Douglas Lees obituary

Douglas Lees, a dedicated architect and community figure, has died at the age of 94. Born in East London and overcoming the physical limitations of Erb’s palsy, Lees spent his career designing diverse structures across England, ranging from new town developments in Merseyside to prison facilities for the Home Office. In his later years, he became a fixture in the village of Hatfield Broad Oak, where he contributed to local planning and captured the local scenery through watercolor painting.

A ‘Cabinet of Wonders’ on Show at the American Academy of Arts and Letters

The American Academy of Arts and Letters has unveiled a unique exhibition curated by its own members, designed to function as a contemporary "Cabinet of Wonders." The show features a diverse array of works that interact with the institution’s idiosyncratic permanent collections, blending historical artifacts with modern artistic responses. By mining the Academy's own archives and storage, the participating artists have created a dialogue between the prestigious organization's past and its present creative output.

At a Difficult Time, a Minnesota Museum Offers Respite to Somalis

The Somali Museum of Minnesota has emerged as a vital cultural sanctuary and community hub for Somali immigrants in Minneapolis. By preserving traditional nomadic artifacts, textiles, and contemporary artworks, the museum provides a space for the diaspora to reconnect with their heritage and find solace amidst social and political challenges.

The Benefactor of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation Curates Its Collection

Emily Rauh Pulitzer, the founder of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, has curated a significant exhibition featuring approximately 85 works drawn from her personal collection and the foundation's holdings. The show emphasizes her long-standing preference for sculpture and drawing, showcasing a refined selection that reflects her decades of experience as a veteran curator and dedicated patron of the arts.

Route 66, a ‘Linear Museum Stretched Across Eight States,’ Turns 100

Cultural institutions across the United States are launching a series of exhibitions and preservation projects to commemorate the centennial of Route 66. From the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to local galleries along the 2,448-mile corridor, these programs examine the highway's evolution from a vital migration artery to a kitschy symbol of Americana. The initiatives aim to provide a nuanced look at the road’s history, including the experiences of marginalized travelers who relied on the Green Book to navigate segregated landscapes.

Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) culminates landmark centennial exhibition with “Bye for Now, Here and Now” – a free, public grand finale celebration on Saturday, May 9, 2026

Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) has announced a grand finale celebration titled “Bye for Now, Here and Now” to mark the conclusion of its centennial year. Scheduled for May 9, 2026, the public event serves as both a 100th-anniversary party and a closing reception for the landmark exhibition "Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists." The evening will feature live music, art-making activities, and opportunities for the public to engage with the 100 regional artists featured in the show.

Two spectacular libraries are under construction in Milan: photos of the construction sites

A Milano sono in costruzione due spettacolari biblioteche: le foto dei cantieri

Milan is currently undergoing a significant cultural transformation with the construction of two major public libraries: the European Library of Information and Culture (BEIC) and the Lorenteggio Library. The BEIC, a massive 30,000-square-meter project designed by Onsitestudio and funded by the PNRR, is rising in the Porta Vittoria district as a national-level cultural hub. Meanwhile, the Lorenteggio Library, designed by a team led by Grau Magaña Urtzi, is taking shape in a strategic suburban area to provide essential community services and social integration.

A Pioneering Exhibition at the MAC in Barranco

A PIONEERING EXHIBITION AT THE MAC IN BARRANCO

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC Lima) and the Lima Art Museum (MALI) have launched "Thought is a Hybrid Garden," a comprehensive exhibition spanning six decades of work by Francesco Mariotti and María Luy. The show draws from the Mariotti-Luy Archive and features light installations, acoustic works, and silkscreens that blend technology with Amazonian myths and environmental activism. Curated by Miguel A. López and José-Carlos Mariátegui, the exhibition includes never-before-seen works in Peru, such as the "Hybrid Gardens" series which uses bioluminescence as a metaphor for ecological health.

There Is a Fountain Even If Pale That Flows Beneath Us All.

Hajra Waheed’s upcoming solo exhibition at Kunstinstituut Melly, titled 'There Is a Fountain Even If Pale That Flows Beneath Us All', explores the intersection of sound, politics, and collective resistance. Curated by Hera Chan as part of the Call & Response series, the show features a multidisciplinary array of new commissions and recent works, including the central multichannel sound installation 'HUM' (2020), which amplifies the voices of political prisoners.

ICA Live Art Festival at UCT Announces Open Call

The Institute for Creative Arts (ICA) at the University of Cape Town has announced an open call for its 2026 Live Art Festival. Scheduled for October 14–17, 2026, in Cape Town, the festival seeks proposals for experimental and interdisciplinary live artworks from both South African and international practitioners. The selection process will prioritize conceptual strength and works that challenge conventional artistic forms within a non-commercial, research-driven environment.

