Art Spell
@artspell.bsky.social
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Art Spell
@artspell.bsky.social
· May 1
About - Art Spell
Your morning brew of art world media. Click to read Art Spell, a Substack publication.
www.artspell.media
Art Spell has joined Blue Sky! Available on Substack, Art Spell delivers a daily list of top art world stories and reviews from our most trusted media sources. We’ll be sharing our Daily Pick here each morning. Subscriptions are free for art writers & editors; learn more at www.artspell.media/about
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'After the Strike, Will Art Galleries Be Allies?' by Damien Davis for @hyperallergic.com. What genuine allyship in the protest against ICE would look like from galleries.
After the Strike, Will Art Galleries Be Allies?
If deleting the social media post tomorrow would change nothing about how artists are paid or how resources are allocated, the gallery’s allyship is disposable.
hyperallergic.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'After the Strike, Will Art Galleries Be Allies?' by Damien Davis for @hyperallergic.com. What genuine allyship in the protest against ICE would look like from galleries.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'How New Technologies Are Contesting the Museum Model' by Alistair Hudson for @artreview.bsky.social. How institutions could expand beyond the critical museum model to become more multifaceted cultural platforms.
How New Technologies Are Contesting the Museum Model
Let’s not see that as a threat, but as an opportunity for new thinking
artreview.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'How New Technologies Are Contesting the Museum Model' by Alistair Hudson for @artreview.bsky.social. How institutions could expand beyond the critical museum model to become more multifaceted cultural platforms.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Philadelphia sues US Department of the Interior and National Park Service over removal of slavery exhibit' by Torey Akers for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social.
Philadelphia sues US Department of the Interior and National Park Service over removal of slavery exhibit
Lawsuit claims that the federal agency acted outside its purview in removing exhibit memorialising the enslaved people who lived in George Washington's home
www.theartnewspaper.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Philadelphia sues US Department of the Interior and National Park Service over removal of slavery exhibit' by Torey Akers for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'The Art Market Enters 2026 With Renewed Confidence and a Sharper K-Shape Divide' by Elisa Carollo for Observer. A global art market outlook report is cautiously optimistic, predicting growth and increased confidence during 2026.
The Art Market Enters 2026 With Renewed Confidence and a Sharper K-Shape Divide
A new ArtTactic report shows improving global sentiment, deepening selectivity and a decisive shift towards historically validated names.
observer.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'The Art Market Enters 2026 With Renewed Confidence and a Sharper K-Shape Divide' by Elisa Carollo for Observer. A global art market outlook report is cautiously optimistic, predicting growth and increased confidence during 2026.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Persistent low attendance and funding cuts are forcing US museums to think local' by Dale Berning Sawa for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. Museums aim to reevaluate their relationship with local audiences in the midst of economic uncertainty.
Persistent low attendance and funding cuts are forcing US museums to think local
Institutions are analysing their relationship with audiences during a sobering time for many in the sector
www.theartnewspaper.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Persistent low attendance and funding cuts are forcing US museums to think local' by Dale Berning Sawa for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. Museums aim to reevaluate their relationship with local audiences in the midst of economic uncertainty.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'There Are a Lot of Open Art Museum Directorships in the United States Right Now' by @sarahldouglas.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy. A rundown of the state of art museum leadership in the United States.
There Are a Lot of Open Art Museum Directorships in the United States Right Now
There are at least a dozen open directorships at major American art museums right now.
www.artnews.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'There Are a Lot of Open Art Museum Directorships in the United States Right Now' by @sarahldouglas.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy. A rundown of the state of art museum leadership in the United States.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Five Fronts in Trump’s Culture War' by Graham Bowley for @nytimes.com. An incisive breakdown of how Trump has targeted the arts this year, and what will happen next to the institutions affected.
Five Fronts in Trump’s Culture War
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Five Fronts in Trump’s Culture War' by Graham Bowley for @nytimes.com. An incisive breakdown of how Trump has targeted the arts this year, and what will happen next to the institutions affected.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Art Problems: How Do I Get Into the Whitney Biennial?' by @paddyjohnson.bsky.social for @hyperallergic.com.
Art Problems: How Do I Get Into the Whitney Biennial?
Conventional wisdom says there isn’t much you can do, but Paddy Johnson knows that’s not the whole story.
hyperallergic.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Art Problems: How Do I Get Into the Whitney Biennial?' by @paddyjohnson.bsky.social for @hyperallergic.com.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Cultural Trends I’m Watching at the Beginning of 2026' by @benadavis.bsky.social for @artnet.bsky.social. Ben Davis shares his predictions for culture in 2026 ranging from a rise in basketry exhibitions to more nuanced examinations of the impact of AI.
