Ai Weiwei Challenges China’s Government Over Earthquake
News / Beijing
By Katherine Grube

The Chinese government rarely makes concessions to its citizens, especially when it involves allegations of governmental mismanagement and the actions of artist Ai Weiwei. However, the government’s unexpected announcement on May 5 that 5,335 students died in last year’s Sichuan earthquake appears to have been in response to efforts by Ai Weiwei and other Chinese activists to call the government into account for the deaths. [more]

Mr. Paik Goes to Washington
News / Washington, DC
By Dyer Cushman

The archives of Nam June Paik have found a new home in the American capital. The guardians of Paik’s estate chose the Smithsonian American Art Museum, as major museums in the United States vied for the thousands of objects, artworks and documents belonging to the late artist. [more]

Labor Abuses Reported on Museum Island
News / Abu Dhabi
By HG Masters

As construction is about to begin on Abu Dhabi’s new USD 27 billion museum complex, the emirate’s cultural-tourism development on Saadiyat Island has come under criticism for its treatment of laborers working there. On May 19, New York-based Human Rights Watch released an 80-page report documenting “forced labor” practices on Saadiyat Island during... [more]