An Evening in Paris: The Birmingham Museum of Art’s 69th Annual Museum Ball

The Birmingham Museum of Art hosted its 69th annual Museum Ball, themed "An Evening in Paris," to celebrate the institution's enduring presence in the Alabama cultural landscape. The black-tie gala featured French-inspired decor, fine dining, and live entertainment, drawing a significant crowd of local patrons and civic leaders.

National museum partnership brings major American art exhibition to West Texas

The Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa, Texas, has announced a significant partnership with the Smithsonian American Art Museum to host a major traveling exhibition. This collaboration brings a curated selection of American masterpieces to the West Texas region, featuring works that span various eras and styles of the nation's artistic heritage.

miart 2026 Opens in Milan: First Shots of the Fair Celebrating 30 Years in a Brand New Space

A Milano ha inaugurato miart 2026: i primi scatti della fiera che compie 30 anni e debutta in uno spazio tutto nuovo

The 30th edition of miart, Milan’s modern and contemporary art fair, has opened at its new venue in the South Wing of Allianz MiCo. Under the final year of Nicola Ricciardi’s direction, the fair features 160 galleries from 24 countries organized around the theme "New Directions," inspired by the jazz innovations of John Coltrane. The layout has transitioned from a single-floor format to a three-level experience, incorporating sections such as Emergent for experimental works and the new Established Anthology, which focuses on non-linear art history.

Sullivan Area Arts Guild celebrates a big milestone

The Sullivan Area Art Guild is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of supporting local creativity in Sullivan, Indiana. Founded in April 1976, the organization maintains a gallery on the town square where it hosts monthly meetings and year-round community projects. To commemorate the milestone, the guild is currently featuring a themed exhibition titled "Past, Present and Future."

WestConn Senior Art Exhibition Featuring Local Students To Open In Danbury

Western Connecticut State University is set to host its annual Senior Portfolio Exhibition starting April 23 at the Visual and Performing Arts Center in Danbury. The showcase features the capstone projects of 18 graduating undergraduate art majors specializing in graphic design, illustration, photography, and studio arts.

NMU seniors’ art exhibited at DeVos Art Museum

Graduating seniors from Northern Michigan University’s School of Art and Design are showcasing their capstone projects at the DeVos Art Museum in Marquette. The exhibition features work from 20 students across diverse disciplines, including ceramics, illustration, painting, and digital cinema, culminating in a reception and awards ceremony on May 1.

Final Touches: BA Art Exhibition

Southwestern University’s Sarofim Fine Arts Gallery recently debuted the Spring 2026 B.A. Senior Art Exhibition, showcasing the final projects of seven graduating Fine Arts majors. The exhibition features a diverse range of media and themes, including Christopher Bowers’ historical-fantastical landscapes, Sophie Kinkade’s Y2K-inspired "spill art," and Trinidad Laurenzi’s exploration of Catholic iconography and body horror. Other featured artists include Maeve Lloyd, Aris Morgan, Grace Sapienza, and Isa Wilson, whose works span sculpture, anime-influenced illustration, and charcoal drawings addressing mental health.

Paul Kroner celebrates five years of his community art hub with solo exhibition

Cincinnati-based artist and activist Paul Kroner is celebrating the fifth anniversary of his space, Studio Kroner, with his first solo exhibition titled "What Have I Done?" opening April 17. Since its founding, the 1,200-square-foot venue has evolved from a private studio into a vibrant community hub, hosting national artists, theatrical performances, and social justice-oriented exhibitions. The upcoming show will feature a diverse range of Kroner’s own work, including paintings, illustrations, and a new series of bronze sculptures called "Liminals" created through a hybrid process of wax casting and digital scanning.

Paint meets protest at this dalit art exhibition in Chennai

The fifth edition of the Dalit Aesthetics Art Show, titled ‘The Whole Story’, has opened at the Lalit Kala Akademi in Chennai. Organized by the Neelam Art Collective as part of the annual Vaanam Festival, the exhibition features works by 36 artists that explore themes of social justice, identity, and resistance. The show highlights both the struggles of the Dalit community and their cultural contributions, featuring a dedicated gallery for B.R. Ambedkar and honoring veteran artist Savindra Sawarkar, a pioneer of the Dalit art movement.

The 5 Best Booths at miart 2026

The 30th edition of miart opened its doors at the Allianz MiCo convention center in Milan, marking a significant milestone for Italy’s premier international modern and contemporary art fair. As the city continues its ascent as a global art capital, the 2026 fair attracted a diverse continental crowd of collectors and professionals ahead of the upcoming Venice Biennale.

How to Feel the Benefits of Art, According to Psychologists

Recent psychological research confirms that engaging with visual art provides significant physical and mental health benefits, including the alleviation of depression, anxiety, and stress. Studies indicate that viewing art can also enhance cognitive functioning and social skills, prompting new initiatives to explore the specific mechanisms behind these wellness improvements.

