Art Industry News is a daily digest of the most consequential developments coming out of the art world and art market. Here’s what you need to know this Tuesday, December 21.

NEED-TO-READ

Artist and Curator Jenni Crain Dies at 30 – The New York-based artist, curator, and dealer Jenni Crain has died at age 30 from complications related to Covid-19. The young talent was known for her minimalist sculptures as well as her writing that furthered the legacies of women artists. She will have two exhibitions in 2022, at Gordon Robichaux and Kerry Schuss gallery. (ARTnews)

Brian Eno Is Not a Fan of NFTs – Musician and artist Brian Eno has said he—and, looking at the state of things, he alone—is not tempted to make an NFT. He didn’t mince words when asked to expand: “‘Worth making’ for me implies bringing something into existence that adds value to the world, not just to a bank account. If I had primarily wanted to make money, I would have had a different career as a different kind of person. I probably wouldn’t have chosen to be an artist.” (The Crypto Syllabus)

While Staff Was Cut, the Guggenheim’s Director Earned Big – New tax filings show that while the Guggenheim was laying off staff and cutting salaries, its director, Richard Armstrong, saw his total compensation rise by 40 percent in 2020, to $1.5 million. That year, 11 percent of the museum’s staff was laid off and senior employees (including Armstrong) had their pay cut by 25 percent. A large chunk of Armstrong’s earnings was due to a deferred compensation plan determined in advance of the pandemic; a spokesperson for the Guggenheim noted that the pay cut “did not apply to compensation earned in prior years that was paid in 2020.” (Hyperallergic)

Will Kids Actually Show Up to Holiday Art Programming? – Kid-friendly holiday programming has long been a staple of New York City cultural organizations. This year, it was supposed to double as a way to welcome families back during the school holidays after a long hiatus. But amid the latest surge of Covid-19 and new vaccination requirements for children five and over, many museums and theaters are left wondering: will anyone come? (New York Times)

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jeff Koons on His Show in Qatar – Jeff Koons is being especially Koonsy in a new interview to promote “Lost in America,” his ongoing retrospective at QM Gallery ALRIWAQt in Qatar. Of …….

Source: https://news.artnet.com/art-world/art-industry-news-december-21-2021-2052623