Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Artnet News

- Robert Mnuchin, Investment Banker Who Became Leading New York Art Dealer, Dies at 92: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/robert-mnuchin-dealer-dead-2731264

- Why Were Pompeii’s Victims Clad in Wool When Vesuvius Erupted in Summer?: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/pompeii-victims-vesuvius-eruption-date-2732575

- The Long Hidden Trove of a Romanian Modernist Comes To Light in Bucharest: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/arsmonitor-florin-mitroi-2732797

- 4 Art Trends We Spotted This Year: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/these-trends-defined-art-in-2025-2722999

The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

- Tefaf director Dominique Savelkoul has left her post over 'differing views' with the organisation: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/20/tefaf-director-dominique-salvelkoul-has-left-her-post-over-differing-views-with-the-organisation

ARTnews.com

- Robert Mnuchin, Goldman Sachs Power Broker Turned Influential Art Dealer, Dies at 92: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/robert-mnuchin-art-dealer-dead-1234767708/

Hyperallergic

- Best Art in Worst of Times: https://hyperallergic.com/12-20-25-weekly-2/

Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Artnet News

- New York’s High Line Will Host a Monumental Buddha Honoring Lost Cultural Heritage: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/high-line-plinth-tuan-andrew-nguyen-buddha-2732776

- Jeffrey Epstein’s Connections in the Art World, Explained: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jeffrey-epstein-art-world-connections-2732681

- Versailles Snaps Up 18th-Century Self-Portrait Under France’s Cultural Protection Policy: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/adelaide-labille-guiard-self-portrait-versailles-2732872

- 10 Restoration Wins That Gave Artworks New Life in 2025: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/10-art-restorations-in-2025-2725850

- Vienna Museum Faces Backlash Over ‘Blasphemous’ Religious Imagery: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/vienna-museum-exhibition-religious-controversy-2732661

- Bing Crosby’s Personal Treasures—From Fine Art to Fabergé—Rake in $6.7 Million at Auction: https://news.artnet.com/market/bing-crosby-collection-sothebys-auction-2697814

- Detroit Institute of Arts Remakes Its Iconic 1976 Ad for a New Generation: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/detroit-institute-of-arts-dia-1976-ad-spot-remake-2732440

- Thousands of Dinosaur Footprints Discovered in Remote Italian Alps: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/dinosaur-footprints-italian-alps-2732685

- Is Baku—Azerbaijan’s Culturally Minded Capital—the Art World’s Next Destination?: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/baku-azerbaijan-art-week-2731495

- This Artemisia Gentileschi Painting Is Unlike Any of Her Others. Here’s Why: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/this-artemisia-gentileschi-painting-is-unlike-any-of-her-others-heres-why-2727951

The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

- Comment | Dave the Potter finally becomes a complete artist: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/leaders-david-drake-mfa-boston-restitution

- Metropolitan Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and US collector return dozens of antiquities to Turkey: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/antiquities-repatriated-turkey-metropolitan-museum-virginia-museum-fine-arts

- Staff at Lacma vote overwhelmingly in favour of forming a union: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/lacma-workers-vote-form-union

- 'We can imagine alternatives to the present': Cannupa Hanska Luger on his show exhibition at the Joslyn Art Museum: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/cannupa-hanska-luger-exhibition-interview-joslyn-art-museum

- Bill Koch’s collection could fetch $50m at Christie’s as interest in American Western art grows: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/bill-kochs-american-western-art-collection-could-fetch-50m-at-christies-as-interest-grows

- Trump's name added to Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, despite legal questions: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/trump-kennedy-center-for-the-performing-arts-officially-renamed-despite-legal-doubts

- Enrico David: ‘It’s as if the objects are there as an avatar for something that has gone’: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/enrico-david-interview-white-cube-castello-di-rivoli

- Venice Biennale 2026: all the national pavilions, artists and curators so far: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/venice-biennale-2026-all-the-national-pavilions-artists-and-curators-so-far

- Mary Anne Carter, National Endowment for the Arts chair during Trump’s first term, takes the helm again: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/national-endowment-arts-chairman-mary-anne-carter

- The art world in 2025: our review of the biggest stories and shows—podcast: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/the-art-world-in-2025-our-review-of-the-year

- Art market 2025 review: all eyes on the Gulf as Trump destabilises global order: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/art-market-2025-review-all-eyes-on-the-gulf-as-trump-destabilises-global-order

- Bing Crosby’s collection brings a white-glove Christmas to Sotheby’s: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/bing-crosbys-collection-brings-a-white-glove-christmas-to-sothebys

- Van Gogh in 2025: Record prices, memorable shows and the first Korean acquisition: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/record-prices-memorable-shows-and-the-first-korean-acquisition-the-van-gogh-year-reviewed

- Plans for €128m Guggenheim Bilbao expansion scrapped following protests: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/19/plans-for-128m-guggenheim-bilbao-expansion-scrapped

ARTnews.com

- Can the British Museum Lend Its Way Out of Criticisms Over Its Colonial Holdings?: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/british-museum-loans-csmvs-india-1234767692/

- Kennedy Center Board Votes to Add ‘Trump’ to Embattled Institution’s Name: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/kennedy-center-adds-trump-name-1234767689/

