Art Industry News is a daily summary of the most important developments in the art world and the art market. Here’s what you need to know on Monday, March 20.
NEED TO READ
NEA State of the Arts Report – New data on the arts and culture sector shows that it had a bigger impact on US GDP in 2021 than in previous years. It has also grown faster than the economy as a whole. The report was organized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. None of the 35 cultural industries assessed has yet rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. (The arts journal)
Painters defrauded by fake collectors – The growing trend of fake check scams is affecting artists. In each case reported by the New York Times, artists were offered a good price for artwork by bogus collectors who sent checks to cover the price of the artwork, plus shipping. The checks bounced after the artists passed on the money order shipping costs to someone who was arranging the delivery. (New York Times)
Antiques related to Subhash Kapoor at the Met – THE Indian Express listed works of art still in collection, which are related to the disgraced merchant who is serving a prison sentence in Tamil Nadu, India, for burglary and theft of antiquities. The list includes 18 sculptures and 59 paintings. The Manhattan prosecutor has already handed down hundreds of artifacts connected to Kapoor. (Indian Express)
British Museum Visitor Numbers – In UK museums, visitor numbers have increased following the pandemic and many museums across the country have seen their numbers increase by more than 200% in 2022, according to annual figures from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions. UK museums and galleries reported an overall 158% increase in attendance; heritage and cathedral sites followed with a 55% increase. (Association of Museums)
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Belgium’s AfricaMuseum has a new director – The diplomat Bart Ouvry has been appointed head of the AfricaMuseum, whose exhibitions of controversial collections have often sparked controversy due to Belgium’s blatant colonial history. He will leave his role as ambassador of the European Union in Mali to take office. (The Journal of the Arts)
Bracelet donated by Dietrich could fetch $4.5 million – A Van Cleef & Arpels ‘Garter’ diamond and ruby studded bracelet worn by Marlene Dietrich in the 1950 Alfred Hitchcock film Stage fright will be auctioned at Christie’s in June. Estimated at $4.5 million, the bauble comes from the collection of Anne Eisenhower, granddaughter of the late president. (Robb Report)
Rachel Rossin joins Magenta Plains – The mixed media artist, who has become a force in the field of virtual reality, has joined the stable of the gallery. Rossin’s work is currently on display in the lobby of the Whitney Museum as part of the exposure Refigured. (Press release)
FOR ART
You can bring Ai Weiwei’s middle finger anywhere – The Chinese activist and artist’s famous figure is now available to layer anywhere, thanks to the power of Avant Arte. The work riffs on Ai’s famous work perspective study, and is presented as part of an artist exhibition at the Design Museum in London; serigraphs by thea Ai Weiwei Middle finger in red (2023) are on sale for 24 hours on the Avant Art platform from March 30. (Press release)
Public submission. Courtesy of Avantarte.com.
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