Notable Exhibitions and Events

• "Paris Noir" at the Pompidou Center: From March 19 to June 30, the Pompidou Center in Paris hosts "Paris Noir: Artistic Circulations and Anti-Colonial Resistance, 1950–2000." This exhibition showcases over 300 works by approximately 150 Black artists of African descent, highlighting their contributions to anti-colonial and civil rights movements. Curators Éva Barois De Caevel and Alicia Knock emphasize Paris's role as a hub for Pan-Africanism and decolonization during this period. ​

• "Veronica Ryan: Unruly Objects" at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation: Running from March 7 to July 27, this U.S. survey features around 100 sculptures by Turner Prize-winning artist Veronica Ryan. Known for transforming everyday materials into poetic forms, Ryan's work delves into themes of memory and cultural history. ​

• "Mestre Didi: Spiritual Form" at El Museo del Barrio: On view through July 13, this exhibition spotlights Afro-Brazilian artist Mestre Didi, renowned for his sculptures that incorporate sacred symbols from the Nagô Candomblé religion, crafted with materials like cowrie shells and beads.

Institutional Challenges and Policy Changes

• Executive Orders Impacting Cultural Institutions: The Trump administration issued an executive order targeting the Smithsonian Institution, aiming to eliminate what it describes as "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology." This move has drawn significant backlash from artists, academics, and politicians who view it as an attack on artistic freedom and diversity. 

• Funding Restrictions Affecting LGBTQ+ Arts: An executive order now prohibits the promotion of "gender ideology" by organizations seeking funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This policy has notably impacted LGBTQ+ art and theatre groups, leading to legal challenges and concerns over censorship. ​

Passings

• Fred Eversley (1941–2025): The art world mourns the loss of Fred Eversley, a pioneering figure in the Light and Space movement. Eversley's work, characterized by its exploration of light, color, and perception, leaves a lasting legacy in contemporary art.​

• Elizabeth Giorgis (1962–2025): Ethiopian art historian and curator Elizabeth Giorgis passed away, leaving behind a significant contribution to the study and promotion of Ethiopian art and culture.​

Sources:

• Culture Type: The Month in Black Art, Here's What Happened in March 2025

• AP News: 'Black Paris' Exhibition at Pompidou Center

• The Guardian: Artists React to White House's Targeting of Smithsonian Institution

• The Guardian: Trump's Attack on Funding for LGBTQ+ Arts

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