Art exhibitions are being cancelled because of recession

An Art News­paper survey suggests that a growing number of exhibitions are being cancelled because of the recession. They have identified over 20 important shows that have been axed (or, in a few cases, postponed) later this year or in 2010.

Their list almost certainly represents the tip of the iceberg. Many venues have not yet published their 2010 programme, and some unannounced shows that had been provisionally scheduled are being quietly dropped. Decisions may have been influenced by a number of factors, but according to their research financial concerns were key.

The situation seems considerably worse in North America than in Europe. This is probably because North American museums are much more dependent on private sponsorship and endowments—particularly hit by the recession—while Euro­pean institutions receive more government funding.