Panel Discussion/Talk

Writing Art History’s Front Page: Robin Cembalest on Journalism & the Cultural Moment

Monday, June 22, 2026
6 – 8PM

In a lively slide lecture, the veteran reporter and former longtime ARTnews editor reflects on her career and the future of art media — a story of personal growth and re-invention against the backdrop of vast changes in the art and publishing industries. From Artforum fact-checker to influential art journalist to her current status as educator and popular Instagrammer, Robin Cembalest has built a reputation as a respected art-world chronicler and mentor. In her talk, she recounts how she learned to embrace risk, put herself out there, and grow into her roles as gatekeeper and gate-opener.

Cembalest, the former longtime executive editor of ARTnews, has written for newspapers and magazines internationally, including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Village Voice, The New York Observer, El País, most of the major art magazines, and many other publications. On the occasion of her newly released, freely accessible archive of more than 150 articles, the program will explore how her personal and intellectual interests have evolved alongside broader transformations in the art world over the past four decades.

This event will also take place virtually.

Program Admission:

  • ArtTable Members – $20 in-person / $10 virtual
  • ArtTable Member Guest – $25 in-person
  • General Admission – $30 in-person / $15 virtual

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