{"id":1795340,"date":"2026-02-25T11:00:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T08:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1795340"},"modified":"2026-02-25T11:00:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T08:00:44","slug":"the-irish-do-it-best","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1795340","title":{"rendered":"The Irish Do It Best"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><main class=\"gh-main\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"gh-article post tag-daily-newsletter tag-newsletter no-image\">\n<header class=\"gh-article-header gh-canvas\">\n<p>                Daily Newsletter<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"gh-article-title is-title\">The Irish Do It Best<\/h1>\n<p class=\"gh-article-excerpt is-body\">Basic income for artists turns permanent, Louvre director resigns, orchid extravaganza in NYC, and the Bronx artist who&#8217;s driving the right nuts. <\/p>\n<div class=\"gh-article-meta\">\n<div class=\"gh-article-author-image instapaper_ignore\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"author-profile-image\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/size\/w160\/2025\/11\/hyperallergic-favicon-d-blank-r-g-s-500.png\" alt=\"Hyperallergic\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"gh-article-meta-wrapper\">\n<h4 class=\"gh-article-author-name\">Hyperallergic<\/h4>\n<div class=\"gh-article-meta-content\"><time class=\"gh-article-meta-date\" datetime=\"2026-02-25\">February 25, 2026<\/time><span class=\"gh-article-meta-length\"><span class=\"bull\">\u2014<\/span> 5 min read<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<section class=\"gh-content gh-canvas is-body\">\n<p>Some countries deplete their budgets on guns and bombs, or tax cuts for billionaires, while others, like Ireland, prefer to spend that money on the well-being of artists. <\/p>\n<p>After a successful three-year pilot, the Irish government made its basic income program for artists permanent. Similar pilots have been launched here in the United States, but they&#8217;re supported primarily by the nonprofit sector. Perhaps American policymakers should read our report below for inspiration. <\/p>\n<p>On a separate note, please join me for a virtual chat with artist and <em>Hyperallergic<\/em> contributor Damien Davis on March 2 (3\u20134pm ET). Damien has authored some of our most talked-about articles in the past two years. We&#8217;ll discuss his art, writings, and the things that get him fired up about the art world. Hope to see you there.     <\/p>\n<p><em>\u2014Hakim Bishara, editor-in-chief<\/em><\/p>\n<hr>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-101-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\"><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"ireland-makes-basic-income-program-for-artists-permanent\">Ireland Makes Basic Income Program for Artists Permanent<\/h3>\n<p>The Irish government will give 2,000 artists unrestricted weekly stipends in a program officials described as a \u201crecognition, at government level, of the important role of the arts in Irish society.\u201d <\/p>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-cta-card kg-cta-bg-white kg-cta-immersive  kg-cta-has-img  \" data-layout=\"immersive\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label\"><span>SPONSORED<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/hannah-cole-1.png\" alt=\"CTA Image\" data-image-dimensions=\"1200x628\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content-inner\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-text\">\n<p><b><strong>Want a Free Visual Guide to Your Artist Tax Deductions?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>This clear, visual tax guide is like an IRS translator. Made by artist and tax pro Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax, it tells you exactly where to put each deduction for your art and how to keep it safe, legal, and IRS-proof. Stop missing deductions you\u2019re entitled to, and feel safe knowing you\u2019re doing it all right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                            Download the free guide<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"news\">News<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-102-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\"><figcaption><span>Resigned Louvre Director Laurence des Cars (photo Bertrand GUAY \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li>Louvre Museum President and Director Laurence des Cars resigns from her post after months of scrutiny following the\u00a0infamous jewel heist\u00a0last October.<\/li>\n<li>Manhattan DA drops all charges against photographer Alexa Wilkinson, who was arrested after documenting a protest at the New York Times headquarters last summer. