8, Oct 2026
Artprice Releases its 33rd Annual Contemporary Art Market Report for 2026: Record Transactions, Price Trends, the Balance of Market Power, and Artists from the Global South
PARIS, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ahead of the openings of Frieze London and Art Basel Paris, Artprice announces the publication of its 33rd annual Contemporary Art Market Report, examining a market undergoing profound change.
Artprice’s 2026 Contemporary Art Market Report cover, featuring I See Generative: Chapter 0, Wind, ISG 018 (2026) by Iskra Velitchkova
“Compiling this 33rd Contemporary Art Market Report has been an exhilarating investigation into why, despite the long-awaited recovery, the way this market operates is on the verge of change.” — thierry Ehrmann, Chairman of Artmarket.com and Founder of Artprice
A More Active Market Without Higher Prices
From July 2025 through June 2026, the global art market returned decisively to growth, with fine art auction sales increasing by 41%. This momentum, however, owes less to contemporary art than to modern and postwar works.
After three consecutive years of decline, contemporary art also returned to growth, albeit more modestly, with sales value rising 6%. Growth was stronger in volume terms, at 9%, and the number of lots sold set a new record for the sixth consecutive year. Three of those records were achieved while sales value was declining: activity continued to expand even at the height of the correction. The segment for artists under 40, however, continued to contract, falling 26.6%. Despite the overall improvement, the gap between these two segments and the rest of the market widened this year.
The report examines the drivers of the recovery in detail, in both volume and value terms. It also revisits the correction affecting ultra-contemporary art, which is reversing some of the speculative price surges and gradually bringing prices back toward more sustainable levels, without preventing occasional bursts of enthusiasm.
CONTEMPORARY ART AUCTION SALES SINCE 2000
Growth Led by the United States
The global contemporary art market, as analyzed by Artprice, spans 64 countries, 558 cities with active auction markets, and 1,055 auction houses this year. Behind this broad geographic reach lies a far more concentrated reality: most sales value remains clustered in a handful of major market centers, while new growth hubs are emerging, particularly in Asia. This geography of sales reveals both the market’s economic balance and the power relationships that shape it. It can be understood on two levels: the geographic distribution of sales, which measures the relative weight of countries and market centers; and the circulation of million-dollar masterpieces, true trophies that trace an even more selective map of power in the art market.
The current growth has a clear geographic signature. The increase in global contemporary art auction sales amounts to approximately $100 million, and that entire $100 million gain was recorded in the United States during the reporting period.
The United States alone accounts for the bulk of market growth. This result, however, requires some qualification: the apparent strength of the high end of the U.S. market owes much to two Basquiat paintings that sold exceptionally well. Their outsized impact should not be mistaken for a broad-based underlying trend. U.S. dominance extends beyond sales volume to artists’ price rankings: American artists account for half of all million-dollar sales during the reporting period.
China, by contrast, recorded a marked decline. Still the world’s second-largest market, it saw auction sales fall 18%. It nevertheless retained around 40 million-dollar results, recorded primarily in Hong Kong and Beijing. At the same time, other Asian markets are recovering, led by South Korea, where the Seoul market is strengthening.
In Europe, the United Kingdom, the world’s third-largest market by sales value, remained stable, while France posted growth of 22%. France’s most striking result was the increase in its number of transactions, up 18% year over year, placing it third worldwide by volume, behind the United States and the United Kingdom, and confirming the depth of its auction market.
Further behind, the Middle East continues to account for a limited share of the global market, despite its steadily strengthening institutional base. Its auction sales fell 28%, a contraction largely attributable to the Gulf countries amid a sharply deteriorating geopolitical environment.
Understanding How Prices Are Formed
Long-term price adjustments, rising fees, and geopolitical instability: these combined pressures call into question the image of an increasingly globalized contemporary art market. They make a nuanced understanding of price formation and volatility all the more essential—an understanding central to the services developed by Artprice.
Drawing on worldwide auction results for more than 60,000 contemporary artists between July 2025 and June 2026, this report has long been an industry reference. Professionals, seasoned collectors, journalists, art enthusiasts, and students will find a precise analysis of the trends, structural changes, and dynamics reshaping the market.
Download it now for a data-driven view of the major changes underway, along with the ranking of the top 500 contemporary artists by auction performance.
French version:
https://fr.artprice.com/artprice-reports/le-marche-de-lart-contemporain-2026
English version:
https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2026
Dialogue Between a Thinker and AI
The world-book Dialogue Between a Thinker and AI by thierry Ehrmann, founder of Artprice and an AI pioneer as early as 1987, explores, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the definition of the author and the work, invisible artistic currents, and art market information in an age of ubiquitous AI.
