A Global Art Fair at Powerhouse Arts

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart interviews Eric Shiner, President of Powerhouse Arts, about the upcoming Conductor Art Fair of the Global Majority, a groundbreaking art exhibition hosted at the former industrial power station in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The fair, running from April 30 to May 3, 2026, features 28 international galleries and 17 self-representing artists from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Indigenous nations—regions often underrepresented in mainstream art markets. Shiner explains the fair’s mission to reimagine the art fair model as a platform for global pluralism, radical expression, and intergenerational dialogue, emphasizing ethical collecting and cultural exchange. Highlights include interactive installations like Trong Gia Nguyen’s car trunk karaoke, which challenges audiences to recite global news headlines, and Edra Soto’s wall sculptures inspired by Puerto Rican stoop railings. The event also includes panel discussions on collecting practices and placemaking, underscoring its academic and social depth. Shiner envisions the fair growing into a major international fixture, fostering connection in a time of global political tension. The episode underscores the power of art as a vehicle for global dialogue, equity, and resilience. Key takeaways include the importance of centering marginalized voices in cultural institutions, the role of public space and architecture in artistic expression, and the potential of interactive art to provoke reflection amid global crises. The fair’s commitment to preserving the building’s graffiti history adds a layer of authenticity, turning the venue itself into a living artwork. Ultimately, the Conductor Art Fair is portrayed not just as an exhibition, but as a living act of resistance and hope.