes artist stations for painting, string art, and other creative activities. The event was documented in a series of photos by Jeffrey F. Bill, showing visitors, artists, and the owners Kim and Justin Waszkiewicz with their children.

Boston University School of Visual Arts Presents the 2025 Undergraduate Thesis Exhibitions | College of Fine Arts

Boston University School of Visual Arts is presenting the 2025 Undergraduate Thesis Exhibitions from April 29 through May 10 across multiple galleries on campus, including the 808 Gallery, 808 Corridor Gallery, and Commonwealth Gallery. The exhibitions feature works by 66 graduating seniors from BFA programs in Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Design, as well as BA in Art students, with a separate BA Capstone Exhibition running from May 5 to 16 in Gallery 5. A public reception is scheduled for May 2, and all shows are free and open to the public.

New art gallery lands at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport

Creative Pinellas has unveiled Sightline, a new art gallery inside St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), featuring a debut exhibition titled "Made in the Shade." The show highlights works by three St. Petersburg-based artists: Elizabeth Barenis (abstract paintings), Matthew Drennan Wicks (sculpture), and Babette Herschberger (ceramics). Located post-security near Gates 7–11, the gallery offers travelers a free, immersive art experience. Additionally, the airport opened Liquid Provisions, a bar and eatery by SSP America serving craft cocktails and locally inspired food, aiming to bring a taste of Pinellas County to the terminal.

The Mead Gallery opens in Ryde’s Monkton Village

The Mead Gallery has opened in Ryde's Monkton Village on the Isle of Wight, transforming a former industrial building into a new art space with gallery and studio areas. The opening exhibition features works by established local artists including Nicholas Martin, Charlotte Hodge-Thomas, Gillian Clarke, and James Lord, showcasing the breadth of creative talent on the island.

Taking It to the Next Level: 2025 Zuccaire Gallery Senior Show & URECA Art Exhibition

Nearly 150 pieces of student art are on display at the Zuccaire Gallery’s annual Senior Show & URECA Art Exhibition, held on the first floor of the Staller Center at Stony Brook University. The exhibition features works by students such as Hunter Moore, who created an acrylic landscape titled 'Beginning of the End' and a bronze goat sculpture exploring religious themes, and Juno Stuelke, whose piece 'Manic' addresses mental health. The show includes more sculptures than previous years, record-breaking attendance of 250 at the opening reception, and awards such as the Staller Center Award for Excellence, won by Nicholas Simms for his installation of 100 ceramic cassette tapes.