- Check Out the New Francis Kéré-Designed Las Vegas Museum of Art, Opening in 2029: https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/news/check-out-new-francis-kere-designed-las-vegas-museum-of-art-1234767597/

- Trump Reappoints Mary Anne Carter, a Familiar Figure From First Term, as NEA Chair: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/trump-reappoints-mary-anne-carter-nea-chair-1234767652/

- Photography Scholar Sarah Lewis to Organize Exhibition Asking ‘What If Emmett Till Lived?’: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/if-emmett-till-lived-exhibition-mocp-chicago-sarah-lewis-1234767619/

- Ruth Foundation Names Recipients of $100,000 Ruth Awards, Including Yuji Agematsu and Will Rawls: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/2026-ruth-awards-recipients-yuji-agematsuwill-rawls-1234767581/

- How Artists Responded to 2025’s Surging ICE Raids: https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/artists/artist-responses-2025-ice-raids-1234767352/

- Courtney McClellan Takes You Inside an Evangelical College’s Supreme Court Simulation: https://www.artnews.com/art-in-america/aia-reviews/courtney-mcclellan-evangelical-college-supreme-court-simulation-shirley-fiterman-liberty-1234767392/

Hyperallergic

- Dear Zohran, Don’t Let Art Workers Down: https://hyperallergic.com/dear-zohran-dont-let-art-workers-down/

- Trump-Appointed NEA Chair Returns for Second Term: https://hyperallergic.com/trump-appointed-nea-chair-returns-for-second-term/

- “Victims of Communism” Monument Altered Over Reported Nazi Ties: https://hyperallergic.com/victims-of-communism-monument-altered-over-reported-nazi-ties/

- Medieval Psalms Were Not For Everyone: https://hyperallergic.com/medieval-psalms-were-not-for-everyone/

- How a Nativity Scene Sent Europe Into a Tizzy: https://hyperallergic.com/how-a-nativity-scene-sent-europe-into-a-tizzy/

- The World's Best Art in 2025: https://hyperallergic.com/the-worlds-best-art-in-2025/

Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Artnet News

- Why This Famed Art Writer Turned to True Crime: https://news.artnet.com/multimedia/chris-kraus-novel-2723275

- Guggenheim Nixes Urdaibai Expansion Project After Intense Backlash: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/guggenheim-bilbao-museum-urdaibai-expansion-canceled-2732239

- Rare Maria van Oosterwijck Still Life Triples Estimate in Paris: https://news.artnet.com/market/work-of-the-week-maria-van-oosterwijck-2731570

- At a New Show, Two Women Abstractionists Navigate a Shared Emotional Terrain: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/ohx-gallery-where-form-remembers-2732060

- 2025’s Top Auction Moments, From a Bitter Flop to a Breakout Star: https://news.artnet.com/market/top-auction-moments-of-2025-2712941

- Las Vegas Bets Big on Its New Francis Kéré-Designed Art Museum: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/las-vegas-museum-of-art-francis-kere-designs-2731855

- Claire Tabouret’s Controversial Window Designs for Notre-Dame Go on View: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/claire-tabouret-notre-dame-windows-grand-palais-2732150

- 5 New Hotels Where Art and Design Define the Luxury: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/5-new-art-hotels-2732180

- British Museum Launches Long-Term Loan Program to Former Colonies: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/british-museum-lending-program-2732038

- Historic George Washington Portrait Behind the $1 Bill Heads to Auction: https://news.artnet.com/market/george-washington-dollar-portrait-gilbert-stuart-auction-2731865

The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

- Public art installation marks anniversary of New Orleans terrorist attack: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/18/public-art-installation-new-orleans-anniversary-terror-attack

- Francis Kéré's design for Las Vegas Museum of Art revealed: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/18/las-vegas-museum-art-designs-revealed-francis-kere

- Brutalist home of England's first National Black Art Convention saved from demolition: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/18/building-that-hosted-englands-first-national-black-art-convention-saved-from-demolition

- In 2025, new ‘independent and nimble’ art fairs began redrawing the market map: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/18/independent-and-nimble-art-fairs-are-redrawing-the-art-market-map

ARTnews.com

- Qatar’s Mathaf Museum Announces Major Expansion, Led by Architect Lina Ghothem: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/mathaf-museum-campus-expansion-architect-lina-ghothem-1234767454/

- Rome Has Two New Metro Stations That Offer Underground Mini-Museums, With More On the Way: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/rome-new-metro-stations-mini-museums-1234767572/

- Phillips Records 10% Rise in Global Sales for 2025, Taking $927 M. as Private Sales Surge by 66%: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/phillips-records-10-rise-in-global-sales-for-2025-taking-927-m-as-private-sales-surge-by-66-1234767520/

- David Oyelowo and Ava DuVernay Team Up for New Art Thriller, ‘Heist of Benin’: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/david-oyelowo-ava-duvernay-thriller-heist-of-benin-1234767551/

- New Report Shows a Rebounding Auction Market in 2025, With Impressionist and Modern Art Most Improved: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/report-rebounding-art-auction-market-2025-arttactic-1234767509/

- Texas State University Cancels Black History 101 Mobile Museum Visit, Prompting ACLU Challenge: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/txst-black-history-101-mobile-museum-visit-aclu-challenge-1234767478/