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"from-our-critics\">From Our Critics<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-103-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1838\" height=\"1034\"><figcaption><span>Installation view of <\/span><i><em class=\"italic\">Inquietud. Libertad y Democracia<\/em><\/i><span> at La Casa Encendida, Madrid. (1996) (photo Lauren Moya Ford\/Hyperallergic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"the-disappearing-art-of-iberian-democracy\">The Disappearing Art of Iberian Democracy<\/h3>\n<p>The varied, confrontational works on view at Madrid\u2019s La Casa Encendida are reminders of the intense labor required to protect liberty. | Lauren Moya Ford<\/p>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-cta-card kg-cta-bg-white kg-cta-immersive  kg-cta-has-img  \" data-layout=\"immersive\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label\"><span>SPONSORED<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/Feb2026_RISDCE_Hyperallergic-1.png\" alt=\"CTA Image\" data-image-dimensions=\"1200x628\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content-inner\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-text\">\n<p><b><strong>Creative Courses and Certificates in a Format That Works for You<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Join the creative community at\u00a0<\/span><span>Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education<\/span><span>\u00a0from anywhere in the world. With in-person and online courses for adult students, along with flexible online certificate programs, you can pursue your passion, launch a career in art and design, or try something new.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                            Learn more<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"opinion\">Opinion<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-104-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\"><figcaption><span>Detail of Shellyne Rodriguez, \u201cPhoenix Ladder: Monument to the People of the Bronx\u201d (2025) (photo Andr\u00e9s Rodr\u00edguez von Rabenau)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"why-my-public-art-drives-the-right-nuts\">Why My Public Art Drives the Right Nuts<\/h3>\n<p>Bronx-based artist Shellyne Rodriguez has endured targeted attacks by right-wing groups and tabloids like the New York Post since 2023. This has led to threats to her personal safety and her dismissal from teaching jobs at two New York art schools. Now, her detractors are displeased with her public installation &#8220;Phoenix Ladder&#8221; in her home borough. Today, Rodriguez fires back, calling out the ill intent of her critics and defending her work as &#8220;an homage to the people of the Bronx, a lighthouse for our collective futures, and our witness.&#8221;<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"member-comment\">Member Comment<\/h2>\n<p>Christopher Vitiello on Claire Voon&#8217;s \u201cThe Curious Histories of Colors, from Beige to Heliotrop\u201d:<\/p>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-callout-card kg-callout-card-yellow\">\n<div class=\"kg-callout-text\">I thought this book was a cheesy coffeetable book. Then I opened it and couldn&#8217;t stop reading it. It&#8217;s delightful.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-cta-card kg-cta-bg-grey kg-cta-minimal    \" data-layout=\"minimal\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label\"><span>FEATURED OPPORTUNITY<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content-inner\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-text\">\n<p><b><strong>New York City Economic Development Corporation \u2013 Operator for the Harlem African Burial Ground Cultural Education Center<\/strong><\/b><br \/><span>NYCEDC seeks proposals from qualified parties to conceptualize and operate a cultural education center at the historic Harlem African Burial Ground in New York City, a site of deep significance for the city\u2019s Black and Indigenous communities in East Harlem. Read more on\u00a0<\/span><i><em class=\"italic\">Hyperallergic<\/em><\/i><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Deadline: April 6, 2026 |\u00a0<\/span><span>edc.nyc\/habg-rfp<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>See more in\u00a0this month\u2019s list of opportunities\u00a0for artists, writers, and art workers!<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"guide\">Guide<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-105.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\"><figcaption><span>Kansas Smeaton, \u201cMidsummer, Midnight\u201d (2026), at Felix Art Fair this week (image courtesy the artist and COMA)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"your-guide-to-fairs-and-shows-this-la-frieze-week\">Your Guide to Fairs and Shows This LA Frieze Week<\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s Frieze week in LA, and you already know what that means \u2014 artists, dealers, curators, and collectors flock to the Santa Monica Airport for the behemoth fair. But it&#8217;s far from the only one in town. Matt Stromberg has a run-down of the other seven fairs in the city this week, including Felix, Butter, and the Other Art Fair. His guide also features a handful of limited-run exhibitions and events coinciding with the fair scene for when you want a break from the booth-hopping.