Arts, Events & Culture
Art & creativity, events, design, cultural shifts
There's a palpable tension between tradition and innovation in the arts right now, as creators navigate both personal and societal challenges. Lizzo's raw performance amid controversy, the Mekons' reflections on masculinity in music, and Jilly Cooper's insistence on strong male archetypes highlight a cultural reckoning with identity and representation. Meanwhile, the vibrant resurgence of art auctions and the revival of iconic productions like 'Beetlejuice' signal a broader appetite for fresh interpretations, even as exhibitions like the one at the Museum of Homelessness confront uncomfortable truths about societal neglect. Keep an eye on how these themes of resilience and redefinition play out across various mediums.
Articles
Grimes joining LinkedIn is artwashing at its most brazen. I should know – I released my new film on thereGrimes' recent move to LinkedIn, a platform often seen as uninspiring, is criticized as a blatant form of artwashing, reflecting a troubling trend where artists align with corporate interests, particularly in the AI space. The author, who has also released a film on LinkedIn, highlights the absurdity of this shift in the art world.
Europe’s last coal – a photo essayPoland remains the last EU country fully committed to coal mining, with 80,000 workers still extracting record amounts of coal amid global energy price fluctuations, raising questions about the future of fossil fuels in the region. The photo essay highlights the daily lives of miners, particularly Rafal Dzuman, who has spent decades working underground in a historic coal mine.
Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd’s offbeat literary show returns: best podcasts of the weekSara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd return with the fifth season of their podcast 'Weirdo’s Book Club,' offering a fresh take on literature with discussions on works like Emily Wilson’s translation of 'The Odyssey' and guest appearances from notable authors and musicians.
Museum of the year finalists revealed by Art FundFinalists for the Art Fund's Museum of the Year award have been revealed, competing for a £120,000 prize.
‘Half Man,’ and 5 More Things to Watch on TV This WeekRichard Gadd's new series 'Half Man' premieres on HBO, while Hulu celebrates 420 with a lineup of cannabis-themed shows.
Mint review – the most outrageously beautiful TV show since Twin PeaksCharlotte Regan's series Mint combines elements of romance and gangster drama, showcasing stunning visuals and unique storytelling that evoke comparisons to Twin Peaks, highlighted by a particularly striking scene of self-pleasure. The show centers on Shannon, a young woman navigating love and family dynamics in a visually captivating Scottish setting.
My toddler threw a toy pig at an artwork – and inspired this guide for small kids in galleriesChloë Ashby reflects on the challenges and joys of introducing toddlers to art galleries, sparked by her child's antics at the Royal Academy, and launches a series aimed at making gallery visits enjoyable for both parents and small children. The series will explore practical tips and experiences in various art venues.
V&A East Storehouse and Norwich Castle among finalists for museum of the yearThe V&A East Storehouse, National Gallery, and Norwich Castle are among the finalists for the prestigious Art Fund museum of the year award, which recognizes innovation in the museum sector with a £120,000 prize for the winner.
‘She’d been drinking with Julie Walters. I heard a crash’: Victoria Wood’s genius – by her friends, fans and actorsVictoria Wood is celebrated by friends and fans on the 10th anniversary of her death, highlighting her brilliance as a performer and writer, as well as her perfectionist nature and impact on comedy.