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Somerset House to mark 25 years with free weekend event September 13
Somerset House, the central London centre for innovation and contemporary art, will celebrate its 25th anniversary as a…
- Somerset House will celebrate its 25th anniversary as a public space with "Step Inside 25 Weekend," a free two-day event on September 13-14 featuring interactive activities and unprecedented access to hidden areas of the historic 18th-century complex
somersethouse+2. - The weekend will showcase work by resident artists including Turner Prize winner Tai Shani, who will present "The Spell or The Dream" in the courtyard, and musician Gaika with his installation "Tomb of the Sophists"
somersethouse+1. - Visitors will gain rare access to lesser-known spaces including the Deadhouse and Maker Street, where Somerset House's 114 resident artists and their teams occupy over 15,000 sq. ft. of studio space
somersethouse+2. - The event marks the transformation of Somerset House from government offices and a car park 25 years ago into London's leading centre for innovation and contemporary art
timeout+2. - The celebration includes diverse programming spanning dance, music, performance, exhibition viewings, film showings, workshops, tours, and family activities, all free and open to the public
somersethouse+1.
London art scene rallies for Palestine with major solidarity events
London is becoming a focal point for artistic solidarity with Palestinians as multiple exhibitions open across the city,…
- More than 200 artists from 35 countries have collaborated for the GAZAGAZAGAZA exhibition at London's Studio 1.1, featuring over 400 donated works to raise funds for Palestinian healthcare support
theartnewspaper. - The exhibition, running July 10-27, includes 140 postcard-sized pieces priced at £20 to ensure wider public participation, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
theartnewspaper. - Health Workers 4 Palestine is organizing the "Voices of Solidarity" fundraiser on July 19 at London's Troxy venue, aiming to raise £1 million for Gaza's healthcare workers and infrastructure
newarab. - The Troxy event features over 20 performers including Bassem Youssef, Paloma Faith, Nish Kumar, and Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah, following last year's sold-out event that raised £200,000
newarab. - These events represent part of a broader London arts scene mobilization for Palestinian solidarity, with multiple galleries and cultural spaces hosting Palestine-focused exhibitions and fundraisers
theartnewspaper+1.
Fired Slovak arts leader calls on EU to stand up for free expression
Matej Drlička, the former General Director of the Slovak National Theatre who was abruptly dismissed in August 2024…
- Matej Drlička, former General Director of the Slovak National Theatre, was abruptly dismissed in August 2024 by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová and has called on the European Union to defend artistic freedom against authoritarian threats
opera-europa+1. - The dismissal sparked widespread protests with over 10,000 people taking to the streets of Bratislava, while Opera Europa condemned the move as "extreme right-wing cultural vandalism" that violates EU charter on artistic freedom
opera-europa+1. - Drlička's removal was part of a broader cultural purge that also included the dismissal of Alexandra Kusá, director of the Slovak National Gallery, and other cultural leaders, signaling what many view as a systematic attack on institutional independence
theartnewspaper+1. - The dismissals triggered the formation of the Cultural Strike movement, with nearly 1,300 cultural workers from 135 organizations joining a nationwide strike alert to demand an end to ideologically motivated censorship
artreview+1. - Slovakia's cultural community has united in opposition to what they perceive as political interference by Robert Fico's populist government, with international support from over 230 museum leaders, artists, and curators signing an open letter of protest
artreview+1.
Archaeologists find vast Celtic settlement in Czech Republic
Archaeologists have unearthed a vast Celtic settlement near Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic, dating back more than…
- Archaeologists have uncovered a vast Celtic settlement near Hradec Králové in the Czech Republic, covering approximately 25 hectares and dating back more than 2,200 years to the La Tène period
expats+1. - The settlement is attributed to the Boii tribe, the Celtic people after whom Bohemia is named, and represents one of the largest known sites of its kind in the region
expats+2. - The site was active from the late 3rd century BCE to the early 1st century BCE and served as a "central agglomeration" with key economic and social functions, including pottery kilns, glass processing, and amber trading
english.radio. - Archaeologists have discovered over 13,000 artifacts including gold and silver coins, some of which were minted on-site, along with Baltic amber and evidence of advanced metalworking
arkeonews+1. - The settlement disappeared in the 1st century BCE under unclear circumstances, with no signs of violent destruction found by researchers
expats.