- ‘Victims of Communism’ Memorial in Canada Will Leave Off Names After Findings Link Some to Nazism: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/victims-of-communism-memorial-canada-1234767492/

- Atlanta’s High Museum Adds 361 Works to Collection, Including Rediscovered Jacob Lawrence Watercolor: https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/news/high-museum-of-art-atlanta-2025-acquisitions-1234767433/

- Rare, Complete Dinosaur Skull Fossil Acquired by Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/rare-complete-dinosaur-skull-fossil-acquired-smithsonians-national-museum-of-natural-history-1234767472/

- Louvre Director Grilled in Senate Hearing Over ‘Cult of Secrecy’ Accused of Enabling Theft: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/louvre-director-grilled-in-senate-hearing-1234767481/

Hyperallergic

- Art Movements: New York City's 27-Foot Buddha: https://hyperallergic.com/art-movements-309/

- The Best Art Shows Around the World in 2025: https://hyperallergic.com/the-best-art-shows-around-the-world-in-2025/

- Debt Plagues Artists Regardless of Career Stage, Survey Finds: https://hyperallergic.com/debt-plagues-artists-regardless-of-career-stage-survey-finds/

- LACMA Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Unionize: https://hyperallergic.com/lacma-workers-vote-overwhelmingly-to-unionize/

- Indigenous Glass Art Takes Center Stage at the National Museum of the American Indian: https://hyperallergic.com/indigenous-glass-art-takes-center-stage-at-the-national-museum-of-the-american-indian/

- Required Reading: https://hyperallergic.com/required-reading-763/

- A View From the Easel: https://hyperallergic.com/a-view-from-the-easel-316/

- LSU School of Art Offers Highest MFA Stipends in the Southern US: https://hyperallergic.com/lsu-school-of-art-offers-highest-mfa-stipends-in-the-southern-us/

- The Plight of Art Models: https://hyperallergic.com/the-plight-of-art-models/

Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Artnet News

- Two Masters of Modern British Still Life Meet in an Insightful Exhibition: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/derrick-greaves-patrick-caulfield-james-hyman-gallery-2730661

- Will the Recent Art Market Momentum Continue Into 2026?: https://news.artnet.com/market/will-the-recent-art-market-momentum-continue-into-2026-2729667

- Walter Robinson’s Legacy Is Celebrated With Honorary Doctorate, New Scholarship: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/walter-robinsons-legacy-is-celebrated-with-honorary-doctorate-new-scholarship-2730182

- Rome’s New Colosseum Metro Station Is Stacked With Archaeological Treasures: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/rome-colosseum-metro-station-archaeology-2731534

- Is That a Real Berthe Morisot in the White House—or a Print From Walmart?: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/trump-white-house-morisot-walmart-2731458

- 8 Controversies That Rocked the Art World in 2025: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/8-controversies-that-rocked-the-art-world-in-2025-2728947

- Lewis Carroll’s Personal Copy of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Finds New Owners: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/lewis-carroll-rare-alice-in-wonderland-oxford-2731138

- A Look at the Spontaneous Yet Precise Drawings of Tobias Pils: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/tobias-pils-galerie-eva-presenhuber-2729918

- Basquiat’s ‘Onion Gum’ Reappears on the Market with a $21.5 Million Price Tag: https://news.artnet.com/market/work-of-the-week-basquiat-onion-gum-2731165

- Christie’s, Sotheby’s Report Increases in Annual Sales: Good News for Market Watchers: https://news.artnet.com/market/christies-2025-sales-results-uptick-2730928

The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

- Theaster Gates to create giant frieze for Obama Presidential Center: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/theaster-gates-obama-presidential-center

- Construction of Trump's White House ballroom continues despite National Trust for Historic Preservation lawsuit: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/trump-white-house-ballroom-construction-continues-national-trust-historic-preservation-lawsuit

- Following controversy, no names will be inscribed on Canadian monument to ‘victims of communism’: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/canada-monument-victims-communism-no-names-nazi-controversy

- Malba acquires collection of more than 1,200 Latin American works: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/museo-arte-latinoamericano-buenos-aires-acquires-daros-latinamerica-collection

- Christie's and Sotheby's end 2025 with increased sales, thanks to luxury goods, trophy lots and private deals: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/christies-and-sothebys-end-2025-with-increased-sales-thanks-to-luxury-goods-trophy-lots-and-private-deals

- Arts Council England review: reforms, endowment funds and tax incentives: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/endowment-funds-and-tax-incentives-uk-government-publishes-report-with-recommendations-for-arts-council-england

- Comment | When did US museum design get so boring?: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/comment-|-when-did-us-museum-design-get-so-boring

- A brush with… Olafur Eliasson: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/17/a-brush-with-olafur-eliasson

ARTnews.com

- LACMA Workers Vote to Unionize With AFSCME: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/lacma-workers-vote-to-unionize-afscme-1234767316/

- Libya’s National Museum Reopens After 14 Years: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/libya-national-museum-red-castle-reopens-after-14-years-1234767344/

- M+ Sigg Prize Winner, Jessica Silverman Takes on Trevor Paglen, and More: Industry Moves for December 17, 2025: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/m-sigg-prize-winner-jessica-silverman-takes-on-trevor-paglen-and-more-industry-moves-for-december-17-2025-1234767155/

