The International Contemporary Art Fair (ARCO) returns to Madrid for its 40th anniversary after a year's hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring over a thousand artists with challenging and sometimes controversial works, ARCO aims to reinvigorate the art market. Despite limited space excluding many national galleries and artists, Madrid's working-class neighborhood of Carabanchel is thriving with over 40 art studios, becoming the city's new artistic district. Artists like Kim Martin Humphrey have been productive during the pandemic, and spaces like corner gallery & studio, co-founded by Carlos Cartaxo, are transforming studios into galleries to engage visitors directly.

Chad's middle class, particularly in the capital N'Djamena, is facing severe economic hardship due to coronavirus restrictions. With the closure of businesses and lack of social safety nets or personal savings, individuals like restaurant owner Ndjiya-Gali Ramses and cyber cafe manager Gervais Leonard Mbaidanem are struggling to maintain their livelihoods and feed their families. The economic downturn has affected everyone from shopowners to motorcycle taxi operators like Halil. Despite President Idriss Deby Itno's pledge of 943 billion francs CFA to boost the economy, economist Kebir Mahamat Abdoulaye notes the lack of expected results. The World Bank predicts a 3.1 percent fall in GDP and an increase in the poverty rate.

Countries worldwide expressed support for Paris following the coordinated terror attacks that resulted in 129 deaths. Landmarks across various cities including New York, Australia, and Berlin were illuminated in the French national colors, and candlelight vigils were held at French embassies globally.