Welcome to the January–February 2026 edition of Offaly Arts Alert – your go-to source for arts news, events, and opportunities from Offaly County Council’s Arts Office.

Our mission is to share updates that inspire creativity and strengthen access to the arts across Offaly.

Link to the latest issue HERE https://www.offaly.ie/occ_news/offaly-arts-alert-january-february-2026-issue-17/
- click and explore what’s happening in Offaly’s vibrant arts scene!

@offalycountycouncil @eskerarts @birrtheatre @cpedenderry

#arts #artsnews #offalyarts

Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center

The opera, which has performed at the arts center since 1971, was concerned about declines in attendance and donations during President Trump’s second term.

The New York Times
After 50 Years, the Magic Circle (Finally) Inducts Penn & Teller

There had been resistance to admitting the duo because of their willingness to reveal the secrets behind their illusions. But it was always more complicated than that.

The New York Times
It is hard not to see Creative Australia's backflip on Khaled Sabsabi's selection as the Australian exhibition at the Venice Biennale 2026 as anything more than political pandering. What hope is there for National Cultural Policy Revive and the Creative Australia agency itself if we see a change of government at the federal election?
https://eb.wtf/3CZUidV
#ArtsNews #CreativeAustralia #KhaledSabsabi #VeniceBiennale
Artists criticise Creative Australia's decision to drop Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino from Venice Biennale 2026

Artists shortlisted to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale have spoken out against Creative Australia's decision to pull Lebanese Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi from the role.

ABC News
Update: Tony Burke will retain the arts portfolio as well as taking on new ministerial responsibilities.
It looks like Tony Burke is taking on the home affairs and immigration portfolios. It seems unlikely he will also hold the arts portfolio so we could be looking at a new arts minister.
#AusPol #ArtsNews #artsAUnews
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-28/anthony-albanese-reshuffles-cabinet-clare-oneil-andrew-giles/104141974
Anthony Albanese moves Clare O'Neil, Andrew Giles and promotes Malarndirri McCarthy in cabinet reshuffle

The prime minister has unveiled his new-look frontbench as he seeks to refresh his cabinet ahead of the next federal election. 

ABC News
Quebec unions representing 420,000 public sector workers start weeklong strike

The temporary strike in comes after the common front rejected the Quebec’s most recent contract offer, which includes a salary increase of 12.7 per cent over five years

The Globe and Mail

Congrats, @pollyirungu! And with words by the great @heyerinevans!
---
RT @ArtsJournalNews
How One Young Photographer Changed The Game For Herself And Her Peers:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/polly-irungu-culture-shifters-2023_n_63d9682ee4b01e92886d8cf3 #arts #artsnews

When editors said they couldn't find Black photographers during the George Floyd protests, journalist and photographer Polly Irungu transformed her social media .…
https://twitter.com/ArtsJournalNews/status/1629866389103169541

How Polly Irungu Created Space For Black Women Photographers — And Got Them Hired

In 2020, Irungu disrupted the media industry with her organization — and provided a lifeline for other Black women like her.

HuffPost

Who should I add to my list for #ArtsNews on Mastodon. Especially for visual arts and culture?

So far I've got
@artmonthly
@colossal
@openculture

Who else?

#arts #culture #ContemporaryArt