- Bay Area Artist Mildred Howard to Receive Major Retrospective at Oakland Museum of California: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/artists/mildred-howard-retrospective-oakland-museum-of-california-1234767228/

- Two Days Into Walkout, Louvre Staff Unions Vote to Continue Strike: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/walkout-louvre-staff-unions-vote-continue-strike-1234767203/

- SFMOMA and Museum of the African Diaspora Name Cornelia Stokes as Inaugural Holder of Joint Curatorship Focused on African Diaspora: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/sfmoma-moad-cornelia-stokes-joint-curatorship-1234767170/

- Using Flight Simulators, Peggy Ahwesh Crafts an Elegy to a Disused Palestinian Airport and the Freedom It Represented: https://www.artnews.com/art-in-america/interviews/using-flight-simulators-peggy-ahwesh-crafts-an-elegy-to-a-disused-palestinian-airport-and-the-freedom-it-represented-1234766630/

- Short Film by Artist Alexandre Singh and Art Historian Natalie Musteata Shortlisted for an Oscar: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/short-film-artist-alexandre-singh-art-historian-natalie-musteata-shortlisted-oscar-1234767175/

- Five Essential Books About the NYC Art World: https://www.artnews.com/list/art-in-america/columns/five-essential-books-nyc-art-world-1234767083/

- AIPAD Names Exhibitors for 2026 Photography Show, to Give Artist and Scholar Deborah Willis Its 2026 AIPAD Award: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/aipad-2026-photography-show-ehibitor-list-deborah-willis-1234767045/

Hyperallergic

- Art Models Struggle for a Living Wage and Recognition: https://hyperallergic.com/art-models-struggle-for-a-living-wage-and-recognition/

- Remembering Ceal Floyer, Michele Singer Reiner, and Christine Choy: https://hyperallergic.com/remembering-ceal-floyer-michele-singer-reiner-and-christine-choy/

- The Trump Administration Looks Even Worse Up Close: https://hyperallergic.com/the-trump-administration-looks-even-worse-up-close/

- Pet Monkeys Were Popular in Ancient Rome, Burials Reveal: https://hyperallergic.com/pet-monkeys-were-popular-in-ancient-rome-burials-reveal/

- Nevada Museum of Art Presents the 2026 Art + Environment Summit: Under Pressure: https://hyperallergic.com/nevada-museum-of-art-2026-art-environment-summit/

- Why We Should All Be Worried About "Crusadercore": https://hyperallergic.com/why-we-should-all-be-worried-about-crusadercore/

- How Trump Impacted Arts and Culture in 2025: https://hyperallergic.com/how-trump-impacted-arts-and-culture-in-2025/

- Reach New Creative Heights at SVA Continuing Education: https://hyperallergic.com/reach-new-creative-heights-at-sva-continuing-education/

- The Year in Art Films: https://hyperallergic.com/the-year-in-art-films/

Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Artnet News

- 2,400-Year-Old Fingerprint Found on Plank Boat Sheds Light on Ancient Seafarers: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/fingerprint-scandinavia-oldest-hjortspring-plank-boat-2730747

- Was the Bayeux Tapestry Designed for Mealtime Reading?: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/bayeux-tapestry-canterbury-mealtime-reading-2730665

- Never-Before-Seen David Lynch Artworks Bound for Berlin Show: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/david-lynch-art-pace-berlin-2730623

- Where Is the Asian Art World Headed in 2026? 4 Insights: https://news.artnet.com/market/the-asia-pivot-recap-2025-2726775

- Stolen Hercules Fresco Found to Belong to Ancient Pompeii Villa: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/pompeii-hercules-fresco-location-2730508

- 5 Art World Wunderkinds Who Defined 2025: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/5-rising-artists-defined-2025-2726034

- L.A.’s Legendary Stahl House Makes Its Market Debut—With a $25 Million Price Tag: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/stahl-house-los-angeles-for-sale-2730179

- M+’s 2025 Sigg Prize Goes to Heidi Lau and Wong Ping: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/2025-sigg-prize-winners-2729598

- The 18th-Century Art Craze That Turned Monkeys Into Mirrors of Human Folly: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/art-bites-singerie-monkeys-2716648

- The Art Market Is a Rollercoaster. How Are Artists Handling It?: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/artists-market-2721213

The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

- 17th edition of Ecuador's Bienal de Cuenca has a playful theme but a serious tone: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/16/bienal-de-cuenca-ecuador-17th-edition-review

- Art Fund awards £1.2m to 29 UK museums to support ‘innovative’ projects: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/16/art-fund-awards-£12m-to-29-uk-museums-to-support-innovative-projects

- MoMA explores how African studio portraits offered a new vision of freedom: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/16/moma-explores-how-african-studio-portraits-offered-a-new-vision-of-freedom

- Comment | After a market shake up in 2025, it's time to create a right-sized art trade: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/16/comment-after-a-market-shake-up-in-2025-its-time-to-create-a-right-sized-art-trade

ARTnews.com

- Pussy Riot Labeled ‘Extremist Organization’ by Russia’s Justice Ministry: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/pussy-riot-labeled-extremist-organization-by-russias-justice-ministry-1234767119/

- Theaster Gates Tapped for Obama Presidential Center Installation Celebrating Ebony and Jet Image Archives: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/theaster-gates-tapped-for-obama-presidential-center-installation-celebrating-ebony-and-jet-image-archives-1234766967/