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"orchid-spectacle-in-nyc\">Orchid Spectacle in NYC <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-106-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\"><figcaption><span>Installation view of <\/span><i><em class=\"italic\">The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic\u2019s Concrete Jungle<\/em><\/i><span> at the New York Botanical Garden (photo courtesy NYBG)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"a-tour-inside-the-ny-botanical-garden%E2%80%99s-trippy-orchid-show\">A Tour Inside the NY Botanical Garden\u2019s Trippy Orchid Show<\/h3>\n<p>Classic city scenes become floral fantasies with thousands of blooming orchids in <em>Mr. Flower Fantastic\u2019s Concrete Jungle<\/em>, this year\u2019s pop-timistic iteration of a beloved annual orchid show. Greta Rainbow visited the opening and came back charmed.  <\/p>\n<hr>\n<ul class=\"post-tags\">\n<li>\n                        Daily Newsletter\n                      <\/li>\n<li>\n                        Newsletter\n                      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n<article class=\"gh-article post tag-daily-newsletter tag-newsletter no-image\">\n<header class=\"gh-article-header gh-canvas\">\n<p>                Daily Newsletter<\/p>\n<h1 class=\"gh-article-title is-title\">The Irish Do It Best<\/h1>\n<p class=\"gh-article-excerpt is-body\">Basic income for artists turns permanent, Louvre director resigns, orchid extravaganza in NYC, and the Bronx artist who&#8217;s driving the right nuts. <\/p>\n<div class=\"gh-article-meta\">\n<div class=\"gh-article-author-image instapaper_ignore\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"author-profile-image\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/size\/w160\/2025\/11\/hyperallergic-favicon-d-blank-r-g-s-500.png\" alt=\"Hyperallergic\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"gh-article-meta-wrapper\">\n<h4 class=\"gh-article-author-name\">Hyperallergic<\/h4>\n<div class=\"gh-article-meta-content\"><time class=\"gh-article-meta-date\" datetime=\"2026-02-25\">February 25, 2026<\/time><span class=\"gh-article-meta-length\"><span class=\"bull\">\u2014<\/span> 5 min read<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<section class=\"gh-content gh-canvas is-body\">\n<p>Some countries deplete their budgets on guns and bombs, or tax cuts for billionaires, while others, like Ireland, prefer to spend that money on the well-being of artists. <\/p>\n<p>After a successful three-year pilot, the Irish government made its basic income program for artists permanent. Similar pilots have been launched here in the United States, but they&#8217;re supported primarily by the nonprofit sector. Perhaps American policymakers should read our report below for inspiration. <\/p>\n<p>On a separate note, please join me for a virtual chat with artist and <em>Hyperallergic<\/em> contributor Damien Davis on March 2 (3\u20134pm ET). Damien has authored some of our most talked-about articles in the past two years. We&#8217;ll discuss his art, writings, and the things that get him fired up about the art world. Hope to see you there.     <\/p>\n<p><em>\u2014Hakim Bishara, editor-in-chief<\/em><\/p>\n<hr>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-101-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\"><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"ireland-makes-basic-income-program-for-artists-permanent\">Ireland Makes Basic Income Program for Artists Permanent<\/h3>\n<p>The Irish government will give 2,000 artists unrestricted weekly stipends in a program officials described as a \u201crecognition, at government level, of the important role of the arts in Irish society.\u201d <\/p>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-cta-card kg-cta-bg-white kg-cta-immersive  kg-cta-has-img  \" data-layout=\"immersive\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label\"><span>SPONSORED<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/hannah-cole-1.png\" alt=\"CTA Image\" data-image-dimensions=\"1200x628\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content-inner\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-text\">\n<p><b><strong>Want a Free Visual Guide to Your Artist Tax Deductions?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>This clear, visual tax guide is like an IRS translator. Made by artist and tax pro Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax, it tells you exactly where to put each deduction for your art and how to keep it safe, legal, and IRS-proof. Stop missing deductions you\u2019re entitled to, and feel safe knowing you\u2019re doing it all right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                            Download the free guide<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"news\">News<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-102-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\"><figcaption><span>Resigned Louvre Director Laurence des Cars (photo Bertrand GUAY \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li>Louvre Museum President and Director Laurence des Cars resigns from her post after months of scrutiny following the\u00a0infamous jewel heist\u00a0last October.