Cultural Trends I'm Watching at the Beginning of 2026 | Artnet News
Quick thoughts on the forces shaping art this year, from politics to tech to craft and music.
news.artnet.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Cultural Trends I’m Watching at the Beginning of 2026' by @benadavis.bsky.social for @artnet.bsky.social. Ben Davis shares his predictions for culture in 2026 ranging from a rise in basketry exhibitions to more nuanced examinations of the impact of AI.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'This Is the Year We Redefine Art Institutions' by Lise Ragbir for @hyperallergic.com.
This Is the Year We Redefine Art Institutions
I sat down with curator eunice bélidor and arts administrator Dejha Carrington to discuss what have become reductive ideas about the role of art museums, my own included.
hyperallergic.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'This Is the Year We Redefine Art Institutions' by Lise Ragbir for @hyperallergic.com.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Why Are So Many Contemporary Museums Showing Dead Artists Right Now?' by Travis Diehl for @culturedmag.com.web.brid.gy. A critic suggests museums are playing it safe by choosing to exhibit artists of the past.
Why Are So Many Contemporary Museums Showing Dead Artists Right Now?
A glance at institutional programming reveals an abundance of posthumous exhibitions. Travis Diehl examines a trend toward the grave.
www.culturedmag.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Why Are So Many Contemporary Museums Showing Dead Artists Right Now?' by Travis Diehl for @culturedmag.com.web.brid.gy. A critic suggests museums are playing it safe by choosing to exhibit artists of the past.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Andy Warhol would have hated safe spaces. So why keep dragging dead artists into today’s culture wars?' by Rosanna McLaughlin for @theguardian.com. One writer argues that promoting morals and values in art negates the audience’s ability to engage with complexity.
Andy Warhol would have hated safe spaces. So why keep dragging dead artists into today’s culture wars?
Critics and curators are reframing great artists, from Gentileschi to Soutine, to fit with modern ethical narratives. But this ignores the glorious ambivalence of their creations
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Andy Warhol would have hated safe spaces. So why keep dragging dead artists into today’s culture wars?' by Rosanna McLaughlin for @theguardian.com. One writer argues that promoting morals and values in art negates the audience’s ability to engage with complexity.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'House Votes to Fund the Arts, Despite Trump Threats' by @isafarfan.bsky.social for @hyperallergic.com. The House has approved a bill that will continue to fund federal cultural agencies, including the NEA and NEH.
House Votes to Fund the Arts, Despite Trump Threats
The Senate must now vote on the bill, which sets annual allocations for the NEA, NEH, Smithsonian, and other cultural programs.
hyperallergic.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'House Votes to Fund the Arts, Despite Trump Threats' by @isafarfan.bsky.social for @hyperallergic.com. The House has approved a bill that will continue to fund federal cultural agencies, including the NEA and NEH.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'AI Imagery Isn’t What It Used to Be' by Eddy Frankel for @ocula.com. The critic explores the history of AI images as art, and considers whether early AI images had more artistic merit than those of today.
AI Imagery Isn’t What It Used to Be
Are we already nostalgic for the lopsided AI-generated images of only a few years ago? Eddy Frankel asks whether early, imperfect AI art was actually almost beautiful.
ocula.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'AI Imagery Isn’t What It Used to Be' by Eddy Frankel for @ocula.com. The critic explores the history of AI images as art, and considers whether early AI images had more artistic merit than those of today.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Arts Advocates Raise Alarm as U.S. Withdraws From International Cultural Organizations' by Eileen Kinsella for @artnet.bsky.social. The Trump Administration withdraws from organizations that protect artist rights and freedoms.
U.S. Withdrawal From International Cultural Organizations Sparks Alarm
Trump's sweeping decision to withdraw from a host of international cultural organizations has sparked alarm at arts advocacy groups.
news.artnet.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Arts Advocates Raise Alarm as U.S. Withdraws From International Cultural Organizations' by Eileen Kinsella for @artnet.bsky.social. The Trump Administration withdraws from organizations that protect artist rights and freedoms.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Congress Moves to Protect NEA and NEH Funding' by Sarah Cascone for @artnet.bsky.social. With the threat of another government shutdown, congress moves to pass bills that would protect both the NEA and NEH budgets.
Congress Moves to Protect NEA and NEH Funding | Artnet News
Congress has proposed the bill that would preserve funding for the NEH and NEA, despite Trump's renewed call to eliminate the agencies.
news.artnet.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Congress Moves to Protect NEA and NEH Funding' by Sarah Cascone for @artnet.bsky.social. With the threat of another government shutdown, congress moves to pass bills that would protect both the NEA and NEH budgets.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'How Philanthropy Is Reshaping the Global Art Ecosystem' by Gilles de Greling for Observer. How philanthropy has become a more established structural force and has helped fill the gap left behind by public funding.
