Desert X faces cancellations over environmental concerns and Saudi Arabia partnership backlash

Environmental concerns have forced the cancellation of Judy Chicago's planned smoke installation for Desert X, the Coachella Valley biennial. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert withdrew as host site due to fears that the temporary colored smoke would disturb protected bighorn sheep populations. Chicago, a veteran feminist artist, intended the work as commentary on environmental destruction within male-dominated land art traditions, using a medium she began exploring in the 1960s. This setback follows Palm Springs' recent decision to cancel $30,000 in public funding for Desert X, specifically for Christopher Myers' installation of six sculptures titled 'Altanviro and Loper'. City council members objected to Desert X's 2023 partnership with Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for Al Ula for an exhibition in Al Ula, a region being developed as a heritage destination. Councilor Geoff Kors publicly criticized the organization for accepting Saudi funding, drawing parallels to artistic collaborations with Nazi Germany and apartheid South Africa. Desert X board members Ed Ruscha, Yael Lipschutz, and Tristan Milanovic resigned over the Saudi partnership deal. Kors specifically cited Saudi Arabia's execution of 37 people in public executions, including Shia minorities and allegedly gay men, as incompatible with Palm Springs' human rights stance. The biennial continues to face operational challenges amid these controversies.