<\/li>\n<li>Manhattan DA drops all charges against photographer Alexa Wilkinson, who was arrested after documenting a protest at the New York Times headquarters last summer. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"from-our-critics\">From Our Critics<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-103-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1838\" height=\"1034\"><figcaption><span>Installation view of <\/span><i><em class=\"italic\">Inquietud. Libertad y Democracia<\/em><\/i><span> at La Casa Encendida, Madrid. (1996) (photo Lauren Moya Ford\/Hyperallergic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"the-disappearing-art-of-iberian-democracy\">The Disappearing Art of Iberian Democracy<\/h3>\n<p>The varied, confrontational works on view at Madrid\u2019s La Casa Encendida are reminders of the intense labor required to protect liberty. | Lauren Moya Ford<\/p>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-cta-card kg-cta-bg-white kg-cta-immersive  kg-cta-has-img  \" data-layout=\"immersive\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label\"><span>SPONSORED<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/Feb2026_RISDCE_Hyperallergic-1.png\" alt=\"CTA Image\" data-image-dimensions=\"1200x628\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content-inner\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-text\">\n<p><b><strong>Creative Courses and Certificates in a Format That Works for You<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Join the creative community at\u00a0<\/span><span>Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education<\/span><span>\u00a0from anywhere in the world. With in-person and online courses for adult students, along with flexible online certificate programs, you can pursue your passion, launch a career in art and design, or try something new.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                            Learn more<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"opinion\">Opinion<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-104-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\"><figcaption><span>Detail of Shellyne Rodriguez, \u201cPhoenix Ladder: Monument to the People of the Bronx\u201d (2025) (photo Andr\u00e9s Rodr\u00edguez von Rabenau)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"why-my-public-art-drives-the-right-nuts\">Why My Public Art Drives the Right Nuts<\/h3>\n<p>Bronx-based artist Shellyne Rodriguez has endured targeted attacks by right-wing groups and tabloids like the New York Post since 2023. This has led to threats to her personal safety and her dismissal from teaching jobs at two New York art schools. Now, her detractors are displeased with her public installation &#8220;Phoenix Ladder&#8221; in her home borough. Today, Rodriguez fires back, calling out the ill intent of her critics and defending her work as &#8220;an homage to the people of the Bronx, a lighthouse for our collective futures, and our witness.&#8221;<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"member-comment\">Member Comment<\/h2>\n<p>Christopher Vitiello on Claire Voon&#8217;s \u201cThe Curious Histories of Colors, from Beige to Heliotrop\u201d:<\/p>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-callout-card kg-callout-card-yellow\">\n<div class=\"kg-callout-text\">I thought this book was a cheesy coffeetable book. Then I opened it and couldn&#8217;t stop reading it. It&#8217;s delightful.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-cta-card kg-cta-bg-grey kg-cta-minimal    \" data-layout=\"minimal\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label\"><span>FEATURED OPPORTUNITY<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content-inner\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-text\">\n<p><b><strong>New York City Economic Development Corporation \u2013 Operator for the Harlem African Burial Ground Cultural Education Center<\/strong><\/b><br \/><span>NYCEDC seeks proposals from qualified parties to conceptualize and operate a cultural education center at the historic Harlem African Burial Ground in New York City, a site of deep significance for the city\u2019s Black and Indigenous communities in East Harlem. Read more on\u00a0<\/span><i><em class=\"italic\">Hyperallergic<\/em><\/i><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Deadline: April 6, 2026 |\u00a0<\/span><span>edc.nyc\/habg-rfp<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>See more in\u00a0this month\u2019s list of opportunities\u00a0for artists, writers, and art workers!<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"guide\">Guide<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-105.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\"><figcaption><span>Kansas Smeaton, \u201cMidsummer, Midnight\u201d (2026), at Felix Art Fair this week (image courtesy the artist and COMA)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"your-guide-to-fairs-and-shows-this-la-frieze-week\">Your Guide to Fairs and Shows This LA Frieze Week<\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s Frieze week in LA, and you already know what that means \u2014 artists, dealers, curators, and collectors flock to the Santa Monica Airport for the behemoth fair. But it&#8217;s far from the only one in town. Matt Stromberg has a run-down of the other seven fairs in the city this week, including Felix, Butter, and the Other Art Fair. His guide also features a handful of limited-run exhibitions and events coinciding with the fair scene for when you want a break from the booth-hopping.