He’s Royal: Kingsley George Lawton Cooper

The 19th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition opened on April 29 in Charleston, South Carolina, featuring over 70 artists from 22 states under the theme 'Regal Threads: The Majesty of Blue and Purple.' Curated by Torreah 'Cookie' Washington, the juried exhibition explores the spiritual and historical significance of blue and purple in African diasporic traditions. Among the works is Donnette Cooper's quilt 'He's Royal: Kingsley George Lawton Cooper,' honoring her late brother Kingsley, who died in June 2024, incorporating the adinkra symbol Nyame Nwu Na Mawu and referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s eulogy.

Southwest Art Gallery showcases women’s Western art exhibition, to host artist reception May 14

The Southwest Art Gallery and Science Center in Dickinson, North Dakota, is presenting a women’s Western art exhibition titled “Women Artists of the Western Plains” from May 7 through June 12. The show features 88 artworks including paintings, bronze sculptures, and historic saddles by regional artists Daphne Clark, Afton Ray Rossol, Barb Kalenze Kraft, Oksana Zvyagelskiy, Trish Stevenson, and Kelsey Jacobson. A public reception will be held May 14 with wine, cheese, and classical guitar. The exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Long X Arts Foundation and includes works by sculptor Linda Little and saddles from the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

You're invited to a pop-up gallery & urban art fair in Salt Lake City's Central 9th neighborhood

A pop-up gallery and urban art fair will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the shared alleyway between Scion Cider and Laziz Kitchen on Jefferson Street in Salt Lake City's Central 9th neighborhood, from noon to 6 PM. The event features limited edition framed street photography, Plein Air paintings, watercolors, still life images, and mixed media pieces for sale, all depicting indoor and outdoor scenes from the neighborhood. Interactive stations include a Sip & Paint Class led by artist Ammy Foste and a pop-up photo booth by the SLC Photo Community. The event is hosted by Scion Cider, created through the city's ACE Grant Fund for Arts, Culture & Entertainment, and supported by the Intermountain Artist Society, the Utah Watercolor Society, and the SLC Photo Community.

Philadelphia Art Museum Introduces Pay What You Wish Friday Nights for Final Three Weeks of Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100

The Philadelphia Art Museum has introduced Pay What You Wish Friday Nights for the final three weeks of its exhibition "Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100." The program, running through the exhibition's close, includes extended evening hours, live music, and themed "surreal" beverages, offering visitors flexible admission to the critically acclaimed show.

Che Onejoon: ‘The AfroAsia collective is now more important to me than my personal art’

Che Onejoon, a South Korean artist, has shifted his focus from documenting North Korea's Cold War-era monument-building in Africa to working directly with West African migrant communities in South Korea. His earlier projects, including the Mansudae Masterclass series and films like *Black Monument* (2017) and *My Utopia* (2018), explored the little-known history of North Korean-built statues and buildings across at least 20 African nations. More recently, he co-founded Space AfroAsia, the Afroasia Eco Museum, and the AfroAsia Artist Collective, and now lives and works in the Bosan-dong "Africa Town" near the Demilitarized Zone, creating multilingual music videos and even a K-pop girl group with a mixed Korean-African lineup.

Colorado art exhibition showcases creative expressions of Long COVID, advocates for research and treatment

A new exhibition at the Artworks Center for Contemporary Art in Loveland, Colorado, titled "And Still It Remains," showcases 24 works by 15 artists living with or impacted by Long COVID. The show includes a collaborative tapestry project by artist Heather Schulte called "Stitching the Situation," which documents U.S. COVID-19 cases and deaths with blue and red stitches. The exhibition was organized by artist and nurse Sally Hartshorn, who aimed to provide a creative outlet for those affected by the condition.

28 Texas Galleries to Participate in Affordable Art Fair Austin, May 14-17

The third annual Affordable Art Fair Austin will take place from May 14 to 17 at the Palmer Events Center, featuring 28 Texas galleries and a total of 55 galleries from locations as far as Sydney, Australia. Artworks are priced between $100 and $12,000, and the fair includes live painting, an interactive mural, family programming, and a raffle benefiting Dell Children’s Medical Center. Over 30% of participating galleries are Austin-based, with local names such as Art From the Streets, Davis Gallery & Framing, and Wally Workman among them.

