Arts, Events & Culture
Art & creativity, events, design, cultural shifts
The intersection of wealth, influence, and cultural production is increasingly contentious, as seen in Oxford’s new humanities hub funded by a Trump ally and the ethical dilemmas facing opera companies reliant on controversial donations. Meanwhile, the arts continue to grapple with representation, from Anne Hathaway's clarifications about inclusivity in modeling to the backlash against the portrayal of Michael Jackson in a new biopic. As we navigate these cultural narratives, the tension between artistic integrity and financial survival looms large, revealing a complex landscape where prestige and ethics are often at odds.
Articles
Between the River and the Sea review – an Israeli Palestinian feels the pressure to pick a sideYousef Sweid's play, while framed as a personal narrative about divorce and custody, inevitably intersects with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reflecting the pressures of identity and belonging in a divided world.
BBC Proms to celebrate Miles Davis’s centenary and 250 years of US independenceThe 2026 BBC Proms season will celebrate Miles Davis's centenary and 250 years of US independence, featuring 72 concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and 14 additional performances across the UK, showcasing a diverse array of classical music talent.
Michael review – cliched Jackson biopic is bland, bowdlerised … and badAntoine Fuqua's biopic 'Michael' is criticized for its clichéd storytelling and lack of depth, presenting a sanitized version of Michael Jackson's life that avoids addressing significant controversies. The film is described as a bland montage of music movie tropes, leaving audiences frustrated and wanting more substance.
Half Man review – more brave, brutal, blazing TV from the maker of Baby ReindeerRichard Gadd's new drama 'Half Man' confronts the toxic dynamics among men with brutal honesty, showcasing a harrowing narrative that explores the psychological damage they inflict on each other. This follow-up to his acclaimed 'Baby Reindeer' promises to be a queasy yet essential watch for understanding male relationships.
Jean-Michel Jarre urges music and film industries to embrace AIJean-Michel Jarre advocates for the music and film industries to adopt AI technology, contrasting with the apprehensions voiced by other artists, and envisions a future where AI enhances creative expression across genres.
Martin Scorsese’s film about Pope Francis to receive world premiere in Vatican CityMartin Scorsese's documentary 'Aldeas, The Final Dream of Pope Francis' will premiere in the Vatican, coinciding with events marking the first anniversary of Pope Francis's death, and is organized by the Scholas Occurrentes foundation he established.
Ralph Lauren clothes and Annie Hall script among Diane Keaton items to be auctionedDiane Keaton's personal collection, including Ralph Lauren clothing and the original script for 'Annie Hall,' will be auctioned in June, following her death in October 2025.
Carey Mulligan on the Gen Z v millennial feud at the heart of Netflix's BeefCarey Mulligan discusses the generational tensions explored in Netflix's 'Beef,' where her character and Oscar Isaac's face off against younger employees, highlighting the clash between Gen Z and millennials.
Women’s culture goes dark: why aren’t there more ‘femcel’ movies?Despite the prevalence of films exploring male incel culture, the representation of 'femcel' narratives remains scarce, highlighting a significant gap in media coverage of women's radicalization and the complexities of the 'womanosphere.'