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"orchid-spectacle-in-nyc\">Orchid Spectacle in NYC <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-106-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\"><figcaption><span>Installation view of <\/span><i><em class=\"italic\">The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic\u2019s Concrete Jungle<\/em><\/i><span> at the New York Botanical Garden (photo courtesy NYBG)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"a-tour-inside-the-ny-botanical-garden%E2%80%99s-trippy-orchid-show\">A Tour Inside the NY Botanical Garden\u2019s Trippy Orchid Show<\/h3>\n<p>Classic city scenes become floral fantasies with thousands of blooming orchids in <em>Mr. Flower Fantastic\u2019s Concrete Jungle<\/em>, this year\u2019s pop-timistic iteration of a beloved annual orchid show. Greta Rainbow visited the opening and came back charmed.  <\/p>\n<hr>\n<ul class=\"post-tags\">\n<li>\n                        Daily Newsletter\n                      <\/li>\n<li>\n                        Newsletter\n                      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n<section class=\"gh-content gh-canvas is-body\">\n<p>Some countries deplete their budgets on guns and bombs, or tax cuts for billionaires, while others, like Ireland, prefer to spend that money on the well-being of artists. <\/p>\n<p>After a successful three-year pilot, the Irish government made its basic income program for artists permanent. Similar pilots have been launched here in the United States, but they&#8217;re supported primarily by the nonprofit sector. Perhaps American policymakers should read our report below for inspiration. <\/p>\n<p>On a separate note, please join me for a virtual chat with artist and <em>Hyperallergic<\/em> contributor Damien Davis on March 2 (3\u20134pm ET). Damien has authored some of our most talked-about articles in the past two years. We&#8217;ll discuss his art, writings, and the things that get him fired up about the art world. Hope to see you there.     <\/p>\n<p><em>\u2014Hakim Bishara, editor-in-chief<\/em><\/p>\n<hr>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-101-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\"><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"ireland-makes-basic-income-program-for-artists-permanent\">Ireland Makes Basic Income Program for Artists Permanent<\/h3>\n<p>The Irish government will give 2,000 artists unrestricted weekly stipends in a program officials described as a \u201crecognition, at government level, of the important role of the arts in Irish society.\u201d <\/p>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-cta-card kg-cta-bg-white kg-cta-immersive  kg-cta-has-img  \" data-layout=\"immersive\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label\"><span>SPONSORED<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/hannah-cole-1.png\" alt=\"CTA Image\" data-image-dimensions=\"1200x628\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content-inner\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-text\">\n<p><b><strong>Want a Free Visual Guide to Your Artist Tax Deductions?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>This clear, visual tax guide is like an IRS translator. Made by artist and tax pro Hannah Cole of Sunlight Tax, it tells you exactly where to put each deduction for your art and how to keep it safe, legal, and IRS-proof. Stop missing deductions you\u2019re entitled to, and feel safe knowing you\u2019re doing it all right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                            Download the free guide<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"news\">News<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-102-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\"><figcaption><span>Resigned Louvre Director Laurence des Cars (photo Bertrand GUAY \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li>Louvre Museum President and Director Laurence des Cars resigns from her post after months of scrutiny following the\u00a0infamous jewel heist\u00a0last October.<\/li>\n<li>Manhattan DA drops all charges against photographer Alexa Wilkinson, who was arrested after documenting a protest at the New York Times headquarters last summer. