The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

Key Art News and Updates

• Venice Biennale 2026:
  • Iran’s Participation: Despite reports of withdrawal, Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance states they are still negotiating to participate.
  • Main Exhibition: The show, titled In Minor Keys, is curated by the late Koyo Kouoh and described as a "cacophonous" and "uneven" exhibition.
  • Coverage: The Art Newspaper is providing ongoing on-the-ground reporting, including a dedicated podcast episode featuring interviews with artists Gabrielle Goliath and Lubaina Himid.
• Art and Health: A University College London study indicates that engaging with art—both through creation and exhibition attendance—may slow biological ageing, with benefits comparable to physical exercise.
• UK Parliament Restoration: The Palace of Westminster faces a critical "Hobson’s Choice" regarding its crumbling infrastructure; repairs are estimated to cost billions and span decades.
• The Met’s "Costume Art": A new Costume Institute exhibition features nearly 400 objects, arguing that the "dressed body" is a unifying artistic expression across all museum collections.
• Counterpublic Triennial: The St. Louis-based event is hosting a performance by Oglála Lakȟóta artist Kite at The Shed in New York, ahead of its third edition, Coyote Time.
• Museum Attendance: The Art Newspaper’s 2025 Visitor Figures survey reveals that while traditional institutions struggle to reach pre-Covid attendance levels, new museums in Asia and Latin America are seeing significant success.
• Industry Commentary: An editorial piece critiques the "slopification" of political art, arguing that AI-generated imagery lacks the poignancy and longevity of traditional political art.
• Ongoing Features:
  • A brush with...: Podcast series featuring artist Andrew Cranston.
  • Adventures with Van Gogh: A weekly blog by expert Martin Bailey.
  • The Art of Luxury: A biannual magazine exploring the intersection of high-end lifestyle brands and the art market.