Frieze New York is set to unveil its 2026 edition from May 13 to 17 at the Shed, showcasing a variety of institutional collaborations and a newly established acquisition fund. This year's event will feature over 65 exhibitors and will partner with prestigious organizations such as the Whitney Museum, the Dia Art Foundation, and the Counterpublic triennial to present an array of performances and installations both within and outside the fair.
A highlight of this collaboration is the presentation of artist Jonathan González's work, Body Configurations (2023-25), a photographic installation featuring six C-prints commissioned for the Whitney Biennial. This installation will be prominently displayed on the sixth floor of the Shed.
During the fair, González will also perform magic hour-golden time (2026) on select exterior terraces of the Whitney, including areas typically inaccessible to the public, as well as on the High Line. Whitney Biennial co-curator Drew Sawyer praised González as a significant contemporary performance voice, emphasizing how his work engages with architectural and environmental themes, aligning with the Biennial's focus on infrastructure and relationality.
Additionally, the 2026 edition will introduce a new acquisition fund for its Focus section, thanks to the generosity of collector Michael Sherman and the Sherman Family Foundation. This fund, which will last for five years, will allocate $50,000 annually: $20,000 for two artworks and a $5,000 unrestricted award for each artist involved in the acquisitions.
The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum will each receive one artwork from this year's acquisitions. Sherman, also a trustee of the Baltimore Museum, expressed hopes that this initiative will foster relationships between artists and museums while supporting emerging voices in the art community.
Moreover, Counterpublic will present a site-specific installation and performance by artist Kite (Oglála Lakȟóta) in its upcoming third edition, titled "Coyote Time." Dia will showcase a series of moving image works by conceptual artist David Lamelas, including pieces such as To Pour Milk into a Glass (1972) and Time As Activity (1969-ongoing).
Dia's deputy director of program, Humberto Moro, noted that Lamelas's approach to time and place as non-linear enhances the resonance of both his works and the exhibition at Dia Chelsea, inviting audiences to engage with Lamelas's practice within the cultural context of the neighborhood.
Frieze New York 2026 promises a rich tapestry of performances and site-specific works that extend the art experience beyond gallery confines into the urban landscape, encouraging audiences to reflect on the dynamic relationships between bodies, environments, and time.