In his words: “Beyond established schools and declared manifestos, AI maps the artistic constellation by picking up weak signals and developments emerging beneath the market’s surface.” He adds: “AI deciphers the field of aesthetic forces to detect geometries of rupture invisible to the traditional eye.”
thierry Ehrmann submits his 1,800 pages for critical assessment by nine AI engines that stand out as major players today: OpenAI with ChatGPT 6; Google with the DeepMind ecosystem, Gemini Ultra, and Project Astra; as well as Grok, DeepSeek, Perplexity, Mistral, Qwen, Copilot, and Meta.
Available to download free of charge:
https://www.dialoguebetweenathinkerandai.com/en/
The Annual Contemporary and Ultra-Contemporary Art Market Report
Artprice.com by Artmarket
Market Overview
Analyzing the Recovery
Art Prices
A Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
The Geography of Trophy Works
The Nationalities Behind Million-Dollar Sales
Artists Under 40
The Strength of Chinese Artists
The Role of Major Galleries
The Representation of Women
An Increasingly Prominent Global South
Middle East
India
Indonesia
Latin America and South America
Auction House Specialists Comment on the Contemporary Art Market
Top 500 Contemporary Artists
Top 100 Contemporary Artworks
Methodology
This report analyzes all public auction sales of fine art—painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, prints, video, installation, and tapestry—and NFTs, excluding antiques, anonymous cultural objects, and furniture. It covers worldwide auction results recorded by Artprice by Artmarket from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, for artists born after 1945 (contemporary art), with a focus on artists under 40 (ultra-contemporary art).
All prices stated in this report refer to public auction results, including buyer’s premiums. All references to $ denote U.S. dollars.
Images :
[https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2026/10/img1-artprices-2026-contemporary-art-market-report-cover-featuring-i-see-generative-chapter-0-wind-isg-018-2026-by-iskra-velitchkova.jpg] [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2026/10/img2-contemporary-art-auction-sales-since-2000.jpg]
Copyright 1987-2026 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com – www.artmarket.com
Artprice’s econometrics department can answer all your questions relating to personalized statistics and analyses: econometrics@artprice.com
Find out more about our services with the artist in a free demonstration: https://artprice.com/demo
Our services: https://artprice.com/subscription
About Artmarket.com:
Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris. The latest TPI analysis includes more than 18,000 individual shareholders excluding foreign shareholders, companies, banks, FCPs, UCITS: Euroclear: 7478 – Bloomberg: PRC – Reuters: ARTF.
Watch a video about Artmarket.com and its Artprice department: https://artprice.com/video
Artmarket and its Artprice department were founded in 1997 by thierry Ehrmann, the company’s CEO. They are controlled by Groupe Serveur (created in 1987). cf. the certified biography from Who’s Who In France©:
Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information (the original documentary archives, codex manuscripts, annotated books and auction catalogs acquired over the years) in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 920,300 artists.
Artprice Images® allows unlimited access to the largest art market image bank in the world with no less than 181 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians.
Artmarket, with its Artprice department, constantly enriches its databases from 7,200 auction houses and continuously publishes art market trends for the main agencies and press titles in the world in 121 countries and 11 languages.
Artmarket.com makes available to its 9.3 million members (members log in) the advertisements posted by its Members, who now constitute the first global Standardized Marketplace® for buying and selling artworks at fixed prices.
There is now a future for the Art Market with Artprice’s Intuitive Artmarket® AI.
Artmarket, with its Artprice department, has twice been awarded the State label “Innovative Company” by the French Public Investment Bank (BPI), which has supported the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the art market.
Artprice by Artmarket publishes its 2026 Contemporary Art Market Report:
https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2026
Artprice by Artmarket publishes its 2025 Global Art Market Annual Report, published in March 2026:
https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2025
Summary of Artmarket press releases with its Artprice department: https://serveur.serveur.com/artmarket/press-release/en/
Follow all the Art Market news in real-time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter:
www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (more than 6.3 million subscribers)
x.com/artmarketdotcom
x.com/artpricedotcom
Discover the alchemy and the universe of Artmarket and its Artprice department: https://www.artprice.com/video
whose head office is the famous Museum of Contemporary Art Abode of Chaos dixit The New York Times / La Demeure of Chaos:
https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013
Madame Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture, has granted official recognition to thierry Ehrmann’s Abode of Chaos as a ‘total work of art’, the global headquarters of Artprice by Artmarket.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/madame-rachida-dati-french-minister-of-culture-has-granted-official-recognition-to-thierry-ehrmanns-abode-of-chaos-as-a-total-work-of-art-the-global-headquarters-of-artprice-by-artmarket-302409684.html
La Demeure du Chaos/Abode of Chaos – Total Work of Art and Singular Architecture.
