Trump backs away from military confrontation with Iran

Our daily round-up of news from the art world

Trump backs away from military confrontation with Iran | President Trump has made a statement at the White House indicating an attempt to de-escalate the crisis between the US and Iran. ‘Iran appears to be standing down,’ he said, following the Islamic Republic’s missile attack on two Iraqi bases hosting US troops. The statement comes a day after the President retracted threats, made over the weekend, that he would target cultural sites in Iran should the country retaliate against the US assassination of General Qassem Suleimani. The threats had received considerable backlash, with various organisations pointing out that it would break the terms of the 1954 Hague Convention, which protects cultural heritage during armed conflict. During a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister at the Oval Office yesterday, Trump told a reporter that ‘if that’s what the law is, I like to obey the law’.

Saudi Ministry of Culture launches first artist residency | The Saudi Ministry of Culture has announced the kingdom’s first ever residency for artists, writers and curators, which will take place in Jeddah. The seven candidates for Art Residency Al Balad will be selected via an open call for project proposals and each will be provided with a studio, accommodation and access to a library and wood workshop.

Joyce Foundation announces 2020 recipients of $50,000 award | The Joyce Foundation has announced the winners of the 2020 Joyce Awards, which recognises partnerships between artists and cultural organisations. Each will receive a prize of $50,000, and the selection this year was based on the themes of heritage, history and resilience. The four winners are listed on the Joyce Foundation’s website.