South Africa's Venice Biennale Pavilion to Remain Empty
South Africa's culture ministry announced that the country's pavilion will be empty at the 2026 Venice Biennale after a court dismissed artist Gabrielle Goliath's lawsuit to reinstate her project, which focused on Gaza. Goliath's planned installation, titled "Elegy," included a memorial for Palestinian poet Hiba Abu Nada, but faced opposition from Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who deemed it "highly divisive" and sought to present art that conveyed a more positive message about South Africa.
National Gallery Faces £8.2m Deficit Amid New Exhibitions
The National Gallery in London announced unexpected budget cuts, revealing a potential deficit of £8.2m for the coming year, which may lead to staff reductions. Meanwhile, a new exhibition titled 'BIRDS,' curated by Simon Schama, has opened at the Mauritshuis in The Hague, showcasing the intersection of avian themes and art. Additionally, the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid is featuring works by Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershøi in its exhibition 'The Eye that Listens.'
Italian police probe damage to Bernini elephant statue
Italian police are investigating the damage to Gian Lorenzo Bernini's 17th-century elephant statue in Rome, which lost the tip of its left tusk for the second time. The 11-centimeter fragment found nearby was determined not to be original, having been added during a restoration in 1977. The tusk was previously broken in a vandalism incident in 2016, and authorities are reviewing security footage to identify any responsible parties.
Cultural Figures Criticize Barbican's Arts Director Removal
Over 200 cultural figures, including artists John Akomfrah and Jasleen Kaur, have signed an open letter criticizing the Barbican's decision to remove its arts director, Devyani Saltzman, who will depart in May 2026 after a brief tenure that began in February 2024. The letter expresses disappointment over her exit, which coincides with a leadership change at the institution, and raises concerns about the commitment to diverse leadership in the arts.
CFTC Claims Authority Over Prediction Markets Amid Legal Battles
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), led by Chair Mike Selig, asserts exclusive jurisdiction over prediction markets, countering state efforts to regulate them as gambling. This stance comes amid a surge in popularity for platforms like Kalshi, which reported over $100 billion in annualized trading volume, primarily from sports betting. As Kalshi faces 19 lawsuits nationwide, state officials, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox, argue that these markets are akin to gambling and detrimental to society.