Confidential bilingual work, now made public: https://ftp1.serveur.com/abodeofchaos_singular_architecture.pdf
• L’Obs – The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o
• https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 (more than 3,9 million subscribers)
• https://vimeo.com/124643720
Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department – Contact: Thierry Ehrmann, ir@artmarket.com
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- By Sai Krishna
8, Oct 2026
Gas Liquids Engineering Completes Detailed Engineering for Enhance Energy’s Origins Carbon Capture and Storage Hub
CALGARY, AB, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gas Liquids Engineering Ltd. (GLE) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its detailed engineering scope for Enhance Energy Inc.’s Origins Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Hub near Clive, Alberta.
GLE provided engineering services for the Origins CO₂ pipeline and associated facilities connecting existing transportation infrastructure to Enhance Energy’s new Origins CO₂ sequestration hub.
“This is an important milestone for both CCS in Alberta and GLE, and we are proud to see Enhance’s Origins project move into construction,” said Stuart MacKenzie, President and CEO of Gas Liquids Engineering. “GLE has been involved in the development of carbon capture, transportation and sequestration infrastructure in Alberta for many years, and their project represents another significant step in the growth of that industry. We are pleased to continue our work with Enhance Energy on infrastructure that builds on Alberta’s existing carbon capture network.”
GLE’s engineering incorporated pipeline hydraulics, process and mechanical design, civil and structural engineering, electrical and instrumentation systems, controls and telecommunications, pipeline integrity, safety systems and construction requirements.
Construction of Origins is now underway, with the project expected to enter service in early 2027.
About Gas Liquids Engineering
Gas Liquids Engineering Ltd. is a Calgary-based engineering firm specializing in oil, natural gas processing, gas and energy infrastructure projects worldwide. Since its founding in 1987, GLE has delivered comprehensive engineering solutions for natural gas processing, liquids handling, pipelines, compression, carbon capture and sequestration, power generation, renewable fuels and export facilities.
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8, Oct 2026
Skydance Debuts on NYSE Following ‘Historic’ Media Merger: NYSE Content Update
NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.
NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins.
Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on October 8th
- Skydance officially debuted this week as Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery come together.
- The company says its mission is to build the next-generation global media + entertainment company powered by creativity and technology.
- In a statement, Chairman and CEO David Ellison said this marks a ‘historic’ moment for the entire industry.
- Skydance shares began trading on the NYSE this past Tuesday under the ticker symbol SKYD.
- New York Comic Con 2026, which is the 20th anniversary of the event, kicks off today from the Javits Center in New York City.
- The event is organized by RX, the dedicated exhibitions division of RELX.
- This year’s NYCC features an Aspiring Professional Program to help support aspiring industry professionals.
- RX CEO Hugh Jones will join NYSE Live to discuss this year’s event and the demand for in-person experiences.
- Elevated U.S. Treasury yields and oil prices are driving early-day market activity.
- Both the 10-year and 30-year notes hit their highest levels since 2002 this morning.
- ICE Brent Crude was trading at about $105 at 8 a.m. ET after President Trump said he doesn’t want to make a deal with Iran.
- Wednesday’s Fed Minutes revealed that most policymakers expect one more rate hike this year.
Opening Bell
Skydance Corporation (NYSE: SKYD) rings the Opening Bell
Closing Bell
Ternium (NYSE: TX) celebrates the 20th anniversary of listing on the NYSE
For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App and check out the NYSE YouTube: TV.NYSE.com and YouTube.com/@NYSEofficial
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8, Oct 2026
CM Majhi Felicitates ‘Silver Gandhi’ Mohan Mohapatra for Nationwide Awareness Campaign
Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi felicitated Mohan Mohapatra, popularly known as ‘Silver Gandhi’, at an event held at the BJP state headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
Mohapatra, who is associated with the Swachh Bharat Mission, was honoured for his nationwide padayatras aimed at spreading awareness about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives and vision.
Felicitation Held During ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ Exhibition
The felicitation was organised alongside the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ exhibition hosted by the Bharatiya Janata Party to mark 25 years of Narendra Modi’s public service.
The exhibition highlighted what organisers described as key milestones in Modi’s political journey and his contributions to governance and nation-building.