La storica discoteca Paradiso di Rimini si trasforma in un polo per l’arte. La storia

The historic Paradiso nightclub in Rimini, Italy, which opened in 1957 and became one of Europe's most famous discos, is being transformed into a cultural hub. Acquired at auction in 2018 by Filo Srl after years of abandonment, the site underwent extensive renovation beginning in 2023. The new venue, named Casa Paradiso Art Gallery, is set to open between October and November 2026. It will feature art exhibitions, fashion shows, and corporate events, housed in a sustainable building that retains symbolic elements of its past, such as the iconic entrance gate.

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.

We Don't Need New Museums (We Need New Museum Forms!)

Non abbiamo bisogno di nuovi musei (abbiamo bisogno di nuove forme museali!)

The Museum of Artificial Intelligence and Immersive Art (MAIIA) has announced the opening of a second location in Palermo, signaling a growing international interest in Italy's contemporary art scene. While the expansion is welcomed, critics warn that such developments often prioritize real estate investment over genuine cultural production, potentially leading to neighborhood gentrification rather than authentic community enrichment.

Buongiorno Ceramica! 2026 is underway. All the unmissable events of the twelfth edition

Al via Buongiorno Ceramica! 2026. Tutti gli eventi da non perdere della dodicesima edizione

The twelfth edition of "Buongiorno Ceramica!" will take place on May 23-24, 2026, transforming historic centers, museums, and workshops across Italy into open-air laboratories. The event spans from Piedmont to Sicily, featuring exhibitions, installations, guided tours, performances, tastings, and gastronomic events. Highlights include the Ceramiche Sonore competition in Castellamonte, the Museo della Ceramica's tribute to Marco Levi in Mondovì, and open studios in Montelupo Fiorentino, with participation from 60 cities organized by the Associazione Italiana Città della Ceramica.

Santarcangelo Festival 2026: The Village Fills with Performances, Speaking of the Body as a Political Space Under Pressure

Santarcangelo Festival 2026, il borgo che si riempie di performance parlando di corpo come spazio politico sotto pressione

The 56th edition of the Santarcangelo Festival, titled "Deep Pressures," will take place from July 3 to 12, 2026, in the historic town of Santarcangelo, Italy. Curated by Tomasz Kirenczuk in his final year as artistic director, the festival transforms the town into a "city-festival" with over 100 events including performances, concerts, and participatory practices. The program explores the body as a political space under pressure—from geopolitical conflict and colonial legacies to emotional and social tensions. Key works include "In relation to whom?" by Palestinian artists Marah Haj Hussein and Nur Garabli, "When I Saw the Sea" by Lebanese choreographer Ali Chahrour, and "Homem Novo" by Mozambican artist Yuck Miranda, among others. The festival was presented at Mambo in Bologna, with Kirenczuk emphasizing that the role of the festival is to be unsettling, not reassuring.

The church, the village, the park. FAI's 'Places of the Heart' returns to save ruins

La chiesa, il borgo, il parco. Tornano i Luoghi del Cuore del FAI per salvare i beni in rovina

The Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano (FAI) has launched the 13th edition of its "Luoghi del Cuore" (Places of the Heart) initiative, a biennial census that invites Italians to vote for cultural heritage sites most in need of restoration. Since 2003, the campaign has collected over 13.5 million votes, with the 2024 edition alone receiving more than 2.3 million votes for over 41,000 sites across 6,508 municipalities. The initiative has funded 180 recovery projects, 40% of which involve churches, followed by environmental, architectural, and archaeological assets. Notable successes include the Church of San Pietro dei Samari in Gallipoli, the Oratorio del Sasso in Orasso, and the Complesso di Sant’Angelo Magno in Ascoli Piceno.

The gardens are beautiful but we have stopped designing them. Analysis by architect Gabriele Mulè

I giardini sono bellissimi ma abbiamo smesso di progettarli. L’analisi dell’architetto Gabriele Mulè

Architect Gabriele Mulè analyzes the garden of Bruce Ginsberg in Hampshire, England, describing it as a masterful blend of Eastern and Western traditions. The garden, cultivated for over thirty years, features fluid curves, geometric hedges, a Tibetan stupa, and a labyrinth, embodying the concept of sharawadgi—planting without apparent order—while integrating elements from ancient Greece, the Renaissance, and Buddhist philosophy.