Emily Kam Kngwarray honored in landmark Tate Modern exhibition
Tate Modern is staging Europe's first major solo exhibition dedicated to Emily Kam Kngwarray (c.1914-1996), one of the…
- Tate Modern is staging Europe's first major solo exhibition dedicated to Emily Kam Kngwarray (c.1914-1996), running from July 10, 2025 to January 11, 2026, showcasing over 70 works from the renowned Anmatyerr artist
nga+2. - The exhibition, organized in collaboration with the National Gallery of Australia, will display many works outside Australia for the first time, offering European audiences a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Kngwarray's powerful paintings and vibrant legacy
webwire+1. - Kngwarray began her artistic journey in the 1970s creating batiks at Utopia Station before transitioning to acrylic painting on canvas in the late 1980s when she was in her 70s
webwire+1. - Her artistic practice was deeply rooted in her ceremonial and spiritual engagement with her ancestral Country Alhalker in the Sandover region of the Northern Territory, translating women's ceremonial traditions of 'awely' into her distinctive visual language
tate. - The exhibition presents Kngwarray as a matriarch, storyteller, singer, and custodian of Country, showcasing her as one of the world's most significant contemporary artists to emerge in the twentieth century who forged a path for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists
webwire+1.
Bayeux Tapestry to be shown in UK for first time in 1,000 years
The Bayeux Tapestry, the iconic 11th-century artwork depicting the Norman conquest of England, will be displayed in the…
- The Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century artwork depicting the Norman Conquest of 1066, will be displayed in the UK for the first time in nearly 1,000 years at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027
news.artnet+2. - The historic loan agreement between Britain and France was announced during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with the deal to be finalized on July 9
news.artnet+1. - The fragile 70-meter (230-foot) cloth was likely created by English nuns in Canterbury but has remained in France since 1077, most recently displayed at the Bayeux Museum in Normandy
news.artnet+2. - In exchange for the tapestry loan, the British Museum will lend treasures from the Sutton Hoo collection (7th-century Anglo-Saxon ship burial artifacts) and the Lewis Chessmen (12th-century medieval chess pieces) to museums in Normandy
ctvnews+2. - The exhibition is expected to be a blockbuster event that will boost London's visitor economy and provide educational opportunities for millions, featuring the tapestry alongside other highlights from the British Museum's collection
news.artnet+2.
WNBA champs celebrated in LaToya Frazier’s Liberty Portraits
A powerful new public art installation titled "The Liberty Portraits: A Monument to the 2024 Champions" by acclaimed…
- Acclaimed artist LaToya Ruby Frazier has unveiled "The Liberty Portraits: A Monument to the 2024 Champions," a powerful public art installation at Barclays Center celebrating the New York Liberty's first-ever WNBA championship
si+2. - The installation features nine-foot-tall, double-sided portraits of each player on the 2024 roster in architectural display cases—one side showing players in uniform, the other displaying them with their chosen families in meaningful locations
si+2. - Frazier traveled across North America to capture the family portraits, including visiting Jonquel Jones' family in the Bahamas and players in Texas, Arkansas, and Alabama, incorporating first-person testimonies from loved ones on text panels
averagesocialite+2. - The monumental scale deliberately references the Statue of Liberty, with Frazier creating what she describes as a "21st century monument" that positions the Liberty players as "goddesses on their own mountain" to command dignity and respect
brooklynpaper+1. - The installation marks the inaugural work of a new public art program at Barclays Center spearheaded by Clara Wu Tsai, Vice Chair of BSE Global and Governor of the Liberty, and will remain on display through the 2025 WNBA season
si+2.
People are using AI chatbots as ‘trip sitters’ for psychedelics
When Peter, a master's student in Alberta, consumed eight grams of magic mushrooms in 2023 and felt panic…
- People are increasingly using AI chatbots like ChatGPT as digital "trip sitters" during psychedelic experiences, replacing traditional human guides with artificial intelligence systems never designed for such high-stakes psychological support
futurism+1. - Specialized platforms have emerged with names like TripSitAI and "The Shaman" to provide guidance during psychedelic journeys, driven largely by economic factors as licensed psilocybin providers in Oregon charge between $1,500 and $3,200 per session while AI access costs virtually nothing
futurism+2. - Mental health experts warn this practice poses serious safety risks, with the American Psychological Association meeting with federal regulators over concerns that AI chatbots posing as therapists can endanger the public
cybernews+1. - Professionals highlight the "sycophancy problem" where ChatGPT's tendency toward excessive agreeableness is designed to keep users engaged rather than provide appropriate therapeutic guidance, creating dangerous dynamics during vulnerable altered states
cybernews+1. - The trend reflects broader systemic problems in mental healthcare access, as insurance companies squeeze mental health providers and force many out-of-network, leaving lower-income clients without affordable treatment options
futurism+1.
