UK politics

'Will the new UK government support the art market?'

The UK’s new culture secretary—the seventh in six years—has a lot on her plate, so whether the art market gets much of her attention remains to be seen

UK heritage minister says government has no plans to amend law that prevents museums from 'disposing' of objects

The 1983 National Heritage Act was debated in the House of Lords—but the issue of reform will be further discussed ahead of its 40-year anniversary in May 2023

Artist robot goes to UK parliament—and gives politicians nightmares

“Contemporary art project” Ai-Da gave evidence to the House of Lords, taking questions from bemused members

Art was never Queen Elizabeth II's passion—but her image was truly iconic

“You have to be seen to be believed,” was the Queen’s maxim for her own bold and supremely colourful attire

Mark Wallinger launches digital art project to raise legal funds for London pollution group

The Islington-based campaigners Nocado are fighting to prevent retailers Ocado and Marks & Spencer from setting up a depot adjacent to a primary school

UK court of appeal rules Colston statue toppling a 'violent' act—but protestors still 'not guilty'

Case was escalated after some Conservative MPs criticised the acquittal of the four protestors who removed the public monument

UK museums to temporarily close out of respect for Elizabeth II's funeral

Tate Modern and Southbank Centre will be open overnight to provide toilet facilities to those queueing to see the Queen's coffin

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, the British sovereign who perfected the fine art of monarchy

Over seven decades, the monarch used ceremonial, media and heritage to project soft power around the globe

Michelle Donelan named new UK culture secretary

The former minister for universities has been promoted under the new prime minister, Liz Truss

UK culture secretary Nadine Dorries resigns amid party leadership change

Dorries, the 10th culture secretary in 12 years, was closely aligned with former prime minister Boris Johnson

‘It’s time to ditch the culture war rhetoric’

The next UK prime minister should abandon the war on "woke" and return to nuanced debate

London foundry redevelopment still ringing alarm bells for heritage campaigners

Question mark over historic Whitechapel site a year after boutique hotel plan approved

Frieze announces galleries for London fair in October and doubles down on city's 'global reach' post-Brexit

Amid rising interest rates and continued supply chain havoc, the UK's premier contemporary art fair resolves to celebrate the capital's position as an "international centre"

UK prime minister Boris Johnson resigns—here are the art world's reactions

From Cold War Steve and David Shrigley's creative responses to Bob and Roberta Smith's warning that bigger issues are at play

Constable painting rehung at National Gallery after protestors glue themselves to frame

The campaign group, Just Stop Oil, has targeted famous works at Kelvingrove, Courtauld and Manchester Art Gallery

Victoria & Albert Museum director says it is time to change UK law that stops museums from ‘disposing’ of works

Tristram Hunt aims to start a “conversation” about the act next year, arguing that some items should be allowed to be restituted or deaccessioned

Activist group’s film projection on Victoria and Albert Museum façade raises concerns about trustees’ politics

The ethics of the South Kensington museum are in question after hosting Conservative Party fundraiser

Brexitnews

British sculptor Antony Gormley acquires German passport to battle ‘Brexit disaster’

Angel of the North artist now holds dual nationality and is ‘keen to retain links with Europe’

Public body Arts Council England at risk under new UK government review

Sector professionals raise concerns about minister Jacob Rees-Mogg’s intervention

Within hours of its unveiling, controversial Margaret Thatcher statue in Lincolnshire pelted with eggs

The bronze work was initially to be installed at the Houses of Parliament in London

Art marketanalysis

UK art market: too little, too late?

Britain’s share of the global market is at its lowest in a decade and art imports have plummeted. Without government action, experts say, the fallout from Brexit could devastate the industry

Anny Shaw. With additional reporting by Gareth Harris

British Council workers strike over planned cuts that could reduce arts team by up to 20%

The UK’s international organisation for cultural relations has been subject to a number of cost-reduction exercises in the past year amid a massive funding shortfall

Scathing UK parliament report deems £120m post-Brexit culture festival Unboxed an 'irresponsible use of public money'

But UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport defends the nationwide initiative, saying that it will help create jobs

British museums including Tate and V&A not part of UK government's new Saudi culture deal

The partnership, signed in February, will focus on collaborations in the film, museum and heritage sectors between the two nations

UK's £120m post-Brexit culture festival launches at last, lighting up Scotland cathedral

Government-funded initiative Unboxed costs £120m and will include an oil rig installation from the North Sea

UK arts 'levelling up' plan—designed to redirect funding outside of London—blasted by city's mayor

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries wants to redress "huge historic imbalance" in regional investment but mayor Sadiq Khan says it is "a devastating blow" to the creative sector