- Top Ukrainian Art Historian Believes Italian Museum Holds 14 Fake Russian and Ukrainian Modernist Works: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/top-ukrainian-art-historian-believes-italian-museum-holds-14-fake-russian-and-ukrainian-modernist-works-1234767043/

- Art Institute of Chicago’s 2025 Acquisitions Include a Painting by Kay WalkingStick and a 17th-Century South Asian Textile: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/art-institute-chicagos-acquisitions-2025-1234766979/

- “Little Foot” Hominin Fossil May Be a Formerly Unknown Species of Human Ancestor: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/fossil-possibly-formerly-unknown-species-of-human-ancestor-1234766824/

- For the First Time, Hong Kong Selects Not One But Two Artists to Go to the Venice Biennale: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/hong-kong-venice-biennale-kingsley-ng-angel-hui-1234766955/

- Malba Founder Eduardo Costantini Acquires Daros Latinamerica Collection in Major Expansion Ahead of Museum’s 25th Anniversary: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/malba-acquires-daros-latinamerica-collection-expansion-1234766956/

- Tuan Andrew Nguyen Selected for Next High Line Plinth Commission: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/tuan-andrew-nguyen-2026-high-line-plinth-commission-1234766942/

- Time for a Right-Size Art Market, National Museum of Libya Reopens, Somerset’s Cultural Awakening: Morning Links for December 16, 2025: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/time-for-a-right-size-art-market-national-museum-of-libya-reopens-somersets-cultural-awakening-morning-links-for-december-16-2025-1234766946/

- Sotheby’s Is Selling a Watch Gifted to Admiral Nelson Before His Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/sothebys-is-selling-a-watch-gifted-to-admiral-nelson-before-his-last-and-defining-victory-at-the-battle-of-trafalgar-1234766915/

Hyperallergic

- The 10 Best Art Films of 2025: https://hyperallergic.com/the-10-best-art-films-of-2025/

- Joseph Wright of Derby’s Candlelit World: https://hyperallergic.com/joseph-wright-of-derbys-candlelit-world/

- The Virginia A. Groot Foundation’s Transformative Grants Empower Artists: https://hyperallergic.com/the-virginia-a-groot-foundations-transformative-grants-empower-artists/

- What Exactly Is Calder Gardens?: https://hyperallergic.com/what-exactly-is-calder-gardens/

- The Mayor Is Present: https://hyperallergic.com/the-mayor-is-present/

- Art Problems: Am I Too Old to Fit In?: https://hyperallergic.com/art-problems-am-i-too-old-to-fit-in/

- Texas A&M’s Visualization Graduate Programs Merge Art and Technology: https://hyperallergic.com/texas-am-visualization-graduate-programs-merge-art-and-technology/

- The 2025 California Biennial Is Trapped in the Past: https://hyperallergic.com/the-2025-california-biennial-is-trapped-in-the-past/

- Training and Critiquing AI Through Art at WashU: https://hyperallergic.com/training-and-critiquing-ai-through-art-at-washu/

- Whitney Biennial Artists Revealed: https://hyperallergic.com/whitney-biennial-artists-revealed/

Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Artnet News

- Endangered Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Chicago Faces Uncertain Future After Foreclosure: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/frank-lloyd-wright-walser-house-foreclosure-2730213

- A Crumbling 16th-Century Roman Villa Is Getting a $41 Million Restoration: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/villa-silvestri-rivaldi-rome-47-million-restoration-2730149

- Ancient Colossi of Egyptian Pharaoh Reemerge After Decades-Long Restoration: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/amenhotep-iii-colossi-of-memnon-restoration-2729898

- $1.7 Million Dinosaur Skull Joins the Smithsonian Collection: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/pachycephalosaurus-dinosaur-skull-to-smithsonian-2729946

- Louvre Closes as One-Fifth of Workforce Goes on Strike: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/louvre-strike-2729747

- Unfinished Pompeii House Yields Secrets of Ancient Roman Concrete: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/pompeii-roman-cement-study-2729288

- The 2026 Whitney Biennial Reveals Its 56 Participating Artists and Collectives: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/2026-whitney-biennial-line-up-2729835

- Winston Branch’s ‘Visually Explosive’ Abstractions Go on View in London: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/winston-branch-goodman-gallery-london-2729569

- Pussy Riot Ruled an ‘Extremist’ Organization by Russian Court: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/pussy-riot-russia-designation-extremist-group-2721804

- Gloria Klein Pushed Abstraction to Its Limit. Now the Art World Is Catching Up: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/gloria-klein-anat-ebgi-crisis-management-2728311

The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

- 56 participating artists, duos and collectives revealed for 2026 Whitney Biennial: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/15/participating-artists-2026-whitney-biennial-revealed

- Pussy Riot branded ‘extremist organisation’ by Russian court: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/15/pussy-riot-branded-extremist-organisation-by-russian-court

- London's Brutalist Barbican Centre to close for £240m renovation: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/15/londons-brutalist-barbican-centre-to-close-for-£240m-renovation

- At Tokyo's National Museum of Modern Art, the anti-action art of Japan’s women artists finds a new lease of life: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/15/at-tokyos-national-museum-of-modern-art-the-anti-action-art-of-japans-women-artists-finds-a-new-lease-of-life