Gerhard Richter exhibit comes to Paris this fall
According to The Art Newspaper, a major retrospective of influential German artist Gerhard Richter will be presented at…
- The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris will present a major retrospective of influential German artist Gerhard Richter from October 17, 2025 to March 2, 2026, featuring 270 works spanning his entire career from 1962 to 2024
theartnewspaper+1. - The exhibition will be co-curated by Nicholas Serota, former director of Tate, and will showcase works in various media including paintings, drawings, watercolors, and overpainted photographs organized chronologically
theartnewspaper. - Key highlights include early works based on family photographs like Uncle Rudi and Aunt Marianne, the October 18, 1977 series depicting the Baader-Meinhof terrorist group, and his signature blur technique (Vermalung)
theartnewspaper. - The show will feature significant loans from major institutions including MoMA, Tate, and Museum Ludwig, alongside works from the Foundation's own collection such as 4900 Farben and Wald [Forest]
theartnewspaper. - The final section explores Richter's later experimentation with glass works and digitally generated Strip images, demonstrating his evolution beyond traditional painting from 2009 to 2023
theartnewspaper.
Greece shuts Acropolis as heatwave grips country
Greek authorities temporarily shuttered the Acropolis on Tuesday afternoon as a punishing heatwave engulfed the country, with temperatures…
- Greece's Culture Ministry ordered a partial closure of the Acropolis from 1:00 to 5:00 PM Tuesday for visitor and worker safety as temperatures reached 42°C (107.6°F) in eastern regions
unn+1. - The Labour Ministry imposed mandatory work stoppages from midday to 5:00 PM for outdoor manual laborers, construction workers, and food delivery services across central Greece and several islands
arabnews+1. - The four-day heatwave that began Sunday represents Greece's second major heat episode since late June, with very high heat stress levels forecast for multiple regions
arabnews+1. - The 2,500-year-old Acropolis, which draws tens of thousands of visitors daily and recorded 4.5 million visitors in 2024, offers little shade on its rocky outcrop, making it particularly vulnerable during extreme heat
arabnews+1. - Temperatures are expected to persist through Wednesday before dropping by 7-8°C nationwide on Thursday, with authorities implementing emergency measures across multiple government agencies
greekreporter+1.
Caillebotte exhibition at Art Institute of Chicago shifts title amid debate
A major Gustave Caillebotte exhibition that ignited debate in Paris over its focus on masculinity has arrived at…
- The major Gustave Caillebotte exhibition that sparked controversy in Paris over its focus on masculinity has opened at the Art Institute of Chicago with a modified title - changed from "Gustave Caillebotte: Painting Men" to "Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World"
artic+1. - The exhibition features more than 120 works exploring the Impressionist artist's personal interests and relationships, including his famous Paris Street; Rainy Day and Floor Scrapers, alongside lesser-known pieces from private collections
artic+1. - French critics accused American curators of imposing contemporary gender studies perspectives on Caillebotte's work, particularly criticizing "suggestive" interpretations that the bachelor artist might have been gay
news.artnet. - The show originated at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris in October 2024 before traveling to Chicago (June 29-October 5, 2025), with plans to continue to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles
artic+1. - Caillebotte stood apart from his Impressionist peers by focusing on male subjects - workers, sportsmen, family and friends - rather than the fashionable women and entertainment scenes typically painted by other artists of his era
artic+1.
