Due to a policy not to allow political events, the Tate declined to host Tony Blair's shindig

“This is the only time in Iran that a cultural manager has been supported by artists like this”, he tells The Art Newspaper

Whilst the motivation behind his departure is unexplained, his career, driven by his reformist values, has left its mark on Iranian culture

Two heads are better than one, as the question of how best to preserve historic ruins is yet to receive a definitive answer

The costs of bringing "Iranian splendour" overseas will be covered by the Japanese royal family

In an article Bahrani wrote for the Guardian, she stated “[We have seen the] active destruction of the archaeological and historical record of the land”

The US-Iraqi academic has turned her attention to addressing the unauthorised excavation of archaeological sites

If an item is not immediately handed over to a “constable”, its owner could be receiving a prison sentence, even if he has legal title to the object

The Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago's decision to restitute a set of 300 ancient clays tablets to Iran is proof of strengthening ties

By expressing their wish to join an international cultural task force, Iran acknowledges the mutual cultural history that ties the two countries

President Aznar of Spain stated that cultural protectionism was “the refuge of a country whose culture is in decline”

The exhibition could raise money to repair the ransacked National Museum of Iraq

There on an official visit to gauge the level of damage done by looting, Pietro Cordone came out of the incident unscathed, although his interpreter was killed

Athens are still hopeful that the marbles will be returned, to be be housed in the currently unfinished New Acropolis Museum

Unesco sends out conflicting press releases

The Art Newspaper speaks to the museum's director Sami Azar about how a more progressive government brought about Iran's increasing acceptance of Western ideas

Mount of contention

What changes the election have wrought

A major report stresses the power of place

The deputy editorship of Die Zeit newspaper and a better pension prove too tempting for Michael Naumann

A stop on the Athens metro line has been introduced decorated with imitations of Parthenon friezes, in proximity to the Acropolis Museum's intended site

The textile trade, especially in carpets, will improve but metalworks and manuscripts are still restricted

The report of the national commission on the project is due 21 October

Austrian support for the Kurds leads to friction over archaeology

Tax mandates pertaining to the acquisition of art will be eased for both donors and foundations

Almost all Minoan antiquities assembled by former premier, Mr Mitsotakis, appear to have an illegal provenance.