Politics

More than 70 Venice Biennale artists withdraw from awards

Walid Raad, Alice Maher and Alfredo Jaar are among those who have signed a protest statement in solidarity with the resignation of the exhibition's jury

Two truths? US 250th anniversary programmes take differing approaches

America250 was established by congress and files regular reports while Freedom 250 is planning a mixed martial arts fight at the White House on Trump’s 80th birthday

Venice Biennale’s jury resigns

The five-person jury resigned amid an escalating dispute over the participation of Israel and Russia at this year’s Biennale

The art of politics: how global conflicts are playing out in this year's Venice Biennale

Israel and Russia's return to the Biennale has sparked threats of disruption

EU imposes sanctions on Mikhail Piotrovsky, director of Russia's State Hermitage Museum

The Putin ally has been a vocal supporter of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

As Cuban crisis deepens, diaspora artists have a message of compassion

Artists in Florida and beyond highlight the desperate choice Cubans must make, between staying in a country in seemingly terminal decline, or making a treacherous journey to a country where they are no longer welcome

Art marketcomment

Comment | The market grew in 2025 but ‘interest in art is waning’

Amid global macro shocks and changes in consumer taste, there are signs of future resilience

New Chilean president reverses predecessor’s policies, cutting culture budget

The 3% cut to all ministries' budgets, which has raised concerns within the National Union of Artists, is part of José Antonio Kast’s plan to bring down public spending

Art Dubai 2026 to be postponed and adapted in response to regional conflict

The fair’s 20th edition will be rescheduled to mid-May and have a “more focused and flexible format”, as Iranian strikes in the UAE show no signs of abating

Nearly 200 Venice Biennale participants sign letter demanding cancellation of Israeli pavilion

Signatories include artists Alfredo Jaar, Yto Barrada, Rosana Paulino, Meriem Bennani and Cauleen Smith, along with curators such as Binna Choi and Carles Guerra

Diaryblog

Innocent mistake? Italy's prime minister appears as a cherub in Rome church

A double of Georgia Meloni was spotted in the chapel of the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina

Danger and inspiration: Bangladeshi artists divided about country’s future after historic election

A post-revolution election has brought to power familiar figures, but change is still possible, some say

Turkey’s heritage power grab: new law threatens Istanbul’s opposition-run cultural sites

Following changes to legislation governing foundations, the central government can now seize historic properties from local authorities

Guatemala’s Museo de Arte Colonial shut down by authorities

The court-ordered raid has resulted in the relocation of nearly 300 works of art, part of the nation’s premier colonial collection

Art Gallery of Ontario curator resigned after failed acquisition of Nan Goldin work

Two committee members also resigned after the vote, which unravelled amid allegations of “antisemitism” over Goldin’s support of Palestinians

In post-'revolution' Bangladesh, a photography festival questions how to rebuild after ruin

As the country gears up for its first post-uprising election, the 11th Chobi Mela brings together artists from across the Global South

The Davos arts programme: ‘Art ventures where policy briefs and position papers cannot go’

This year’s Arts and Culture Programme at the World Economic Forum encompasses a wide range of creativity under the theme of A Spirit of Dialogue

Marina Abramović rolls into Davos with an immersive project that encourages world leaders to take a digital detox

The artist is collaborating with the curator Mirjam Varadinis to create “THE BUS”, a work that allows WEF attendees to focus on the here and now

‘Creative, provocative, controversial’: Truth Social ads for Nazi-owned art spark heated debate

The gallery behind the adverts has huge holdings of art associated with the Third Reich, and has loaned works to major museums

Arts Council England review: reforms, endowment funds and tax incentives

Labour peer Margaret Hodge, who led the report, has suggested new funding proposals based on philanthropic giving

Despite turmoil, the cultural plan to mark the 250th anniversary of the US is taking shape

After government shutdown and firing of organising committee leader, plans for shows and events advance

From hard borders to soft power: how did the art world fare in 2025?

In a year of turbulence and uncertainty, new museums and dazzling shows were proof of art as a positive force

From politics to painting: works by Albanian prime minister Edi Rama are new art fair favourites

The politician, whose administration has been dogged by accusations of corruption, has signed to Berlin gallery Société

UK government's tourist tax plans could boost funds for culture sector, industry leaders say

The fee, announced ahead of today's budget, would apply to overnight stays, with England's mayors and local leaders able to decide what revenue should be spent on

Where will Labour government’s local reforms leave England’s cash-strapped museums?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ planned overhaul of regional councils promises stability, but delivers confusion for the cultural sector

Arts fundinganalysis

Philanthropy rules: how the private sector is supporting France’s national culture

Amid continued political upheaval and budget cuts, corporate foundations are plugging the funding gap

How growing political interference is eroding the independence of European museums

Many institutions are adopting a practice of “strategic silence” to protect funding and avoid censure

Low morale, fast staff turnover: why the credibility of Louisiana’s ten state museums is at risk

Following years of strife and multiple leadership changes, will these important institutions meet the rigorous standards set by the American Alliance of Museums?

Despite red tape from US sanctions, Tehran-based gallery champions Iranian art at The Armory Show

Owner of O Gallery says her participation affirms ‘importance of cultural dialogue at a time when exchange across borders is increasingly fraught’

Trump pulls US out of ‘woke’ Unesco

The State Department says that Unesco membership does not square with its “America-first” outlook