Oldest house model in the world found at Çayönü hill now displayed in Türkiye
A 12,000-year-old architectural model, believed to be the oldest house model ever discovered, has been unearthed at Çayönü…
- A 12,000-year-old house model, believed to be the world's oldest architectural representation, has been discovered at Çayönü Hill in southeastern Türkiye and is now displayed at the Diyarbakır Museum
anatolianarchaeology+1. - The miniature model comes from the Çayönü archaeological site in Diyarbakır Province, one of humanity's earliest permanent settlements that flourished from 8,630 to 6,800 BCE during the Neolithic period
anatolianarchaeology+1. - Excavations at Çayönü, which began in 1964 under a joint University of Chicago and University of Istanbul project, have revealed evidence of early urban planning with houses arranged in organized rows and primitive street-like pathways
anatolianarchaeology+1. - The site demonstrates the complete architectural evolution from simple circular structures to complex rectangular buildings, showing humanity's transition from nomadic to settled life with deliberate community planning principles
anatolianarchaeology+1. - Current excavations led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Savaş Sarıaltun continue to provide groundbreaking insights into the origins of settled civilization and early design thinking concepts
anatolianarchaeology+1.
Echo Soho art fair to debut at Frieze London 2025 for women-led galleries
A new art fair called Echo Soho, focusing on women-led galleries, is set to debut during Frieze London…
- Echo Soho, a new art fair focusing on women-led galleries, will debut during Frieze London 2025 from October 16-19 at Artists House in Soho, founded by India Rose James of Soho Revue
artsy+1. - The fair aims to support under-represented artists and emerging galleries with practical services including on-site art handling, booth photography, and shared VIP lists, with booth prices starting at £850
artsy. - Confirmed exhibitors include London spaces Pipeline and Gillian Jason Gallery, plus online dealers Wondering People, with room for 12 exhibitors total
artsy+1. - The program features workshops, curatorial walkthroughs, performances, and a special presentation "Resonant Space: Curating Echoes" by the Association of Women in the Arts (AWITA) in the chapel space
artsy. - Echo Soho joins a growing trend of alternative boutique art fairs that reject traditional convention center formats, with the Soho House Prize to be awarded by Kate Bryan and Jack Lazenby
artsy.
Portuguese treasure ship ‘Nossa Senhora do Cabo’ found off Madagascar
After 16 years of research, archaeologists from the Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation have identified the remains of…
- Archaeologists from the Center for Historic Shipwreck Preservation have identified the wreck of Nossa Senhora do Cabo, a Portuguese treasure ship seized by pirates in 1721, after 16 years of research off Madagascar's Nosy Boraha island
gizmodo+2. - The ship was attacked on April 8, 1721, by notorious pirate Captain Olivier "The Buzzard" Levasseur and his fleet near Réunion Island while carrying the Portuguese viceroy and Archbishop of Goa from India to Lisbon
gbnews+2. - The pirates captured an estimated $138 million worth of treasure in today's currency, including gold and silver ingots, chests of pearls, diamonds, and religious artifacts, making it one of history's most lucrative pirate heists
greekreporter+2. - Researchers have recovered over 3,300 artifacts from the wreck, including religious figurines made of wood and ivory, a crucifix fragment, and an ivory plaque inscribed with "INRI" in gold lettering
livescience+1. - The wreck lies in waters near Île Sainte-Marie, a notorious pirate stronghold during the Golden Age of Piracy, with many treasures still buried under sand and silt on the ocean floor
gizmodo+2.
The Museum of Forbidden Art in Barcelona closes after union protests
The Museum of Forbidden Art in Barcelona, the world's first museum dedicated exclusively to censored and banned artworks,…
- The Museum of Forbidden Art in Barcelona, the world's first museum dedicated exclusively to censored artworks, has closed indefinitely less than two years after opening in October 2023
museuartprohibit+1. - The closure was caused by financial losses from a four-month protest led by the Solidarity and Unity of Workers union (SUT) that resulted in a 75% drop in income and made operations unsustainable
museuartprohibit+1. - The museum was founded by Tatxo Benet, a Catalan journalist and businessman, and housed over 200 banned works by artists including Ai Weiwei, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Robert Mapplethorpe
theartnewspaper+1. - The labor dispute began when the museum terminated its contract with a subcontractor, affecting seven workers who demanded direct employment and better working conditions
museuartprohibit+1. - Benet plans to transform the collection into a traveling exhibition that will continue showcasing censored artworks globally as a "nomadic collection"
museuartprohibit+1.