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"from-our-critics\">From Our Critics<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-103-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1838\" height=\"1034\"><figcaption><span>Installation view of <\/span><i><em class=\"italic\">Inquietud. Libertad y Democracia<\/em><\/i><span> at La Casa Encendida, Madrid. (1996) (photo Lauren Moya Ford\/Hyperallergic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"the-disappearing-art-of-iberian-democracy\">The Disappearing Art of Iberian Democracy<\/h3>\n<p>The varied, confrontational works on view at Madrid\u2019s La Casa Encendida are reminders of the intense labor required to protect liberty. | Lauren Moya Ford<\/p>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-cta-card kg-cta-bg-white kg-cta-immersive  kg-cta-has-img  \" data-layout=\"immersive\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label\"><span>SPONSORED<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/Feb2026_RISDCE_Hyperallergic-1.png\" alt=\"CTA Image\" data-image-dimensions=\"1200x628\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content-inner\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-text\">\n<p><b><strong>Creative Courses and Certificates in a Format That Works for You<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Join the creative community at\u00a0<\/span><span>Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education<\/span><span>\u00a0from anywhere in the world. With in-person and online courses for adult students, along with flexible online certificate programs, you can pursue your passion, launch a career in art and design, or try something new.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                            Learn more<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"opinion\">Opinion<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-104-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\"><figcaption><span>Detail of Shellyne Rodriguez, \u201cPhoenix Ladder: Monument to the People of the Bronx\u201d (2025) (photo Andr\u00e9s Rodr\u00edguez von Rabenau)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"why-my-public-art-drives-the-right-nuts\">Why My Public Art Drives the Right Nuts<\/h3>\n<p>Bronx-based artist Shellyne Rodriguez has endured targeted attacks by right-wing groups and tabloids like the New York Post since 2023. This has led to threats to her personal safety and her dismissal from teaching jobs at two New York art schools. Now, her detractors are displeased with her public installation &#8220;Phoenix Ladder&#8221; in her home borough. Today, Rodriguez fires back, calling out the ill intent of her critics and defending her work as &#8220;an homage to the people of the Bronx, a lighthouse for our collective futures, and our witness.&#8221;<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"member-comment\">Member Comment<\/h2>\n<p>Christopher Vitiello on Claire Voon&#8217;s \u201cThe Curious Histories of Colors, from Beige to Heliotrop\u201d:<\/p>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-callout-card kg-callout-card-yellow\">\n<div class=\"kg-callout-text\">I thought this book was a cheesy coffeetable book. Then I opened it and couldn&#8217;t stop reading it. It&#8217;s delightful.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr>\n<div class=\"kg-card kg-cta-card kg-cta-bg-grey kg-cta-minimal    \" data-layout=\"minimal\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-sponsor-label\"><span>FEATURED OPPORTUNITY<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-content-inner\">\n<div class=\"kg-cta-text\">\n<p><b><strong>New York City Economic Development Corporation \u2013 Operator for the Harlem African Burial Ground Cultural Education Center<\/strong><\/b><br \/><span>NYCEDC seeks proposals from qualified parties to conceptualize and operate a cultural education center at the historic Harlem African Burial Ground in New York City, a site of deep significance for the city\u2019s Black and Indigenous communities in East Harlem. Read more on\u00a0<\/span><i><em class=\"italic\">Hyperallergic<\/em><\/i><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Deadline: April 6, 2026 |\u00a0<\/span><span>edc.nyc\/habg-rfp<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>See more in\u00a0this month\u2019s list of opportunities\u00a0for artists, writers, and art workers!<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"guide\">Guide<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-105.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\"><figcaption><span>Kansas Smeaton, \u201cMidsummer, Midnight\u201d (2026), at Felix Art Fair this week (image courtesy the artist and COMA)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"your-guide-to-fairs-and-shows-this-la-frieze-week\">Your Guide to Fairs and Shows This LA Frieze Week<\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s Frieze week in LA, and you already know what that means \u2014 artists, dealers, curators, and collectors flock to the Santa Monica Airport for the behemoth fair. But it&#8217;s far from the only one in town. Matt Stromberg has a run-down of the other seven fairs in the city this week, including Felix, Butter, and the Other Art Fair. His guide also features a handful of limited-run exhibitions and events coinciding with the fair scene for when you want a break from the booth-hopping.