‘New Cultural Programme’ Planned for UK

Our daily round-up of news from the art world

UK Culture Minister Announces Plans for ‘New Cultural Programme’ | Ed Vaizey, the British Minister of State for Culture, has announced on his DCMS blog that his department plans to bring out a White Paper on the Government’s programme for the arts, and has encouraged members of the public to share their ideas. Citing Jennie Lee – the UK’s first Minister for the Arts – Vaizey stated that he was ‘looking forward to seeing lots of lively debate that underlines our passion for the cultural sectors’, ensuring that they ‘continue to adapt and thrive for future generations’. On the same day as the Taxpayers’ Alliance lambasted UK local authorities for displaying only a fraction of the nation’s £3.5 billion art collection, Vaizey’s appeal may be a timely one.

Sotheby’s to Sell Collection of ‘Masterworks’ | Sotheby’s New York has announced the sale of the collection of A. Alfred Taubman, the notorious shopping mall tycoon and former owner of the auction house. Taubman, who died earlier this year, bought Sotheby’s in 1983 for $125 million and helped steer the business back to health after a difficult period. In 2001, he was convicted of colluding with Christie’s to fix prices and sentenced to 10 months in jail. Works coming up for sale from his collection include paintings by Picasso, De Kooning and Modigliani.

LCD Awards Shortlist Announced | The Leading Culture Destinations Awards announced its shortlist this morning, naming museums across the globe. The judges, who include PACE gallery’s Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst, designer Neil Barrett and musician Richie Hawtin face a tough decision choosing between the 31 institutions listed. The Rijksmuseum, Manchester’s Whitworth and the Whitney are among the strong contenders. Winners will be announced on 9 October.

Moretti Fine Art and Richard Knight Announce ‘New Venture’ | Dealers Fabrizio Moretti and Richard Knight have announced a joint venture under the banner ‘Knight Moretti’, to be based at Moretti Fine Arts’ gallery in St James’s, London. Knight, who is returning to independent dealing after 11 years at Christie’s, describes his new business partner as ‘one of today’s most impressive dealers’.

National Medal of Arts Recipients Revealed | Later this month, President Obama will present the prestigious National Medal of Arts to figures including artists John Baldessari, Ann Hamilton and Ping Chong. The award, which was the brainchild of sculptor Robert Graham and first issued in 1984, will take place at the White House on 10 September.