- Philadelphia’s former University of the Arts buildings become hubs for community and creativity: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/15/philadelphias-former-university-of-the-arts-buildings-become-hubs-for-community-and-creativity

ARTnews.com

- Mattress Factory Names Anthony Elms, Onetime Whitney Biennial Curator, as Artistic Director: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/mattress-factory-anthony-elms-artistic-director-1234766892/

- Trump Says Building ‘Triumphal Arch’ in D.C. Is Top Domestic Policy Priority: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/trump-dc-triumphal-arch-priority-1234766870/

- Bianca Censori Dips Her Toes Into Furniture Design and Performance Art: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/bianca-censori-furniture-design-performance-art-1234766850/

- Christie’s Power Broker Alex Rotter Opens Up About Market Confidence, Private Auctions, and his Beloved Jets: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/alex-rotter-christies-private-auctions-market-rebound-interview-1234766803/

- Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem Reopens For the First Time Since October 7 Attacks: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/banksys-walled-off-hotel-in-bethlehem-reopens-for-the-first-time-since-october-7-attacks-1234766810/

- Louvre Closed as Workers Begin Strike, in Latest Blow to French Museum: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/louvre-closed-as-workers-begin-strike-france-1234766783/

- A New Jersey Auction House Is Selling Jeffrey Epstein’s Art Collection—But Don’t Expect Any Masterpieces: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/auction-jeffrey-epstein-art-collection-1234766802/

- London’s Barbican Centre Will Close for One Year for $321 M. Renovation: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/barbican-centre-close-one-year-renovation-1234766813/

- The National Museum of Asian Art Returns Three Sculptures to the Kingdom of Cambodia: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/national-museum-of-asian-art-returns-sculptures-to-cambodia-1234766709/

- Whitney Names 56 Artists For 2026 Biennial That Promises Not to Simplify ‘Strangeness of Our Times’: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/whitney-biennial-2026-artist-list-1234766723/

Hyperallergic

- Artists Issue Urgent Call to Defend First Amendment Rights: https://hyperallergic.com/first-amendment-day-rally-in-new-york/

- The Sinister Plan to Demolish a Brutalist Icon in Dallas: https://hyperallergic.com/the-sinister-plan-to-demolish-a-brutalist-icon-in-dallas/

- Mamdani Pulls a Marina Abramović at a Queens Museum: https://hyperallergic.com/mamdani-pulls-a-marina-abramovic-at-a-queens-museum/

- All I Want for Christmas Is More Art Books: https://hyperallergic.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-more-art-books/

- These Are the Artists in the 2026 Whitney Biennial: https://hyperallergic.com/these-are-the-artists-in-the-2026-whitney-biennial/

- Guggenheim Museum Launches New $50,000 Art Prize: https://hyperallergic.com/guggenheim-museum-launches-new-50-000-art-prize/

- New York Academy of Art: Bringing Traditional Skills to Contemporary Discourse: https://hyperallergic.com/new-york-academy-of-art-bringing-traditional-skills-to-contemporary-discourse/

- A Visual History of No Kings: https://hyperallergic.com/a-visual-history-of-no-kings/

- Life According to Sylvia Snowden and Joan Semmel: https://hyperallergic.com/close-encounters-with-sylvia-snowden-an/

Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Artnet News

- 3 Predictions for the Art Market in 2026: https://news.artnet.com/market/art-market-2026-2728664

- Debbie Ma Builds a Visual Alphabet in Bridgehampton: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/debbie-ma-dmd-contemporary-2727395

- How PUNK Magazine Helped Shape a Global Movement: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/punk-magazine-ki-smith-gallery-new-york-2724150

Hyperallergic

- If I Had a Picasso: https://hyperallergic.com/if-i-had-a-picasso/

Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Artnet News

- How Jenny Saville Gets Under the Skin: ‘I Paint Until I Feel Something’: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jenny-saville-get-under-the-skin-2728049

- Jeffrey Epstein’s Janky Art Pops Up at Auction, and Here’s What We Learned: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jeffrey-epstein-art-collection-auction-2729103

- 9 Photography Moments That Defined the Art World in 2025: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/top-moments-in-photography-2025-2724794

- Lawsuit Seeks to Halt Construction on Trump’s White House Ballroom: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/trump-arts-impact-2639197

- 14 Festive Art Shows Lighting Up New York This Holiday Season: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/nyc-holiday-art-shows-2728515

- Rare 15th-Century Jewish Prayer Book With a Storied Past Is Bound for Auction: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/rothschild-vienna-mahzor-prayer-book-auction-2729048

- Rare ‘Jaws’ Props Emerge From the Deep, Head to Auction: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jaws-props-auction-2728952

- Bianca Censori Melds Flesh and Furniture in Her Surreal Performance Art Debut: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/bianca-censori-peformance-art-bio-pop-2728632

- Tate Director Maria Balshaw to Step Down: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/maria-balshaw-tate-2728573

- Annie Armstrong’s Final Dispatch: Farewell, 2025. Farewell, Wet Paint: https://news.artnet.com/market/annie-armstrongs-final-dispatch-farewell-2025-farewell-wet-paint-2726937

The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

- San Antonio Museum of Art repatriates nine antiquities to Italy: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/san-antonio-museum-art-repatriates-antiquities-italy

- Ceal Floyer—conceptual artist known for her minimalist, playful works—has died, aged 57: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/ceal-floyerconceptual-artist-known-for-her-minimalist-playful-workshas-died-aged-57

- Comment | The worlds of analogue and digital art may be splintering: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/analogue-digital-art-worlds-splintering

- All we want for Christmas: The Art Newspaper 2025 gift guide: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/all-we-want-for-christmas-the-art-newspaper-2025-gift-guide

- Frank Gehry remembered, Serpentine and FLAG Art Foundation prize, Joan Semmel—podcast: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/frank-gehry-remembered-serpentine-and-flag-art-foundation-prize-joan-semmelpodcast

- Banksy’s Bethlehem hotel, closed following 7 October attacks, reopens as ‘cultural platform that carries the narrative of Palestine’: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/banksys-bethlehem-hotel-closed-following-7-october-attacks-reopens-as-cultural-platform-that-carries-the-narrative-of-palestine

- Maria Balshaw, director of Tate since 2017, to step down: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/maria-balshaw-director-of-tate-since-2017-to-step-down

- Mosul’s heritage has seen a year of revival—will it be enough to bring back religious diversity?: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/mosuls-heritage-has-seen-a-year-of-revivalbut-is-that-enough-to-bring-back-religious-diversity

- ‘Lust for Life’: The Van Gogh book designed to fit in pockets of US soldiers during the Second World War: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/lust-for-life-the-van-gogh-novel-designed-to-fit-in-pockets-of-us-soldiers-during-the-second-world-war

- Taichung’s new ‘Museumbrary’ expands Taiwan’s culture credentials: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/12/taichungs-new-museumbrary-expands-taiwans-culture-credentials

ARTnews.com

- Tate Director Steps Down, Smithsonian Returns Khmer Sculptures, and More: Morning Links for December 12, 2025: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/tate-director-steps-down-smithsonian-returns-khmer-sculptures-and-more-morning-links-for-december-12-2025-1234766706/

- CEO of Canadian National Museum Departs After ‘Serious Code of Conduct Breaches’: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/ceo-canadian-national-museum-departs-1234766691/

- David Zwirner Benefit Exhibition Raises Nearly $1 M. for Ali Forney Center, Tripling Its Goal: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/david-zwirner-benefit-exhibition-raises-1-million-ali-forney-center-1234766485/

- New ‘Museumbrary’ Designed by SANAA Opens in Taichung: https://www.artnews.com/list/art-news/news/new-museumbrary-sanaa-opens-taichung-taiwan-1234766572/

- Pope Leo Repatriates Indigenous Artifacts from Vatican Back to Canada: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/pope-repatriate-indigenous-artifacts-canada-1234766573/

- TONO Reveals 2026 Festival Lineup Across Mexico City and Puebla: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/tono-festival-2026-lineup-1234766560/

- Why Is Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss So Important?: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/artists/gustav-klimt-the-kiss-why-so-important-1234766409/

- Trump May Demolish Historic D.C. Buildings With Priceless Murals by Philip Guston, Ben Shahn, and Other Artists: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/trump-dc-buildings-demolish-philip-guston-ben-shahn-1234766509/

- Artist Arrested at Art Basel Miami Beach After Chalk ‘Performance’ Involving His Daughter: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/art-basel-artist-arrest-chalk-performance-1234766521/

- Franco Vaccari, Artist Who Expanded Photography’s Possibilities, Dies at 89: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/franco-vaccari-artist-dead-1234766473/

Hyperallergic

- TIME’s “Person of the Year” Swaps Construction Workers for Tech Billionaires: https://hyperallergic.com/times-person-of-the-year-swaps-construction-workers-for-tech-billionaires/

- Joan Semmel’s Paintings Are Beautifully Disturbing: https://hyperallergic.com/joan-semmels-paintings-are-beautifully-disturbing/

- For Sylvia Snowden, Color Is Life: https://hyperallergic.com/for-sylvia-snowden-color-is-life/

- The Glitter and Doom of Lee Miller's Vision: https://hyperallergic.com/the-glitter-and-doom-of-lee-millers-vision/

- New York Graffiti Shows ICE Arresting the Statue of Liberty: https://hyperallergic.com/new-york-graffiti-shows-ice-arresting-the-statue-of-liberty/

- The Timeliness of W. E. B. Du Bois’s Philosophies: https://hyperallergic.com/the-timeliness-of-w-e-b-du-boiss-philosophies/

- Artist Connor Wright Debuts Solo Presentation: Alexa, Truth or Dare?: https://hyperallergic.com/artist-connor-wright-debuts-solo-presentation-alexa-truth-or-dare/

- The Year in Memes: https://hyperallergic.com/the-year-in-memes-2025/

Show notes for today's episode of The Daily Art Download — your ten minute crash course in today's art world news.