Artribune's Agendissima for the 2026 Venice Biennale. The complete guide to events to download

L’Agendissima di Artribune in occasione della Biennale Arte 2026. La guida completa agli eventi da scaricare

Artribune has released its "Agendissima" guide for the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, curated by the late Koyo Kouoh, running from May 9 to November 22, 2026, across the Giardini, Arsenale, and various venues in Venice. The guide provides schedules, addresses, and recommendations for openings, pavilions, exhibitions, and evening events during the preview days, available for online consultation, download, and printing.

Cultural Observatories: Dinosaurs or Subjects Capable of Interpreting the Present?

Osservatori culturali. Dinosauri o soggetti in grado di interpretare il presente?

The Cultural Observatory of Canton Ticino has published a study on cultural observatories worldwide, including a map and list of surveyed organizations. The analysis reveals that cultural observatories are not a global phenomenon but are concentrated mainly in Europe and South America, with occasional presence in North America (especially Canada and Hispanic-oriented organizations in the US). Africa, Asia, and Oceania are almost entirely absent from the map. The study also highlights a high rate of inactive observatories: among the top 10 countries by active observatories, only Germany shows an effective activity ratio. Spain has 26 active observatories out of about 45 total, while Italy has 11 active out of over 20 inactive. The research defines observatories as non-profit organizations that combine cultural and statistical expertise to deepen and transfer knowledge about the cultural sector, and classifies as inactive those with no recent activity on web or social channels.

In Valcamonica il Parco archeologico di Luine ha chiuso e non si sa se e quando riaprirà: la storia

The Luine Archaeological Park in Valcamonica, Italy, closed on April 1, 2026, after the municipality of Darfo Boario Terme, led by Mayor Dario Colossi, failed to renew the management contract held by Zamenhof Art and ArchExperience. The park, which houses rock engravings dating back to the end of the Paleolithic period (about 13,000 years ago), is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique part of the Camunian park system. Weeks after the closure, the park remains in limbo with no clear reopening date, while multimedia installations and digital content created by the former managers are being removed. The story has received little media attention beyond local outlets.

“La preistoria non è stata solo violenza, ma anche cura”. Intervista all’archeologa femminista Marga Sánchez Romero

Marga Sánchez Romero, a professor of Prehistory at the University of Granada and a leading voice in feminist archaeology in Spain, argues in an interview that prehistory has been misrepresented as a sequence of violence and hierarchies. She emphasizes that new questions are reshaping our understanding of the past, highlighting that care, cooperation, and solidarity were as crucial as conflict in human evolution. The conversation covers biases in archaeological interpretation, the famous Viking tomb of Birka, the origins of inequality, and the role of museums in creating more inclusive narratives.

In Piazza Navona the École française de Rome opens a space for exhibitions (all will be free admission)

A Piazza Navona l’École française de Rome apre uno spazio per le mostre (saranno tutte ad accesso gratuito)

The École française de Rome, founded in 1875 and housed at Palazzo Farnese, has opened a permanent exhibition space at Piazza Navona 62 in Rome. A current exhibition running until April 30, 2026, traces the institute's 150-year history of historical, archaeological, and social science research, highlighting its Italian and Mediterranean focus and the collaborative spirit between France and Italy. The new gallery will host a regular program of free-admission exhibitions and events dedicated to cultural heritage, archaeology, and history, starting with the show "Isole e santi – Monasteri e santuari dell’Adriatico orientale, da san Girolamo a Gregorio VII" from May 27, 2026.

Sarzana failed to become Capital of Culture 2028 but relaunches: 'The dossier will be implemented anyway'

Sarzana non è riuscita a diventare Capitale della Cultura 2028 ma rilancia: “Il dossier sarà realizzato ugualmente”

Sarzana, a city in Liguria, Italy, failed to win the title of Italian Capital of Culture for 2028, which was awarded to Ancona. However, instead of shelving its candidacy dossier, the city has decided to implement its strategic cultural plan, titled "L'Impavida," as its official cultural governance program for 2026-2028. The plan treats culture as a permanent infrastructure, integrating urban planning, tourism, welfare, and economic development, and was developed through a decade-long process involving co-design with associations and citizens.