"My Art Invites People to Rebel Against the Status Quo"

"Meine Kunst lädt ein, gegen die Zustände zu rebellieren"

The iconic, communist Kangaroo from Marc-Uwe Kling’s popular literary series has transitioned into the world of contemporary art. After accidentally wandering into a gallery opening while under the influence of liquor-filled chocolates, the marsupial decides to launch a career as an artist, viewing the white cube as a new frontier for its anti-capitalist rebellion.

Private Art Schools Enter a Period of Turbulence

Les écoles d’art privées traversent une zone de turbulence

A wave of bankruptcies and judicial reorganizations is hitting the private art education sector in France. Following the closure of the École d’art de Montreuil, the Académie des arts appliqués (AAA) in Dijon and the École supérieure de design in Troyes have both entered receivership. These institutions are struggling with severe financial deficits, unpaid staff, and a sharp decline in student enrollment, with some schools seeing their student bodies shrink by two-thirds in just four years.

Vietnam to Debut at 2026 Venice Biennale

Vietnam will make its historic debut at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026 with its first-ever national pavilion titled “Viet Nam: Art in the Global Flow.” Located at the Ca’ Giustinian Faccanon palace and curated by Đỗ Tường Linh, the exhibition will feature works by ten contemporary artists, including a major immersive installation by Lê Hữu Hiếu. Hiếu’s contribution, titled "Tằm" (Silkworm), utilizes traditional materials like lacquer and jackfruit wood alongside live silkworms to explore themes of metamorphosis and memory.

Local Artists Showcase at Jones Coffee Roasters | South Pasadena Arts & Music Crawl 2026

The South Pasadena Spring Arts and Music Crawl is set to return on April 25, 2026, featuring a significant group art exhibition at Jones Coffee Roasters. Curated by Sector Seven Contemporary Art Gallery (S7CAG), the showcase includes a mix of medium-to-large format paintings, ceramics, and woodworking from local artists such as Stephen Dudro and Elisa Quiñonez. The event transforms the city's historic downtown into a walkable festival with live music, artisan vendors, and interactive pop-up galleries.

East Coast painter dives into life, water and legacy in new exhibition

East Coast artist Prudence Davis has unveiled her latest exhibition, "Going with the Flow," at the Matawhero Art Gallery. The collection features a series of paintings deeply inspired by the local landscape and the artist's personal connection to the ocean. Davis, who comes from a significant artistic lineage, uses this body of work to explore her environment through fluid, nature-focused compositions.

Annual children’s art exhibit opens at Glacier Art Museum

The Glacier Art Museum has launched its annual children’s art exhibition, titled “Artful Balance,” featuring over 300 works by elementary and middle school students from Northwest Montana. The collection explores the concept of balance as both a compositional technique and a thematic subject across various media. Pieces were selected through a collaborative process between local art teachers and the museum’s education department, highlighting the creative output of the region's youth.

Between Fashion and Design, a New Issue of TAILOR Returns, Artribune's Newsletter on the Culture of Clothing

Tra moda e design torna un nuovo numero di TAILOR, newsletter di Artribune sulla cultura del vestire

Artribune has announced the return of TAILOR, a specialized newsletter exploring the intersections of art, fashion, and design. The upcoming April 19, 2026 edition focuses on the synergy between fashion brands and the Milan Design Week, featuring an interview with Mauro Simionato, founder of the experimental knitwear brand Vitelli, regarding sustainable material processes and community-building.

Philanthropist and Patron Emmanuele Emanuele Dies; Creator of Rome's Palazzo Sciarra and Palazzo Cipolla Museum Spaces

È morto il filantropo e mecenate Emmanuele Emanuele. Fautore a Roma degli spazi museali di Palazzo Sciarra e Palazzo Cipolla

Emmanuele Francesco Maria Emanuele, a prominent Italian philanthropist, jurist, and patron of the arts, has passed away in Rome at the age of 86. Born in Palermo, Emanuele dedicated the latter half of his life to cultural promotion, most notably serving as the President of Fondazione Roma and the Fondazione Terzo Pilastro – Internazionale. His leadership was instrumental in transforming Rome's Palazzo Sciarra and Palazzo Cipolla into significant museum spaces, hosting both permanent collections and major temporary exhibitions.

The National Choreographic Center is doing everything to involve young people in ballet

Il Centro Coreografico Nazionale sta facendo di tutto per coinvolgere i giovani nel balletto

The Centro Coreografico Nazionale Aterballetto in Reggio Emilia has launched "Alla ricerca della meraviglia" (In Search of Wonder), a year-long research and production project aimed at engaging younger audiences through contemporary dance. The initiative involves three choreographers—Fernando Melo, Jacopo Jenna, and Francesco Marilungo—who are developing works that adopt a child’s perspective rather than simply creating content for children. These studies will be presented at the Internazionale Kids Festival in May 2026, with one selected for full production later that summer.