BJP State Co-in-charge Dr Swadesh Singh, Khordha MLA Prashant Jagdev and members of the Swachh Bharat Group associated with Silver Gandhi were present at the programme.
Organisers said the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ initiative represents a collective commitment towards achieving the country’s long-term development goals through the participation of citizens.
Silver Gandhi’s Nationwide Padyatra
Speaking about his campaign, Mohan Mohapatra said his nationwide walk has focused on promoting messages associated with initiatives such as Swachh Bharat, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Har Ghar Tiranga.
He said he has dedicated his long-distance journey to Prime Minister Modi and described himself as one of his strong supporters.
Congratulating Modi on completing 25 years of public service, Mohapatra said the Prime Minister’s journey—from serving as Gujarat Chief Minister to becoming the country’s Prime Minister—reflected his commitment to public service and nation-building.
He also praised Modi’s leadership and efforts to enhance India’s standing globally.
8, Oct 2026
Odisha Bandh: Over 100 Detained as 32 Police Platoons Deployed in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack
Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UDN): More than 100 protesters were detained as the 12-hour Odisha bandh called by the INDIA bloc disrupted normal activities across the state on Thursday, prompting heightened security in the Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S Debadatta Singh said 32 platoons of police personnel were deployed across the two cities to maintain law and order during the bandh.
Of the total force, 18 platoons were deployed in Bhubaneswar and 14 in Cuttack, while more than 200 police officers were stationed at key locations to monitor the situation.
Police Step Up Security
The Commissioner said strict action would be taken against anyone involved in violence or unlawful activities during the bandh.
Police personnel were deployed at important junctions and other sensitive locations, with particular focus on ensuring that emergency services and essential public movement were not affected.
Special arrangements were also made to facilitate the movement of patients and people requiring urgent medical assistance.
Security teams were deployed to keep train services and traffic on national highways moving, officials said.
Protesters Take to Streets
Congress and other INDIA bloc workers staged demonstrations and picketing at several locations from the morning.
Shops and commercial establishments were reportedly forced to shut at some places, while protesters also blocked roads and highways. In some areas, tyres were allegedly set ablaze during road blockades.
The bandh also affected bus services across Odisha, leaving passengers stranded at several locations and disrupting regular travel.
Opposition Lists Key Demands
The INDIA bloc has called the statewide bandh over several demands, including opposition to the MMDR Amendment Bill and a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
With police maintaining a heavy presence across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, authorities said the focus remained on preventing violence while ensuring that emergency and essential services continued during the shutdown.
8, Oct 2026
IndiGo to Launch Daily Direct Bhubaneswar-Pune Flight From October 25
Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UDN): Air connectivity between Odisha’s capital and Maharashtra is set to get a boost with IndiGo preparing to launch a new daily non-stop flight between Bhubaneswar and Pune from October 25.
Representational Image
The new service will operate from Biju Patnaik International Airport using an Airbus A320 aircraft, providing passengers with an additional direct travel option between the two cities.
Pune to Get Second Direct Flight
The launch of IndiGo’s service will give air travellers two direct flight options between Bhubaneswar and Pune.
The existing direct service on the route is operated by Air India Express, while the new IndiGo flight is expected to offer passengers another choice for travelling between Odisha and Maharashtra.
According to airport sources, the Pune service is currently the key addition in the winter flight schedule. Several domestic routes that were discontinued during the summer schedule are yet to resume.
Bhubaneswar Air Connectivity Expands
The new Pune connection will also expand IndiGo’s network from Bhubaneswar, with the airline set to connect the Odisha capital to 15 destinations.
Bhubaneswar’s overall air connectivity had declined during the summer schedule, with the number of destinations falling from around 30 to 19.
With services to Jharsuguda and Dubai having resumed, the airport now has connectivity to 21 destinations, including one international destination, according to airport sources.
The addition of the daily Pune flight is expected to further strengthen Bhubaneswar’s connectivity with major Indian cities and provide more options for passengers travelling for business, education and other purposes.
8, Oct 2026
Dreame Technology Announces Great Indian Festival 2026 Sale with Its Best-Ever Prices on Smart Home and Personal Care Products
Unmatched offers on select robotic vacuums, wet and dry vacuum cleaners, cordless stick vacuums, and its personal care range on Amazon
NEW DELHI, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the Amazon Great Indian Festival just around the corner, Dreame Technology, a global leader in smart home innovation, is bringing its smart home and personal care range to consumers with exclusive offers on Amazon India. Starting today, the sale will feature attractive deals across Dreame’s portfolio of robotic vacuums, wet and dry vacuum cleaners, cordless stick vacuums and grooming solutions, giving consumers an opportunity to upgrade their everyday routines with smart technology. The products will also be available at the same festive prices on the Dreame India website, Croma and Reliance Retail.