How Philanthropy Is Reshaping the Global Art Ecosystem
Gilles de Greling, Palm Beach Director of Gander & White, analyzes how philanthropy has evolved from episodic generosity into a foundational pillar of the contemporary art ecosystem. He traces …
observer.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'How Philanthropy Is Reshaping the Global Art Ecosystem' by Gilles de Greling for Observer. How philanthropy has become a more established structural force and has helped fill the gap left behind by public funding.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'We are living in an age of bad painting—the medium must be challenged to stay interesting' by @benlukeart.bsky.social for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A critic explains the problem with paintings today and why the medium has become stagnant.
Comment | We are living in an age of bad painting—the medium must be challenged to stay interesting
Painting may not be dead, but it may have become too comfortable
www.theartnewspaper.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'We are living in an age of bad painting—the medium must be challenged to stay interesting' by @benlukeart.bsky.social for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A critic explains the problem with paintings today and why the medium has become stagnant.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'More and More ‘Extraordinary’ Artist Visas Are Going to Social Media Influencers, Say Immigration Lawyers' by @brianboucher.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy.
More and More ‘Extraordinary’ Artist Visas Are Going to Social Media Influencers, Say Immigration Lawyers
Immigration attorneys say that more social media influencers and even OnlyFans models are applying for and receiving visas intended for artists.
www.artnews.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'More and More ‘Extraordinary’ Artist Visas Are Going to Social Media Influencers, Say Immigration Lawyers' by @brianboucher.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'In 2026, Democracy Needs Museums' by Ken Weine for @hyperallergic.com. The role of museums in bridging the gap between a people and its government.
In 2026, Democracy Needs Museums
As the United States marks its 250th, institutions must resist the pull to simply commemorate and instead communicate the relevance of history.
hyperallergic.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'In 2026, Democracy Needs Museums' by Ken Weine for @hyperallergic.com. The role of museums in bridging the gap between a people and its government.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'What Defined 2025? Curators Pick the Year’s Best Art' by Devorah Lauter for @artnet.bsky.social. The art world’s experts weigh in on the year’s standout art.
Top Curators on the Artworks That Defined 2025
We spoke to an international cohort of curators about the key works of art that defined 2025, and why they made an impact.
news.artnet.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'What Defined 2025? Curators Pick the Year’s Best Art' by Devorah Lauter for @artnet.bsky.social. The art world’s experts weigh in on the year’s standout art.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Digital art today has a narcissism problem' by Sarp Kerem Yavuz for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A critic argues digital art should be held to a higher standard.
Comment | Digital art today has a narcissism problem
Beeple’s anarchic entry into Art Basel Miami Beach doubled down on cult of personality at the expense of artistic substance
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Digital art today has a narcissism problem' by Sarp Kerem Yavuz for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A critic argues digital art should be held to a higher standard.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Pour One Out for the Galleries That Closed in 2025' by @russeth.bsky.social for @artnet.bsky.social. A look at the galleries that closed this year, and what the future holds for the next generation of gallerists.
Pour One Out for the Galleries That Closed in 2025 | Artnet News
Andrew Russeth takes a look at the numerous galleries that closed their doors in 2025—and the exciting new ones that have opened recently.
news.artnet.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Pour One Out for the Galleries That Closed in 2025' by @russeth.bsky.social for @artnet.bsky.social. A look at the galleries that closed this year, and what the future holds for the next generation of gallerists.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Art market 2025 review: all eyes on the Gulf as Trump destabilises global order' by Kabir Jhala for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A thorough review of the art market’s performance and major moments over the past year.
Art market 2025 review: all eyes on the Gulf as Trump destabilises global order
Tariffs and new anti-trafficking rules took their toll in the US and Europe this year, as attention and investment shifted to the Middle East
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Art market 2025 review: all eyes on the Gulf as Trump destabilises global order' by Kabir Jhala for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A thorough review of the art market’s performance and major moments over the past year.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'What Does This Career Coach’s New Survey of 1,000 Artists Tell Us? They Are Struggling But Somehow Hopeful' by @brianboucher.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy.
What Does This Career Coach’s New Survey of 1,000 Artists Tell Us? They Are Struggling But Somehow Hopeful
Paddy Johnson, who runs a service offering professional development for artists, surveyed 1,000 artists about their careers.
www.artnews.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'What Does This Career Coach’s New Survey of 1,000 Artists Tell Us? They Are Struggling But Somehow Hopeful' by @brianboucher.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy.