As I’ve said, this is a really busy arts week in New York, not allowing me (at least) much time to reflect much here. But here are few developments worthy of notice.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum in KC has told reporters that it’s holding a 2 p.m. press conference on Friday for “an important announcement.” Sounds like, to me, a new director has been chosen to replace Marc Wilson, who announced his retirement last year. Any guesses on who it is?- No wonder the mood was good at The Art Show last night and that some auctions are doing better than expected. TEFAF – Maastricht, the great European fair that begins next week and is pictured here, has just issued The International Art Market 2007-2009, Trends in the Art Trade during Global Recession — and it found that “Wealthy buyers have been switching away from expensive cars, yachts and jets in favour of assets with long-term tangible value such as art and antiques. These ‘investments of passion’ have meant that, although the world market in art and antiques has suffered during the economic downturn, it has performed far better than expected.” The spread of wealth also bolstered the market. More here.
- The MacDowell Colony has chosen jazz composer Sonny Rollins as the 2010 winner of the Edward MacDowell Medal. (Last year, it was Kiki Smith.) Gary Giddins will be the presentation speaker at the award on Aug. 15.