As Indian households gear up for the season, Dreame’s range brings together intelligent automation, advanced cleaning technologies and convenient product experiences designed to make everyday home care simpler. Consumers can avail attractive deals, along with No-cost EMI, additional bank and cashback offers across select products during the sale period.
Manu Sharma, Managing Director, Dreame Technology, India, said, “The festive season is a time to come together, celebrate and make time for what matters most. At Dreame, we believe technology should do more than simplify everyday tasks — it should help people live smartly, giving them greater convenience and more time to focus on the things that matter. Through the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale, we are making our smart home and personal care solutions more accessible to Indian consumers, enabling them to bring greater intelligence and ease into their everyday routines. As we continue to strengthen our presence in India, our focus remains on delivering thoughtful innovations backed by a seamless ownership experience for our consumers.”
Key offers:
Robotic Vacuum Cleaners
- Dreame X60 Ultra Complete: Was ₹134,999, now ₹129,999
- Dreame L50s Pro Ultra: Was ₹79,999, now ₹69,999
- Dreame L50 Ultra CE: Was ₹64,999, now ₹53,999
- Dreame D30 Ultra: Was ₹52,999, now ₹44,999
- Dreame D20 Ultra: Was ₹46,999, now ₹42,999
- Dreame L50 Plus: Was ₹34,999, now ₹33,999
- Dreame L50: Was ₹27,999, now ₹26,999
- Dreame F10: Was ₹21,999, now ₹17,999
- Dreame L10 Prime: Was ₹45,999, now ₹31,998
- Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2: Was ₹39,999, now ₹22,999
Stick Vacuum Cleaners
- Dreame K10 Pro: Was ₹19,999, now ₹18,999
- Dreame H12 Core: Was ₹24,999, now ₹18,999
- Dreame H12 Dual: Was ₹36,999, now ₹33,999
- Dreame H12 Dual FlexReach: Was ₹44,999, now ₹43,999
- Dreame R20: Was ₹36,999, now ₹24,499
- Dreame R10 Pro: Was ₹25,999, now ₹15,999
- Dreame Mova J10: Was ₹7,999, now ₹5,499
- Dreame Mova J20: Was ₹10,999, now ₹7,999
Grooming Solutions
- Dreame Gleam Hair Dryer (Grey/Rose): Was ₹6,999, now ₹5,499
- Dreame Glory Hair Dryer (White/Rose): Was ₹7,999, now ₹5,499
Prices are valid for a limited period and are subject to product availability.
With its best prices till date, the Amazon Great Indian Festival offers consumers an opportunity to make festive upgrades at more accessible price points.
Customer Support and After-Sales Service
Dreame continues to focus on strengthening the overall ownership experience for consumers in India through its after-sales service network and customer support initiatives. The company currently offers service support across 165+ cities, with pick-up and drop facilities, virtual and on-site installation services, and a dedicated after-sales helpline. The helpline operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays, providing customers with convenient and reliable support throughout their ownership journey.
About Dreame India:
Dreame Technology started operations in India in late 2023. Our roots delve into the heart of tech, aiming to revolutionize daily life for our global consumers. Currently, the company offers products across three categories, including robotic vacuums, wet and dry vacuums, cordless stick vacuums, and grooming. Within just one year, Dreame has secured the No. 2 position in India’s robot vacuum category. All products are available on the Dreame India website, Amazon India, Croma and select retail outlets.
About Dreame Technology:
Founded in 2017, Dreame Technology (“Dreame” for short) is an international tech firm constantly seeking innovation and delivering new levels of daily life convenience for its global consumers. Pushing tech boundaries lies at the very heart of Dreame. In 2015, the company’s founding team pioneered high-speed digital motors, the building blocks of smart appliances. Subsequently, Dreame continued its journey by developing intelligent algorithms. This combination has granted our products distinctive edges. So far, Dreame has applied for up to 6,004 patents worldwide, 2637 already authorized and 2183 invention patents. Dreame’s smart products aim to save individuals’ time on household chores so they can focus more on pursuing their dream life through our major product lines: robotic vacuums, cordless stick vacuums, wet and dry vacuums, and high-speed hair dryers. Yet, our ambitions soar even higher. Robotic lawn mowers, cordless robotic pool cleaners, and commercial food delivery robots are under development, with more lineups in the pipeline.