Archaeologists uncover 1,500-year-old mosaic at ancient city of Dara
Archaeologists working at the ancient city of Dara in southeastern Türkiye have uncovered a nearly 1,500-year-old mosaic decorated…
- Archaeologists have uncovered a nearly 1,500-year-old mosaic decorated with wave and drop motifs at the ancient city of Dara in southeastern Türkiye, spanning approximately 50 square meters in what is believed to have been a residential structure
dailysabah+1. - The discovery was made during ongoing excavations at this historically significant Byzantine frontier town located about 30 kilometers from Mardin's city center, which has been accelerated since the site's inclusion in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's "Heritage for the Future Project"
dailysabah. - Dara was founded by the Eastern Roman Empire as a frontier city to defend against the Sasanian Empire, and excavations have previously uncovered a necropolis, church, palace, agora, prison, armory, and over 10,000 artifacts including arrowheads, lamps, and ceramics
dailysabah. - The current excavations are focusing on the agora area where about 20 shops and workshops have been discovered alongside a sophisticated drinking water system dating back to the Roman period
dailysabah. - This latest mosaic discovery adds to Dara's rich archaeological heritage and is expected to attract more visitors and researchers, further enhancing the site's status as a key archaeological destination
arkeonews.
Kew Gardens to unveil largest exhibition of Henry Moore sculptures in 2026
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew will host the largest-ever outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore's sculptures in summer…
- The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew will host the largest-ever outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore's sculptures in summer 2026, featuring 30 monumental works across its 320-acre UNESCO World Heritage site
artsy+1. - Titled "Henry Moore: Monumental Nature," the exhibition will run from May 2026 and include installations inside the Temperate House, the world's largest surviving Victorian glasshouse
artsy+1. - The comprehensive showcase will feature over 100 pieces total, including iconic works like Large Two Forms, Oval with Points, and Three Piece Sculpture: Vertebrae positioned thoughtfully within Kew's heritage landscapes
artsy+1. - This marks the first presentation of Moore's work on this scale in a public landscape since the influential 20th-century sculptor died in 1986, celebrating his profound connection to natural forms and ecology
artsy+1. - Unlike the 2007 Moore exhibition at Kew which was concentrated in specific areas, this exhibition will span the entire 320-acre site, creating a more immersive experience between art and nature
fadmagazine.
Designer Iris Van Herpen creates dress that glows with living algae
In a shadowy venue at Paris Haute Couture Week on Monday, Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen sent a…
- Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen unveiled a groundbreaking "living dress" embedded with 125 million bioluminescent algae that glows electric blue when the wearer moves during Paris Haute Couture Week
designboom+1. - The dress, part of her "Sympoiesis" collection, features Pyrocystis Fusiformis algae encapsulated in a custom nutrient gel matrix developed through a nine-month collaboration with biodesigner Christopher Bellamy of Bio Crafted
designboom+1. - The living garment requires specific care conditions including eight hours of light, eight hours of darkness, and a cool environment, currently existing more as a museum piece than wearable fashion
news.yahoo. - Van Herpen's experimental show also featured wedding gowns made from lab-grown bio-protein and other sustainable materials, representing a potential future for environmentally conscious fashion design
abcnews.go+1. - The collection showcased at Élysée Montmartre included 18 ecosystem-inspired designs with light sculptures by artist Nick Verstand and custom fragrance by Francis Kurkdjian, blending fashion with performance art
news.yahoo.
Ad agencies urge UK Parliament to ban fossil fuel marketing and corporate sponsorship
More than 100 advertising organizations have called on the UK Government to ban fossil fuel marketing, comparing oil…
- Over 100 advertising organizations have called on the UK Government to ban fossil fuel marketing, comparing oil and gas companies to "the cigarette companies of the 21st century" ahead of Parliament's first-ever debate on the issue
videoweek+1. - UK MPs will debate restrictions on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship on July 7th following a petition led by broadcaster Chris Packham that gained over 110,000 signatures
badverts+1. - Major advertising firms including The Guardian, Lucky Generals, and OLIVER signed the industry letter calling for a "tobacco-style" ban, marking an unusual self-imposed call for regulation within the advertising sector
videoweek+1. - The UK Government has already signaled resistance, stating it has "no plans to restrict fossil fuel advertising" despite being committed to reducing emissions from high carbon products
parliament. - Several UK councils including Edinburgh and Sheffield have already banned fossil fuel advertising, while major cultural institutions like the Royal Opera House and Tate galleries have ended fossil fuel sponsorship deals
badverts+1.
