Josh Kline's viral essay and Remuseum's Vanguard Award challenge art world centralization

In his essay titled 'New York Real Estate and the Ruin of American Art,' released in October, Josh Kline contends that escalating property prices in New York and Los Angeles are detrimental to the American art scene, as they inflate costs for artists and lead to the closure of artist-led venues. He suggests that emerging artists consider moving to more affordable locations. In a proactive response, Remuseum, initiated by the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas, introduced the Vanguard Award for Innovative Arts Leaders in collaboration with the Doris Duke Foundation. This initiative provides ten arts leaders with a $100,000 grant and a year-long residency to explore new concepts. Stephen Reily, Remuseum's director, highlights the importance of revitalizing 'the spirit of the artists.' Kline ultimately asserts that New York no longer merits the aspirations of young creatives, while also warning about the potential for displacement in less expensive cities.