Artnet News

- Georgia O’Keeffe’s Beloved New Mexico Vistas Inspire Conservation Plan: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/georgia-okeeffe-ghost-ranch-conservation-2728062

- Tiffany Lamp Lights Up the Auction Block With Record $4.4 Million Sale: https://news.artnet.com/market/tiffany-magnolia-lamp-sothebys-sale-2728111

- This ‘Star Wars’ Painting Just Set a New Record at Auction: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/star-wars-painting-auction-record-price-2728082

- Authorities Hunt Thieves Who Stole 600 Artifacts From U.K. Museum: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/bristol-museum-theft-2727745

- Why Are UFOs Everywhere in Contemporary Art?: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/ufo-contemporary-art-2722708

- Ancient Humans Mastered Fire 400,000 Years Ago, Study Reveals: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/barnham-neanderthals-early-fire-making-study-2727820

- Media Missed the Story on Nnena Kalu’s Turner Prize Win. She Won Because She Made the Best Art: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/nnena-kalu-turner-prize-win-2727648

- Louvre Security Cameras Captured Heist—But Guards Weren’t Watching: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/louvre-security-cameras-captured-heist-but-guards-werent-watching-2727603

- Jasper Johns’s Landmark ‘Crosshatch’ Paintings Anchor Major Gagosian Survey: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jasper-johns-crosshatch-gagosian-2727233

- William Eggleston’s Last Analogue Images Shine in a New Monograph From David Zwirner Books: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/william-eggleston-david-zwirner-books-2726165

The Art Newspaper - International art news and events

- Made in LA biennial contemplates wildfires and immigrant arrests: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/11/made-in-la-hammer-museum-biennial-2025-los-angeles

- Revamped Nazi-loot restitution bill passed by US Senate: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/11/us-senate-passes-holocaust-expropriated-art-recovery-act-2025-nazi-loot-restitution

- Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams will co-chair 2026 Met Gala: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/11/met-gala-beyonce-nicole-kidman-venus-williams-co-chairs

- UK police hunt suspects in ‘high-value’ Bristol museum heist: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/11/uk-police-hunt-for-four-men-after-more-than-600-high-value-museum-artefacts-stolen-in-bristol

- Gérard Lhéritier, once master of the manuscripts market, found guilty of gang fraud: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/11/gerard-lheritier-once-the-master-of-the-manuscripts-market-found-guilty-of-gang-fraud

- Collection of 61 Matisse works—mostly portraying his daughter Marguerite—donated to Paris museum: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/11/collection-of-61-matisse-worksmostly-of-daughter-margueritedonated-to-paris-museum

- From hard borders to soft power: how did the art world fare in 2025?: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/12/11/how-did-the-art-world-fare-in-2025

ARTnews.com

- Protests Arise as New York’s New School Threatens Severe Cuts to Staffing and Programs: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/protests-new-york-new-school-cuts-staffing-programs-1234766368/

- Christie’s to Sell Billionaire Bill Koch’s $50 M. Collection of American West Artworks: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/christies-billionaire-bill-kochs-american-west-artworks-1234766251/

- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Repatriates 2,500-Year-Old Treasures to Turkey: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/virginia-museum-fine-arts-repatriate-turkey-1234766245/

- Rijksmuseum and Municipality of Eindhoven Will Partner on a New Museum: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/rijksmuseum-to-open-satellite-branch-eindhoven-netherlands-1234766232/

- Ceal Floyer, Artist Whose Sculptures Bend the Mind and Confuse the Eye, Dies at 57: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/ceal-floyer-dead-1234766206/

- Post-Fair Expands for Its Second Edition With Broader International Reach: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/post-fair-2026-santa-monica-exhibitors-1234766203/

- Paris’s Modern Art Museum Is the Proud New Owner of 61 Henri Matisse Works: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/paris-modern-art-museum-donation-henri-matisse-1234766196/

- UK Police Seek Suspects in “High-Value Burglary” at Bristol Museum: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/uk-police-seek-suspects-in-high-value-burglary-at-bristol-museum-1234766186/

- Vancouver Art Gallery and Modern Art Museum in Paris Receive Major Gift, Rare Illuminated Jewish Prayer Book Heads to Auction, and More: Morning Links for December 11, 2025: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/vancouver-art-gallery-and-modern-art-museum-in-paris-receive-major-gift-rare-illuminated-jewish-prayer-book-heads-to-auction-and-more-morning-links-for-december-11-2025-1234766179/

- A Searing Petition Protests Serbia’s Venice Biennale Pick, Calls Out the ‘Collapse of Culture’: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/petition-protests-serbia-venice-biennale-pick-1234766104/

Hyperallergic

- The Memes That Defined 2025: https://hyperallergic.com/the-memes-that-defined-2025/

- Art Movements: Big Museum News: https://hyperallergic.com/art-movements-big-museum-news/

- This $1M Picasso Could Be Yours for Just $117: https://hyperallergic.com/this-picasso-could-be-yours-for-just-117/

- Jeff Wall’s Post-Truth Photography: https://hyperallergic.com/jeff-wall-post-truth-photography/

- Taxes for Humans: A Radical Reimagining of Financial Empowerment: https://hyperallergic.com/taxes-for-humans-hannah-cole/

- Required Reading: https://hyperallergic.com/required-reading-762/

- Coreen Simpson’s Timeless Ode to Black Beauty: https://hyperallergic.com/coreen-simpsons-timeless-ode-to-black-beauty/

- A View From the Easel: https://hyperallergic.com/a-view-from-the-easel-139/

- Art Books We Loved in 2025: https://hyperallergic.com/art-books-we-loved-in-2025/