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.

Young Artists Take Center Stage At Rutland Gallery Exhibit

The Greater Rutland Central Supervisory Union recently launched its third annual student art celebration at the Vermont State University Castleton Bank Gallery. The exhibition showcases a diverse array of creative works—including paintings, charcoal drawings, pottery, and photography—produced by students ranging from pre-K through high school. The opening reception also integrated live musical performances by local students, creating a multi-disciplinary showcase of regional youth talent.

Nevada Union High School Opening Reception for Student Art Exhibition

Nevada Union High School in Grass Valley, California, is hosting an opening reception for its Student Art Exhibition on February 26 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the school's art gallery. The exhibition features diorama artworks, photo collage pieces, and photography created by studio art and photography students, highlighting an interdisciplinary project that explores storytelling, composition, lighting, and perspective. Studio Art teacher Jillene Davidson describes the diorama unit as a favorite for its emphasis on innovation and hands-on creation using found objects and repurposed materials.

Exhibition celebrates the horse's cultural role

An exhibition titled 'New Steeds of the Silk Road' has opened at Yanhuang Art Museum in Beijing, featuring horse-themed paintings and sculptures by artists from China and Belarus. The show celebrates the horse as a symbol of strength, courage, freedom, and loyalty, and coincides with the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. It runs until May 18.

Harrison Brothers Store to celebrate America's 250th with art exhibit

Harrison Brothers Hardware Store, a historic fixture in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, is celebrating America's 250th birthday with an art exhibition featuring works by local artists. The open call for submissions, organized by the Historic Huntsville Foundation which owns the store, resulted in a collection of paintings that share a common theme of home and belonging, rather than overt patriotic symbols. The exhibit also includes the historic American signature quilt, stitched with notable 20th-century names.

OPINION: How the biennial staff and faculty exhibition benefits art students

Western Washington University's Western Gallery is hosting its biennial faculty and staff exhibition, featuring 20 artists from the art department. The show includes diverse works such as interactive sensory pieces, weavings, and photographic rings, offering students a rare glimpse into their professors' professional art practices outside the classroom. Students like printmaker Myrie Murphy and faculty such as fiber professor Seiko Purdue emphasize how the exhibition demystifies the art world and humanizes instructors as practicing artists.

Fabio Adani investigates the perception of reality in his exhibition at Salamon Fine Art

Salamon Fine Art gallery in Milan is hosting Fabio Adani's solo exhibition 'Silentium fin che parli' from May 16 to June 4, 2026. The show explores the perceptual transformation of reality through painting, graphite, and the written word, emphasizing allusion over direct representation. The exhibition includes a critical text by Beatrice Gardella and prose and poetry by Elisabetta Amaini, featuring works inspired by natural environments that invite viewers to engage in an open-ended process of interpretation.

May Flowers: Opening Reception Featuring Community Artists Sat. May 9th at Blue Water Fine Art Gallery in Rockaway Beach – Tillamook County Pioneer

Blue Water Fine Art Gallery in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, is hosting a community exhibition titled “May Flowers,” running from May 8 to June 6, 2026. The show features North Coast artists working in various media, each offering their own interpretation of spring. A free opening reception will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 5–7 PM, allowing visitors to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

Hotel Art Fair returns this June

The Hotel Art Fair is returning to Bangkok from June 5-7, 2026, after a two-year hiatus. This edition will be held at the Kromo Bangkok hotel, a Hilton-affiliated property, where hotel rooms, cabinets, and beds will be transformed into temporary gallery spaces for displaying and selling art.

Annual Wiscasset K-12 Student Art Exhibition

The Maine Art Gallery is launching its new season with the Wiscasset K-12 Student Art Exhibition, featuring over 100 works by local students. Curated by art teachers Emily Dobson and Liz Proffetty, the showcase includes a diverse range of media such as painting, sculpture, and photography. A public reception will be held on April 9 to honor the young artists and their creative contributions to the community.