The Whitney Museum has overtaken the Met as the most expensive museum in New York + Other stories

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 this Friday, July 14.

NEED TO READ

Jeff Koons’ art gets a cameo in the new Spider-Man movie – Artist’s Balloon Dog Gets Hit On The Head And Smaller Balloon Dog Sculptures Fall From It In New Animated Film Through the Spider-Verse. There are also references to his polychrome wood carving chain of puppies (1988) and the stainless steel bust Louis XIV (1986). The particular scene took place inside the Guggenheim and was hinted at when script co-writer Phil Lord and producer Christopher Miller visited the Koons retrospective at the Whitney Museum. (New York Times)

Tiona Nekkia McClodden joins the White Cube – White Cube will globally represent the artist who works between documentary film, experimental video, sculpture, painting, sound installation and poetry. McClodden will have his UK solo debut in February 2024 at White Cube Bermondsey, London. She previously worked with Mitchell-Innes & Nash. (Press release)

The most expensive museum in New York – Speaking of the Whitney, the The downtown art museum has raised ticket prices to $30 for adults and $25 for students and seniors, making it one of the city’s most expensive institutions, prices for students and seniors exceed those of the Met, which also charges $30 for adults. This is the first increase in admissions since 2016, and the museum cited “inflation, rising costs and continued recovery” as reasons for the price hike. (The arts journal)

More Nations Announce Venice Biennale Proceedings – Robert Zhao will represent Singapore; Cyprus nominated a group of artists including the duo LLC, the Collective endrosiaAnd Haig Aivazian. And Turkey appointed Gülsün Karamustafa to take over its flag. (Press release) (In Cyprus) (Straits time)

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

The Shed appoints new CEO – Meredith (Max) Hodges will head up the nonprofit Hudson Yards arts center in October, succeeding founding CEO Alex Poots, who currently serves as artistic director. Hodges has held positions at New York’s MoMA, served as executive director of Brooklyn’s Gallim Dance company, and most recently led Boston Ballet, where she helped drive attendance and significantly increase endowment. (art forum)

Royal College of Art Education Program and Acute Art Debut – The two institutions will launch a five day summer program exploring the potential of virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence. KAWS, MetaKovan, Olafur Eliasson and Julie Curtiss are among the artists who will share their views. (Jing culture)

New spot for the Dutch National Museum of Photography – The Nederlands Fotomuseum is set to open in a new location in Rotterdam in 2025. The museum’s six million-person collection will be housed in a newly renovated historic warehouse on the port of Rijnhaven. (Press release)

FOR ART

The floor of Siena Cathedral is visible – A rare sight will be unveiled at Siena Cathedral in Siena, Italy: its inlaid marble floors, so fragile they are almost always covered. They will be on view now until July 31 and again from August 18 to October 18, 2023. (The arts journal)