Sofia Coppola art directs inaugural Bal d’Été gala for Paris couture week
Sofia Coppola transformed the Musée des Arts Décoratifs into a realm of old-world glamour Sunday night, orchestrating the…
- Sofia Coppola served as artistic director for the inaugural Bal d'Été at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, officially launching Paris Haute Couture Week with a star-studded gala featuring Kirsten Dunst, Keira Knightley and Penélope Cruz
imdb+2. - The event distinguished itself from traditional fashion fundraisers by selling tickets to individuals and families rather than corporate sponsors, with a no-phones policy creating what observers called "pre-Instagram glamour"
imdb+1. - The gala commemorated the centennial of the 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative Arts that popularized Art Deco design, serving as both a cultural celebration and fundraiser for the museum's programs
harpersbazaar+2. - Jean-Victor Meyers, L'Oréal heir and President of the Honorary Committee, selected Coppola for her ability to blend "fashion, music, cinema, art and design into immersive worlds"
harpersbazaar+1. - The event was positioned as France's answer to the Met Gala, emphasizing authentic French cultural traditions while reviving the historic Parisian grand ball tradition that merged art, fashion and society
harpersbazaar+2.
Chihuahua leads rescuers to owner trapped in glacier crevasse
A Chihuahua guided Swiss rescue teams to its owner trapped in a glacier crevasse on Friday, marking an…
- A Chihuahua guided Swiss rescue teams to its owner who had fallen into a crevasse on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee on Friday when a snow bridge collapsed beneath him
swissinfo+1. - The hiker called for help using amateur radio after falling into the crevasse, but rescue teams initially struggled to locate him on the wide glacier surface where the hole was barely visible
swissinfo+1. - The rescue team spotted the small dog positioned on a rock directly next to the crevasse opening, and the dog's behavior helped guide them to the correct location
swissinfo+1. - Air Zermatt crews successfully extracted both the hiker and his Chihuahua, flying them to a hospital in Visp for medical evaluation
swissinfo+1. - The rescue comes amid ongoing concerns about Swiss glacier safety, with Switzerland losing 4% of its total glacier volume in 2023 and experiencing a devastating glacier collapse in May that destroyed 90% of the village of Blatten
cbsnews.
Japan’s viral manga earthquake prophecy fails to materialize
Japan awoke to stillness early Saturday morning as a viral manga prophecy predicting a catastrophic earthquake on July…
- Japan awoke to stillness early Saturday morning as a viral manga prophecy predicting a catastrophic earthquake on July 5 failed to materialize, with over 250,000 online viewers witnessing only an ordinary sunrise instead of the predicted disaster
thestandard+1. - The doomsday prediction from manga artist Ryo Tatsuki's work "The Future I Saw" had forecast a massive earthquake cracking the ocean floor between Japan and the Philippines, triggering tsunamis three times larger than the 2011 disaster
thestandard+1. - The false prophecy inflicted substantial economic damage, with the Nomura Research Institute estimating potential losses of up to ¥560 billion ($3.9 billion) as travelers canceled flights and hotel bookings across East Asia
gulfnews. - Tatsuki, dubbed "Japan's Baba Vanga," had gained credibility after her 1999 manga appeared to predict the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that killed nearly 20,000 people
ndtv+1. - The Japan Meteorological Agency repeatedly dismissed the prediction as "a hoax" and "disinformation," with seismologists emphasizing that earthquake prediction with specific timing remains scientifically impossible
ndtv+1.
Pope Leo XIV revives papal summer retreat tradition
Pope Leo XIV will depart Vatican City tomorrow to spend two weeks at the papal summer retreat in…
- Pope Leo XIV will travel to Castel Gandolfo on July 6 to spend two weeks at the papal summer retreat, reviving a centuries-old tradition that Pope Francis abandoned during his 12-year papacy
catholicnewsagency+1. The Chicago-born pontiff will stay at the hilltop estate south of Rome from July 6-20 for what the Vatican calls "a period of rest"catholicnewsagency+1. - The papal visit has generated economic hope in the lakeside town of 8,900 residents, with Mayor Alberto De Angelis saying Leo's return "gives us hope. The heart of the city returns"
catholicnewsagency. Local business owners anticipate increased tourism as visitors seek glimpses of the pontiffcbsnews. - Leo will stay at Villa Barberini rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace, which Francis converted into a museum in 2016
catholicnewsagency+1. The Vatican has reportedly installed a tennis court for the tennis-loving pope and refreshed the swimming poolcatholicnewsagency. - During his stay, Leo will make limited public appearances, celebrating Mass at local parishes on July 13 and 20 and leading the Angelus prayer in Liberty Square
catholicnewsagency+1. All private audiences and Wednesday general audiences will be suspended during July, resuming July 30vaticannews. - The 135-acre estate has served as a papal retreat since 1596, with popes including Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI spending summers there to escape Rome's intense heat
catholicnewsagency+1.
