A proposed bill, the Art Market Integrity Act, aims to amend the Bank Secrecy Act to make art dealers and auction houses comply with anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. The bill would also encompass art advisors, consultants, custodians, galleries, museums, collectors, or anyone engaged as an intermediary in the art selling business. Notably, artists themselves and businesses with less than $50,000 in annual art transactions would be exempt from these regulations.
In an examination of the growing trend of artists transitioning into therapy, Art In America highlights reasons behind this career shift. The skills required for both professions—soul-searching and navigating life’s complexities—are significantly overlapping. The steady, part-time nature of therapy can also complement an artist’s irregular schedule, making this profession appealing to creatives.
In the realm of urban design innovation, Detroit is experimenting with a pilotless litter-collecting vehicle at a city-owned beach. The BeBot is one of several mobile robots in Detroit that assist in cleaning and maintaining public spaces, as reported by The Byte. Similar innovations include snow removal, grass cutting along highways, and waste collection in the city.
Significant infrastructure improvements are underway at the Chicago Avenue bridge next to Bally’s Casino. Starting next week, construction will fully replace the temporary bridge and foundation installed in 2018. The project, expected to last until the end of 2026, includes upgrading Chicago Avenue with new bus-only lanes and a riverwalk connection, along with enhanced street lighting and bike lanes.
The development plan to transform Wicker Park’s Lubinski Furniture building into a residential complex has been scrapped due to setback requirement issues. Envoi Partners had envisioned a nine-story addition with seventy-five apartments while also housing art spaces and galleries. Before this proposal, Heaven Gallery had aimed to develop the building into an arts hub named Equity Arts.
Crain’s published a comprehensive report on the pressures facing Chicago restaurants amid changing consumer behaviors. One example is Manny’s Deli, which has suffered a significant loss in customers due to the rise of hybrid work schedules. The restaurant has been trying to adapt by cutting costs and adjusting operational hours while still seeing declining sales.
In brighter news, Kumiko has garnered international recognition, being named the world’s best bar at the Spirited Awards in New Orleans, particularly bagging the title for best U.S. restaurant bar as well. This accolade showcases the establishment’s prominent place in the global dining and drinking scene.
Nostalgia for beloved local eateries comes to the fore, with Chicagoans expressing strong sentiments about lost dining experiences. According to a Block Club aggregation of reader responses, Hot Doug’s—celebrated for its unique hot dogs—emerged as the most missed restaurant.
In a notable advancement for dining innovation, White Castle in Chicago plans to utilize Coco Robotics delivery bots for some of its Uber Eats orders. This integration is set to optimize delivery efficiency while also testing robotic technology in urban food distribution.
Uptown Lounge has now opened its doors early to serve coffee to commuters at the recently reopened Lawrence Red Line station. With a 4 a.m. liquor license, the establishment aims to create a community workspace combining a conducive environment for productivity with quality coffee offerings.
In recent film and television news, Siskel Film Center’s Rebecca Fons has been appointed head of cinema at London’s Barbican Centre. This significant career move underscores her extensive experience curating films and initiatives during her tenure at the Film Center since 2021.
As cultural discussions around the series “The Bear” deepen, commentary reflects appreciation for the show’s dedication to authenticity. Screenwriter Jessica Ellis noted the miraculous nature of the series getting made and staying true to its vision in an era of rapid cancellations. In a recent episode, co-stars Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce showcased the neighborhood of Bronzeville, illustrating the show’s commitment to representing Chicago’s diverse character.
The Chicago-based Deadly Prey Gallery is displaying hand-painted Ghanaian movie posters in Los Angeles, highlighting a unique art exhibition on mobile cinema. This collection celebrates cultural interpretations of global film narratives and presents a vivid display of imagination and artistic craftsmanship.
In media news, Alden Global Capital’s attempted acquisition of The Dallas Morning News has come to light. The bid was promptly rejected, as the newspaper’s board had already chosen to partner with Hearst for a separate acquisition. The dynamics around this failed deal emphasize the complexities of media ownership in the current landscape.
At Lollapalooza, tensions arise as critics voice concerns over the festival’s lineup and representation of R&B artists. Despite Chicago’s rich musical heritage, insiders express disappointment over the relatively few R&B acts featured at the event. There are calls for greater diversity within the festival lineups to honor the city’s musical contributions.
A partnership between the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Black Leadership Arts Collective will present a special recital aimed at honoring the legacy of Black artists within the operatic community on November 8. This event underscores a broader commitment to recognizing diversity and contributions in the arts.
Finally, Jackalope Theatre Company is gearing up for its sixteenth Living Newspaper Festival, inspired by historical works from the 1930s. This year’s festival promises five one-act plays exploring recent news headlines, marking a continued commitment to engaging with contemporary issues through theater.
image source from：newcity
