New York’s Canal Projects Shutters After Four Years

Canal Projects, a nonprofit New York-based art space established by the YS Kim Foundation, will close its doors on May 23, 2026 after four years of operation. Currently located at 351 Canal Street, the organization plans to transition into a grant-making body and will commit USD 3 million to arts projects over the next three years, including support for South Korean artist Ayoung Kim’s upcoming exhibition at MoMA PS1. Since its inception, the space has hosted exhibitions, talks, screenings, and performances, with a focus on emerging artists. The closure comes amid a wave of gallery shutdowns across the US and internationally. A solo exhibition by Bangkok-based textile artist Jakkai Siributr, opening January 30, 2026, will be the venue’s final presentation.

The Met Selects Chinese Artist Liu Wei for 2026 Facade Commission

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has commissioned Beijing-based artist Liu Wei to create a suite of sculptures for the niches of its Fifth Avenue facade in 2026, marking the artist’s first major project in the US. The commission will be the seventh work displayed on the historic exterior and the third produced under the museum’s partnership with Genesis, which supports the institution's annual contemporary art program. “[G]lobal perspectives and boundary-pushing artistic practices like Liu Wei’s will be at the heart of how we present art of our time,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French director and chief executive officer. The Genesis Facade Commission: Liu Wei will be on view from September 17, 2026, through June 8, 2027.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale Reveals Artist Lineup for 2026 Edition

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale has announced the full list of participating artists for its upcoming sixth edition, titled “For the Time Being,” set to open on December 12 in the coastal city of Kochi, southwest India. This year’s lineup features 66 artists and collectives from over 20 countries, curated by Nikhil Chopra in collaboration with HH Art Spaces. The roster includes both local and international figures such as Marina Abramović, Naeem Mohaiemen, Bani Abidi, Anupama Kundoo, Nari Ward, and Gulam Mohammed Sheikh. Influenced by Kochi’s geography and history of international trade, the Biennale will present around 50 new commissions across various neighbourhoods in the city. Dr V. Venu, chair of the Kochi Biennale Foundation stated: “We are proud to present this list of distinct voices from all over the globe […] We envisage the sixth edition of the Biennale not just as a moment of celebration, but as part of a long-term vision for sustaining artistic practices, community, and cultural dialogue in Kochi.”

Human Rights Watch Calls For Release of Detained Chinese Artist Gao Zhen

Chinese artist Gao Zhen, who was arrested by authorities in China last year on suspicion of slandering the country’s heroes and martyrs, is still in detention and facing declining health conditions, according to a recent public statement by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) organization. The latter noted that, although Zhen fainted last month and is suffering from chronic back issues and potential arteriosclerosis, his application for medical bail was denied. Moreover, he is reportedly being held “in a crowded 40-square-meter cell with 14 other detainees.” Authorities have also not yet announced a specific date for Gao’s trial. The HRW urged the Chinese government to “drop the baseless charges” and allow Gao and his family to return to the US, where the artist holds permanent residency. Elaine Pearson, HRW’s Asia director, said in the statement that the “prosecution of Gao Zhen both violates his basic rights and indicates a step back toward China’s painful past.”

Five New Zealand Visual Artists Among 2025 Laureates

On October 15, the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi announced the winners of the 2025 Laureate Awards, which honor outstanding individuals who have contributed to Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural landscape across the visual arts, literature, film, and music. Five of the eight recipients are visual artists—painter Séraphine Pick, sculptor Shona Rapira-Davies, ceramic artist Cheryl Lucas, installation artist Kate Newby, and celebrated Māori artist Reuben Paterson. They join filmmaker Roseanne Liang, musician and writer Bill Direen, and opera singer Pene Pati as this year’s alumni. As part of the accolade, which is now in its 25th edition, each laureate will receive NZD 50,000 (USD 28,700) with no strings attached. Jessica Palalagi, general manager of the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, stated that the 2025 laureates “embody the innovation, dedication, and spirit that define New Zealand’s arts community. Each one of them pushes boundaries, sparks conversation, and deepens our collective understanding of who we are.”

Carson Chan Joins Helsinki’s Museum of Architecture and Design

Helsinki’s new Museum of Architecture and Design has appointed Carson Chan as chief curator and director of curatorial affairs, effective January 2026. Previously, Chan served as the curator and inaugural director of the Emilio Ambasz Institute at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. In his new role, Chan will oversee content programming for the institution, which encompasses exhibitions, collections, publications, and audience engagement. In a press release, director Pilvi Kalhama welcomed Chan to the team, praising his “valuable expertise and visionary work as a bold explorer of new territories.” With its new building scheduled to open in 2030, the museum is poised to become one of the most significant cultural projects in Finland.