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8, Oct 2026
2026 World Fire Congress Communities of Practice Unite Global Fire Service Leaders Around Shared Solutions for The Future of Fire Safety
Powered by UL Research Institutes, the Communities of Practice offer a sustained mechanism to share knowledge, align on emerging risks, and rapidly translate research across borders
COLUMBIA, Md., Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the biennial gathering of the world’s fire leaders at the World Fire Congress, UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute is powering the ongoing Communities of Practice (CoPs) to advance solutions for the most pressing global fire safety issues. The structured and sustained CoPs will accelerate progress through monthly thematic sessions, shared governance, robust information distribution and direct integration of frontline research.
“The inaugural World Fire Congress and Communities of Practice in 2024 established the foundation for sustained and collaborative knowledge exchange, and ULRI is honored to build on that foundation,” said Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, World Fire Congress founder and chief fire safety strategist for the Fire Safety Research Institute. “Drawing on more than a century of fire research and leadership, ULRI is bringing its scientific rigor into the global conversation, ensuring the dialogue is grounded in evidence over anecdote.”
The World Fire Congress CoPs offer the fire service a mechanism to share knowledge, align on emerging risks and translate research and training into practice across borders. Through ULRI, members gain access to a trusted international network, curated best practices and direct engagement with leading researchers and their work on areas including lithium-ion battery safety, EV fire risk, climate adaptation and evidence-based tactical decision-making. Each CoP will be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to collaborate across nations and will be grounded with an Anchor Organization to bring established expertise and leadership to each Community.
The 2026 – 2028 CoPs, along with their Anchor Organizations, include:
- Climate Driven Large Scale Events: As fire, storm and flood events exceed planned assumptions, resource capacities and tactical doctrine of even the most well-resourced emergency response services, the challenge is no longer suppression, but systemic resilience across every hazard. This Community will focus on cross-border, all-hazard mutual-aid structures; compound cascading risk from wildfire, storm and flood; and pre-positioning, early warning and evacuation strategies that work across contexts.
Anchor Organizations: Global Fire Management Hub at United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire)
- Emerging Technology and Artificial Intelligence: Emerging technologies, including AI-powered detection, satellite monitoring, and autonomous apparatus or smart PPE, can synthesize vast data streams and give commanders unprecedented situational awareness when seconds matter, but caution is also needed as these powerful tools still require governance and human oversight. This Community will focus on identifying what’s working; governance and human-oversight frameworks for responsible adoption; closing the equity gap; and sharing evidence-based research results.
Anchor Organization: Dubai Civil Defence
- Data: The Foundation of Evidence Driven Fire Services: Fire service decisions are only as strong as the data behind them. Yet, fire data remains fragmented, inconsistent and rarely shared across jurisdictions or borders, with acute gaps in lower-resource settings. This Community will focus on data governance and interoperability; minimum viable data schema and standards for low-resource settings; and a global fire-intelligence ecosystem that serves every nation.
Anchor Organizations: UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute and Earth Fire Alliance
- Fire in Low- and Middle-Income Nations (LMICs): Fire is one of the world’s most inequitable killers with 95% of deaths from fire and burn-related injuries happening in low- and middle-income countries. Dense informal settlements, combustible construction, open-flame cooking and under-resourced rescue services compound the toll. This Community will focus on capacity building and technology transfer; community-based fire risk reduction in informal settlements; and genuine partnership that centers LMIC voices and leadership.
Anchor Organizations: Kindling Safety, Africa Fire Mission, and the World Bank
- Firefighting: Tactics and Training: The fire service is facing mounting complexity in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) and from lithium-ion batteries, high-rise and informal-structure fires, industrial and chemical hazards, and large-scale disaster co-response. Firefighter training and response tactics that are standardized in one nation may be unknown to another, and many tactics may be transferable across borders or may need adaptation for the unique needs of a nation. The focus of this Community will be to compare doctrine and share incident lessons; close the training gap on lithium-ion batteries, WUI and industrial hazards; and advance simulation and technology enhanced training toward shared standards.
Anchor Organization: UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute
- Firefighter Health and Safety: Firefighters face some of the most serious occupational risks of any profession with occupational cancer being one of the leading causes of line-of-duty death. Globally, the nature of risks and the protections against them remain deeply uneven. This Community will focus on building shared knowledge of the cardiovascular, mental health, cancer and toxic exposure risks; advocate for a universal standard of firefighter health and safety; and share evidence-based results.
Anchor Organizations: Science Alliance and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
- Women in the Fire Service: Women remain dramatically underrepresented in fire and civil defense services worldwide. But the barriers are not about capacity as women perform 57% of all volunteer work. The focus of this Community will be on recruitment, retention and leadership pathways; PPE solutions that work for women firefighters; and culture change and policy.
