Category: issues

“With the emergence of a Chinese middle class, and the increasing liberalisation of public expression in various parts of South East Asia, we find ourselves entering into an era of what could, and should, be increasing cultural exchange with our immediate neighbourhood.”

“Are our most popular films, books and TV shows too entrenched in nostalgia?”

Park51, the Islamic cultural center in lower Manhattan that was the subject of a ginned-up controversy two years ago, “opened Wednesday without controversy. Instead of protesters, who tried to shut down the Park51 center several times, spectators milled about the center before entering to view a photographic exhibition.”

“London’s Royal Opera House has launched an ambitious programme of cinema screenings, including a production of Madam Butterfly shot in 3D. Ten operas and ballets will be shown in more than 700 cinemas in 22 countries during the 2011-2012 season.”

“Around 30 undergraduates staged a short sit-in at Scotland’s leading performing arts academy in Glasgow after it became the latest institution to announce fees of £9000 a year for students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

“Overall, the study found that 52% of Californians older than 18 attended at least one arts event in 2008, compared with 46% in other states. More than 14 million California adults reported participating in arts and cultural events in or outside the state for that year.”

“The best news in the report for colleges and universities — and policy makers concerned about increasing postsecondary attainment — is that it projects the number of degrees conferred to rise sharply.”

Jorn Weisbrodt is currently director of the Watermill Center in New York and executive director of RW Work Ltd, which manages the work of theatre and opera director Robert Wilson.

While many troupes in Russia are trying to move beyond the strict classical repertoire established during the Soviet era, Bolshoi general director Anatoly Iksanov says, “The Bolshoi Theatre is based on classics and classics will remain its priority in both opera and ballet.”

“Scotland’s cultural sector is to receive lower than average financial cuts from the Scottish government, with a 3.49% cut to the draft cultural budget for 2012/13 announced today at Holyrood.”