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THE HEADLINES
HOCKNEY WEIGHS IN ON BAYEUX TAPESTRY LOAN. David Hockney has weighed in on plans to bring the Bayeux Tapestry to London this fall, calling the British Museum exhibition “madness” and warning that the fragile medieval embroidery could be irreparably harmed in transit. Writing in The Independent on January 14, the artist questioned the point of the loan, suggesting it serves institutional vanity rather than preservation. The 70-meter-long tapestry, which chronicles the Norman invasion of 1066, is set to be shown at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027 while its home in Bayeux undergoes renovation. Hockney, a devoted admirer who has seen the work more than 20 times in recent years, argues that modern museum ethics place conservation above access. He warns that the tapestry’s aged linen backing and wool threads are vulnerable to stress from rolling and rehanging.
‘MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.’ Maria Balshaw is stepping down as director of Tate this year with what she describes as a sense of mission accomplished, leaving an institution where women artists have moved decisively into the spotlight. The first woman to lead Tate in its 128-year history, Balshaw has consistently championed female artists since taking up the role in June 2017. Speaking on The Independent’s Like This Love This podcast, she reflected on nearly a decade at the helm, guiding Tate through the pandemic and other challenges, and explained her decision to depart. “Part of the reason that I’m stepping away from Tate at Easter is I feel that the journey I wanted to help shape at the organization has had a fantastic 10-year episode and it’s ending with a year of women in art, which has been very apparent through all of the time I’ve been at Tate, but has come to, if you like, fruition at this point,” she said. Before leaving this spring, Balshaw will co-curate “Tracey Emin: A Second Life,” opening at Tate Modern in February.
THE DIGEST
Kosovar artist Brilant Milazimi has been chosen to represent the Republic of Kosovo at the 61st Venice Biennale, running from May 9 to November 22. [Artforum]
President Donald Trump is considering a site near the National Mall for his proposed “Garden of American Heroes,” a move that would trigger a stringent review process and require congressional approval. [The Art Newspaper]
Sir Ian McKellen is to play the British artist L.S. Lowry in a documentary uncovering a cache of previously unheard recordings. [The Guardian]
Manchester Jewish Museum has appointed Gemma Meek as its new chief executive and brought in an interim leader to cover her role during maternity leave. [Museums Association]
THE KICKER
YEAH BABY! An unlikely event is toddling back to San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum. After drawing a strong turnout last month, the museum’s Baby Rave returns on Sunday, January 25, offering families a low-volume introduction to rave culture, with sound levels capped below 85 decibels. Secret San Francisco wrote that the event takes place inside “Rave Into the Future,” the museum’s temporary exhibition exploring the history of rave music, dance, and community. The inaugural Baby Rave in December featured short, child-friendly DJ sets by Chico Chi, padded dance areas, and a brightly lit, immersive environment designed for safe movement. While a DJ has yet to be announced for January, the format will remain the same. Music will be presented in 15-minute sets, followed by storytelling sessions and drop-in art activities running through the afternoon.
‘MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.’ Maria Balshaw is stepping down as director of Tate this year with what she describes as a sense of mission accomplished, leaving an institution where women artists have moved decisively into the spotlight. The first woman to lead Tate in its 128-year history, Balshaw has consistently championed female artists since taking up the role in June 2017. Speaking on The Independent’s Like This Love This podcast, she reflected on nearly a decade at the helm, guiding Tate through the pandemic and other challenges, and explained her decision to depart. “Part of the reason that I’m stepping away from Tate at Easter is I feel that the journey I wanted to help shape at the organization has had a fantastic 10-year episode and it’s ending with a year of women in art, which has been very apparent through all of the time I’ve been at Tate, but has come to, if you like, fruition at this point,” she said. Before leaving this spring, Balshaw will co-curate “Tracey Emin: A Second Life,” opening at Tate Modern in February.
Kosovar artist Brilant Milazimi has been chosen to represent the Republic of Kosovo at the 61st Venice Biennale, running from May 9 to November 22. [Artforum]
President Donald Trump is considering a site near the National Mall for his proposed “Garden of American Heroes,” a move that would trigger a stringent review process and require congressional approval. [The Art Newspaper]
Sir Ian McKellen is to play the British artist L.S. Lowry in a documentary uncovering a cache of previously unheard recordings. [The Guardian]
Manchester Jewish Museum has appointed Gemma Meek as its new chief executive and brought in an interim leader to cover her role during maternity leave. [Museums Association]
YEAH BABY! An unlikely event is toddling back to San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum. After drawing a strong turnout last month, the museum’s Baby Rave returns on Sunday, January 25, offering families a low-volume introduction to rave culture, with sound levels capped below 85 decibels. Secret San Francisco wrote that the event takes place inside “Rave Into the Future,” the museum’s temporary exhibition exploring the history of rave music, dance, and community. The inaugural Baby Rave in December featured short, child-friendly DJ sets by Chico Chi, padded dance areas, and a brightly lit, immersive environment designed for safe movement. While a DJ has yet to be announced for January, the format will remain the same. Music will be presented in 15-minute sets, followed by storytelling sessions and drop-in art activities running through the afternoon.