William Kentridge’s largest sculpture show outside Africa opens in Yorkshire
South African artist William Kentridge's largest sculpture exhibition outside his home country opened at Yorkshire Sculpture Park last…
- William Kentridge's "The Pull of Gravity" opened at Yorkshire Sculpture Park on June 28, marking the first museum presentation outside South Africa to focus solely on his sculpture
ysp+1. - The exhibition features over 40 sculptural works spanning from 2007 to 2024, including the new commission "Paper Procession" - six monumental colored sculptures up to five meters high displayed against a century-old yew hedge
ysp+1. - Kentridge's practice has evolved over two decades from drawing into three-dimensional sculpture, transforming works that originated from puppetry, film props, and stage sets into bronze, steel, paper, and found object installations
ysp+1. - The exhibition includes the first institutional presentation of "Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot," a film series created during the first Covid-19 lockdown, alongside immersive installations spanning seven screens
yorkshirepost+1. - Running through April 19, 2026, the show positions Yorkshire as an unexpected hub for contemporary African art while Kentridge continues exploring themes of colonialism, history, and political ambiguity through his distinctly South African lens
yorkshirepost+1.
Nile Rodgers and The Last Dinner Party to curate new David Bowie Centre
The Victoria & Albert Museum has announced that award-winning musician Nile Rodgers and Brit Award-winning indie rock band…
- The V&A Museum has announced that Nile Rodgers and The Last Dinner Party will guest-curate special exhibitions at the new David Bowie Centre, opening September 13, 2025, at V&A East Storehouse in London
antimusic+1. - The Centre will provide free access to over 90,000 items from Bowie's personal archive, acquired through the generosity of the David Bowie Estate, the Blavatnik Family Foundation, and Warner Music Group
antimusic+1. - Nile Rodgers, who produced Bowie's hugely successful albums "Let's Dance" and "Black Tie White Noise," has curated items reflecting their shared "love of the music that had both made and saved our lives," including personal correspondence and stage costumes
antimusic+1. - The Last Dinner Party, a Brit Award-winning indie rock band, selected items mostly from the 1970s showing how Bowie continues to inspire generations of artists, including handwritten lyrics for "Win" and Station to Station tour setlists
timeout+1. - The Centre features nine curated displays, interactive installations, and a unique "Order an Object" service allowing visitors to book one-on-one time with archive items, establishing a new model for public access to celebrity archives
timeout+1.
Oxford archaeologists find intact Roman wicker well in Norfolk
Archaeologists from Oxford Archaeology have uncovered a remarkably intact Roman-era well in Norfolk, England, featuring meticulously woven wicker…
- Oxford Archaeology team uncovered a remarkably intact Roman-era well in Norfolk, England, featuring unique construction with meticulously woven wicker lining that has survived nearly 2,000 years
arkeonews. - The well's exceptional preservation is attributed to waterlogged, oxygen-free underground conditions that prevented organic materials from decaying over the centuries
arkeonews. - Inside the well, archaeologists found remnants of what appears to be a wooden ladder with one rail and single rung remaining, suggesting it was used to access the water
arkeonews. - The structure was constructed by digging a vertical shaft to groundwater and lining it with woven wicker resembling a giant basket, anchored with vertical wooden supports and padded with timber offcuts
arkeonews. - Researchers completed a detailed 3D scan of the fragile structure to document the craftsmanship without disturbing the site, while excavation continues with hopes of finding additional artifacts at the bottom
arkeonews.
