Todd Caissie steps into the executive director role at the Montclair Art Museum (MAM), succeeding Ira Wagner who is retiring after two years. Under Caissie's leadership and alongside Chief Curator Kate Kraczon, MAM aims for a 'people-centric' approach, highlighting emerging and underrepresented artists.

The museum’s new direction contrasts with traditional models where art museums are seen as gatekeepers of narratives. Caissie, an Osage Nation member, envisions the museum functioning like ‘an exploding sun’, spreading light and inclusivity across its exhibits.

Other notable changes in the art world include the appointments of Kevin Tervala at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Cathleen Chaffee and Jillian Jones at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and Shabbir Hussain Mustafa as artistic director for the 2028 Aichi Triennale. Artists like Low Kee Hong and Shintani also secure new galleries.

Meanwhile, the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago scooped a prestigious award, while Zavros won in Australia's Archibald Prize. In New York, Alan Michelson’s monumental sculpture 'The Oyster' on Governors Island nods to history as it celebrates modern artistry and environmental responsibility.