Three Weeks Out, Scope Basel is Without City Permits

"No Scope Here" read the angry protests of disgruntled Swiss residents inscribed on the field where Scope Basel hopes to hold their art fair. Neighbors aren't happy their children won't be able to use the park during the course of the fair, which runs from June 8-14th to coincide with Art Basel. According to local newspaper Basler Zeitung, it appears city law may work in their favor: Not only does the city stipulate the necessity of residential playgrounds, but it has also declined Scope's request for permits because the art fair did not specify what the public space would be used for. Scope has since sued the city, but three weeks out they still have no permission to build their tent. Art shipments are arriving to an empty field.  … Read More

Rose Art Museum's Meryl Rose Speaks Out Against Brandeis Claims

Brandeis University claims that the Rose Art Museum will continue to function in its original capacity. The museum's Board of Overseers thinks differently, however.  Earlier this week as a University-appointed Committee for the Future of the Rose continued its deliberations, Brandeis insisted that the museum would remain open. The statement followed nearly three months' worth of widespread public criticism following Brandeis's announcement that it would close the museum and sell nearly 6,000 pieces from its collection in order to offset the school's estimated $10 million budget deficit. Read More

Pay Cuts and Layoffs Announced at Pace

Sources report that Pace Wildenstein slashed employee wages 10-16% last week before announcing layoffs today; numbers are unconfirmed, though at least two lost their positions with the gallery.  The decision adds to unease felt amongst many arts professionals working in increasingly difficult economic times, as many New York institutions have downsized their staffs and in some cases, closed. Pace delivered their decision following similar news from Gagosian gallery. Thus far, Gagosian has only gone so far as to freeze raises; rumors that the gallery will institute these cuts are reportedly making their rounds.  Both Gagosian and Pace Wildenstein have been contacted for comment. Neither returned yesterday’s email messages or phone ca… Read More

Lawrence Salander Indicted on 100 Counts for Fraud

Detained at 7:45 a.m., the Old Master dealer Lawrence B. Salander, along with Salander-O’Reilly Galleries, founded in 1976, were served with a 100-count indictment for stealing $88 million from over two dozen investors and clients.   Read More