Jean-Marc Bustamante opens new art foundation in Arles
Renowned French artist and curator Jean-Marc Bustamante will establish the Fondation Bustamante in the 12th-century Sainte-Croix Church in…
- Jean-Marc Bustamante, renowned French artist and former director of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, will launch the Fondation Bustamante in Arles in summer 2025
theartnewspaper. - The foundation will be housed in the historic Sainte-Croix church, a 12th-century medieval building that will be redesigned by architect Charles Zana across three floors to display Bustamante's works and archive
theartnewspaper. - Bustamante aims to support artists of all generations and young curators through a diverse exhibition program and educational masterclasses, positioning the foundation among Arles' exceptional cultural offerings
theartnewspaper. - The artist, who represented France at the Venice Biennale in 2003 and the São Paulo Biennale in 1994, is known for his groundbreaking "photographic paintings" that blur boundaries between photography and traditional painting
theartnewspaper+1. - Arles has become a major European cultural hub alongside institutions like LUMA Arles and the Fondation Van Gogh, with Bustamante describing it as having "enormous cultural importance" comparable only to Venice
theartnewspaper.
BIG to transform Copenhagen plazas with meteorite strike design
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won a competition to transform three major public plazas in Copenhagen's Ørestad district…
- BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) has won a competition to redesign three major public plazas around DR Concert Hall, Bella Arena, and Royal Arena in Copenhagen's Ørestad district with "The Impact," a 50,000+ square meter project
domusweb+1. - The design features a dramatic sculptural "crack" resembling a meteorite strike that connects all three plazas, allowing water, light, and native vegetation to flow through the urban landscape
domusweb+1. - Each plaza will have distinct features: DR Concert Hall gets an urban pool and amphitheater, Bella Arena receives sunken green "rooms" with climbing vegetation, and Royal Arena gets a dramatic sculptural void for gatherings
designboom+1. - The project embraces "urban Kintsugi" - inspired by the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold - where cracks and fractures create "accelerated patina" and allow light to enter the urban fabric
domusweb+1. - The sustainable design aims for less than 0.1 kg CO₂ per m² per year, reusing existing granite and concrete materials while incorporating rainwater management and native vegetation to support biodiversity
archdaily+1.
Senegal abandons Akon’s Wakanda-style futuristic city project
The Senegalese government has officially abandoned Akon's $6 billion futuristic city project, the BBC reported today, marking the…
- Senegal has officially abandoned Akon's $6 billion futuristic city project, with officials citing inadequate funding and halted construction as key factors in the decision to shelve the ambitious urban development scheme
bbc. - The Senegalese government had issued multiple ultimatums to the American-Senegalese singer, threatening to reclaim 90% of the 136 acres of Atlantic coastline allocated for the project if construction did not begin
bbc+1. - The project's failure was compounded by the collapse of Akoin, Akon's cryptocurrency that was meant to power the city's economy, which plummeted from $0.15 at launch in 2020 to just $0.003 by August 2024
bbc+1. - Legal challenges plagued the venture, including a $4 million lawsuit from Akon's former business partner who accused the project of displaying characteristics of "fraudulent business ventures such as Ponzi schemes"
nilepost. - While the original Akon City vision has been scrapped, Senegal says it will collaborate with Akon on a more "realistic" development for the same site near Mbodiène village
bbc.
300,000-year-old wooden tools found in China
An international research team has unearthed 35 wooden tools dating back 300,000 years at an archaeological site in…
- An international research team has unearthed 35 wooden tools dating back 300,000 years at the Gantangqing archaeological site in Yunnan province, China, marking the earliest known evidence of complex wooden tool technology in East Asia
independent+1. - The tools, crafted primarily from pine and hardwoods, include digging sticks and unique hook-shaped implements designed for harvesting underground plants like roots and tubers, revealing that early humans in the region relied heavily on plant-based diets
independent+1. - The discovery, published in the journal Science, challenges previous assumptions about technological development in prehistoric East Asia and provides empirical support for the long-debated "bamboo and wooden tools hypothesis"
chinadaily+1. - The wooden artifacts were preserved in oxygen-deprived clay sediments at an ancient lakeshore site, a rare occurrence since wooden tools from this period typically decompose rapidly
independent+1. - The findings contrast sharply with contemporaneous European sites like Schöningen in Germany, where wooden tools were primarily hunting implements, highlighting distinct regional survival strategies adapted to different environments
independent+1.