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2 id=\"orchid-spectacle-in-nyc\">Orchid Spectacle in NYC <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/2026\/02\/image-106-1.png\" class=\"kg-image\" alt loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\"><figcaption><span>Installation view of <\/span><i><em class=\"italic\">The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic\u2019s Concrete Jungle<\/em><\/i><span> at the New York Botanical Garden (photo courtesy NYBG)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"a-tour-inside-the-ny-botanical-garden%E2%80%99s-trippy-orchid-show\">A Tour Inside the NY Botanical Garden\u2019s Trippy Orchid Show<\/h3>\n<p>Classic city scenes become floral fantasies with thousands of blooming orchids in <em>Mr. Flower Fantastic\u2019s Concrete Jungle<\/em>, this year\u2019s pop-timistic iteration of a beloved annual orchid show. Greta Rainbow visited the opening and came back charmed.  <\/p>\n<hr>\n<ul class=\"post-tags\">\n<li>\n                        Daily Newsletter\n                      <\/li>\n<li>\n                        Newsletter\n                      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<article class=\"gh-card post\">\n<figure class=\"gh-card-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/size\/w600\/2026\/02\/4.SusanKlecknerUntitled.SusanKlecknerPapersRobertS.CoxSpecialCollectionsandUniversityArchiveResearchCenterUMassAmherstLibraries-1.jpg\" alt=\"Raw Material: The Art and Life of Susan Kleckner\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gh-card-wrapper\">\n<h3 class=\"gh-card-title is-title\">Raw Material: The Art and Life of Susan Kleckner<\/h3>\n<p class=\"gh-card-excerpt is-body\">This exhibition at Haverford College\u2019s Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery is the first comprehensive retrospective of the pioneering feminist, filmmaker, photographer, and performance artist.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"gh-card-meta\"><span class=\"gh-card-author\">Haverford College<\/span><\/footer>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"gh-card post\">\n<figure class=\"gh-card-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/size\/w600\/2026\/02\/3.-Paula-Rego-Untitled-2-1999-hi.jpg\" alt=\"Artists Thinking Out Loud: The IFPDA Returns to the Park Avenue Armory this April\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gh-card-wrapper\">\n<h3 class=\"gh-card-title is-title\">Artists Thinking Out Loud: The IFPDA Returns to the Park Avenue Armory this April<\/h3>\n<p class=\"gh-card-excerpt is-body\">The fair will bring together 80 exhibitors and an expanded focus on drawings in a nod to the medium\u2019s long-standing relationship with printmaking.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"gh-card-meta\"><span class=\"gh-card-author\">IFPDA<\/span><\/footer>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"gh-card post\">\n<figure class=\"gh-card-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/size\/w600\/2026\/02\/E2017.8-d1-2017-03-10-1.jpg\" alt=\"Detroit Institute of Arts Reinstalls African American Galleries at the Heart of the Museum\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gh-card-wrapper\">\n<h3 class=\"gh-card-title is-title\">Detroit Institute of Arts Reinstalls African American Galleries at the Heart of the Museum<\/h3>\n<p class=\"gh-card-excerpt is-body\">African American art history has often been underrepresented. \u201cReimagine African American Art\u201d invites visitors to discover transformative works across two centuries.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"gh-card-meta\"><span class=\"gh-card-author\">Detroit Institute of Arts<\/span><\/footer>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"gh-card post\">\n<figure class=\"gh-card-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/content\/images\/size\/w600\/2026\/02\/AdDigital-2400X1350-_Hyperallergic.jpg\" alt=\"Prisoners of Love: Until the Sun of Freedom\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gh-card-wrapper\">\n<h3 class=\"gh-card-title is-title\">Prisoners of Love: Until the Sun of Freedom<\/h3>\n<p class=\"gh-card-excerpt is-body\">The only US presentation of this exhibition by renowned artists Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme is on view at The Bell Gallery, Brown University. <\/p>\n<footer class=\"gh-card-meta\"><span class=\"gh-card-author\">The Bell<\/span><\/footer>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/hyperallergic.com\/the-irish-do-it-best\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;&#8221;] Daily Newsletter The Irish Do It Best Basic income for artists turns permanent, Louvre director resigns, orchid extravaganza in NYC, and the Bronx artist who&#8217;s driving the right nuts. Hyperallergic February 25, 2026\u2014 5 min read Some countries deplete their budgets on guns and bombs, or tax cuts for billionaires, while others, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,69],"class_list":["post-1795340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-hyperallergic-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1795340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1795340"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1795340\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1795340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1795340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1795340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}