Anchor Organizations: Women in Fire and Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA)
- Fire and Civil Defense in Conflict and Hostile Environments: Fire and rescue personnel in many nations now operate in an environment marked by deliberate attacks, hybrid threats, and prolonged instability. These conditions demand new approaches to responder protection, service continuity, and legal safeguards that extend beyond conventional fire doctrine. This Community will connect agencies working in conflict-affected or hostile environments, strengthen understanding of civil defense protections under international humanitarian law, and support practical strategies for readiness, recovery, and resilience.
Anchor Organization: International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF)
In addition to Moore-Merrell, CoPs leadership includes Mark Hardingham, CoPs Ambassador. With a career spanning four decades from UK firefighter to Chief Fire Officer to former chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council.
Diane Haithcock serves as CoPs Administrator. Haithcock is Director, Program Manager for UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) where she oversees ULSE Technical Committee chairs and project managers across the U.S. and Canada for standards related to life safety products, physical security, building materials, and wildland-urban interface. In collaboration with ULRI’s Fire Safety Research Institute, ULSE supports monthly meetings, research analysis, and reports for CoPs members.
The World Fire Congress is a biennial global forum bringing together fire and emergency service leaders, government representatives, researchers and partners to strengthen international cooperation, share knowledge and support evidence-informed discussion on fire and life safety challenges facing communities worldwide. The inaugural World Fire Congress was held in Washington D.C. in 2024. The National Fire Chiefs Council hosted the second World Fire Congress in London, September 8-9, 2026, with representatives from more than 60 nations attending.
The World Fire Congress is led by an international steering committee, including the host nation, and supported by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) as its Secretariat. Metro Chiefs is a section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). The Secretariat provides continuity between Congresses, supports host nations and helps sustain international collaboration between events.
The next World Fire Congress will be hosted by Dubai Civil Defence in the United Arab Emirates in February 2028.
For more information visit WFCCOP.fsri.org.
About Fire Safety Research Institute
UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute advances fire science and fire safety knowledge to reduce risk, save lives, and protect property. We conduct rigorous research, outreach, and education in collaboration with the fire service, fire safety professionals, policymakers, communities, and an international network of partners. Together, we develop tools, resources, and strategies that improve fire safety outcomes worldwide. To learn more, visit fsri.org. Follow Fire Safety Research Institute on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
About UL Standards & Engagement
UL Standards & Engagement is a nonprofit organization that translates safety science into action through standards development, partnerships, and advocacy. Since 1903, we have developed nearly 1,700 standards and guidance documents for products ranging from fire doors to autonomous vehicles. ULSE enables innovation and grows trust by convening experts and informing policymakers and regulators as we work toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future. Visit ULSE.org for more information.
About UL Research Institutes
UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing public safety through scientific discovery. Since 1894, our research has advanced our mission toward a safer, more secure and sustainable future. Focused on global risks from fire mitigation and air quality to safe energy storage and digital privacy, we conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data and partner with experts to uncover and act on existing and emerging risks to human safety. Discover more at UL.org.
About the World Fire Congress
The World Fire Congress is a biennial global forum focused on strengthening international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and evidence-informed dialogue on fire and life safety challenges facing communities worldwide. Guided by its founding principles, the Congress brings together fire and emergency service leaders, researchers, and partners to advance collaboration on firefighter health and safety, wildfires, structural fires, emerging technologies, prevention, response, recovery, and resilience.
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8, Oct 2026
Babeijoda: Odisha’s Colourful Tribal Village That Turns Into an Open-Air Art Gallery
Mayurbhanj, Oct 8 (UDN): Tucked away in Bisoi block of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, Babeijoda offers a striking blend of tribal heritage, folk art and community-driven cleanliness.
Representational Image
At first glance, what catches the eye is the colourful artwork adorning the walls of houses along the village roads. Traditional patterns and vibrant designs transform ordinary mud houses into eye-catching canvases, giving Babeijoda the feel of an open-air art gallery.
Where Village Walls Tell Stories
The artwork is more than decoration for the residents. It reflects a strong connection with local traditions and the natural surroundings.
The community has also embraced cleanliness as a collective responsibility. Dustbins have been placed at several locations, while residents make efforts to keep roads and public spaces free of litter. Household toilets have further helped the village move away from open defecation.
Pata Parba Adds More Colour
Babeijoda becomes particularly vibrant during its annual Pata Parba, a traditional celebration that brings together art, culture and community participation.
Preparations begin weeks ahead of the festival. Women and young girls collect different shades of soil from nearby forests and river areas and process them into natural colours. These locally sourced colours are then used to create intricate designs on the mud walls of their homes.
The festival also showcases traditional dance. Men and women dressed in customary saris and dhotis participate in dance competitions, turning the celebration into an important occasion for preserving and passing on tribal cultural practices.
A Living Cultural Canvas
For Babeijoda’s residents, the painted walls and traditional performances represent much more than visual attractions. They are an expression of identity, heritage and community life.
The village’s distinctive combination of colourful homes, natural artwork, cleanliness and traditional celebrations is increasingly drawing visitors interested in Odisha’s rural and tribal culture.
Babeijoda thus stands out not simply as a picturesque village, but as a living cultural canvas where art and tradition remain part of everyday life.
8, Oct 2026
THE LEELA AND ARA LUMIÈRE BRING ‘FASHION FOR A CAUSE’ TO MILAN FASHION WEEK
The Leela’s third-year collaboration with Kulsum Shadab Wahab’s Ara Lumière brings The Phoenix Circle to Milan, uniting Indian luxury, fashion and art with a shared commitment to women’s empowerment
MUMBAI, India, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For the third consecutive year, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has partnered with Ara Lumière, founded by philanthropist and social entrepreneur Kulsum Shadab Wahab, at Milan Fashion Week, continuing a shared commitment to creating meaningful intersections between luxury, fashion and purpose. This year, the collaboration brought The Phoenix Circle to Milan alongside contemporary artist Raghava KK, presenting PASSPORT as part of an intimate gathering centred on identity, resilience and women’s empowerment.
Founded by Kulsum Shadab Wahab, The Phoenix Circle is rooted in a long-standing commitment to empowering women survivors of acid and burn attacks, creating opportunities for dignity, creative expression and livelihood. Through fashion and art, the initiative seeks to shift the narrative from adversity towards agency, resilience and possibility.
This year’s PASSPORT collaboration with Raghava KK explored ideas of identity and representation, bringing together the artist’s perspective and the creative voices of the women at the heart of The Phoenix Circle. Presented against the backdrop of Milan Fashion Week, the initiative offered a powerful reminder of how fashion can transcend its traditional role as a form of expression to become a platform for social dialogue and change.
For The Leela, the collaboration reflects its belief that True Indian Luxury extends beyond hospitality into culture, creativity and purpose. By bringing an Indian perspective to a global fashion platform, the partnership creates a space where Indian luxury and a movement for women’s empowerment can come together in a meaningful way.
“Our association with Ara Lumière and The Phoenix Circle reflects our belief that luxury becomes more meaningful when it creates space for purpose, dialogue and impact. Milan Fashion Week offers a global platform to bring together India’s rich cultural perspective with voices that are challenging and reshaping the way we understand empowerment. Through our collaboration with Kulsum and Ara Lumière, The Leela is proud to support a movement that places resilience, creativity and the agency of women at its centre, while creating an experience that carries the spirit of True Indian Luxury onto the global stage,” said Preeti Makhija, General Manager, The Leela Palace New Delhi.
“The Phoenix Circle was created to transform narratives of adversity into stories of strength, dignity and possibility. Fashion gives us a powerful language through which these stories can be seen and heard, and our collaboration with The Leela allows this message to reach a global audience. Bringing PASSPORT to Milan is another step in creating spaces where the women we work with are not defined by what they have endured, but by their creativity, identity and the futures they are shaping for themselves,“ said Kulsum Shadab Wahab, Founder, Ara Lumière and The Phoenix Circle.
Through its continued association with Ara Lumière, and as The Leela celebrates four decades of True Indian Luxury, the brand reinforces the idea of fashion as a force for purpose — creating a dialogue between Indian luxury, global creativity and social impact, and demonstrating how hospitality can extend beyond the boundaries of a hotel to become a platform for meaningful cultural exchange.
About The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is India’s largest institutionally owned and managed pure-play luxury hospitality brand. Backed by Brookfield, The Leela’s portfolio comprises 15 operating award-winning properties spanning owned, operated, and managed hotels and another 10 in the pipeline across leading leisure and business destinations in India and Dubai. Recognized globally for architectural excellence and bespoke services, The Leela was ranked #2 globally among the best Hotel Brand in the World by the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026 and has been previously ranked as the World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in 2020 and 2021, and among the global top three in 2023, 2024 and 2026. The brand remains committed to delivering timeless Indian hospitality through world-class luxury experiences.
Please visit our website www.theleela.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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