Heritage experts are working to preserve Gaza's historical sites amidst ongoing conflict. The Palestinian Museum is involved in a reconstruction effort worth €260m, but funding uncertainties may hinder progress. A recent UN report found Israeli attacks on Palestinian heritage amount to war crimes. In response, a $1m fund has been allocated to support the preservation of Gaza's cultural heritage, including evacuating artefacts, conducting damage surveys, and providing training for safeguarding historical sites.
Anna Heringer's Low-Tech Clay Schools Thrive Worldwide
7.18.25
Scientists are developing high-tech coatings that could outperform air conditioners, but German architect Anna Heringer advocates for sustainable architecture using local materials like clay. Heringer has designed schools in Bangladesh and Ghana, where she uses mud as a low-tech material with high-tech performance. Clay walls balance humidity, reducing physical discomfort in extreme heat and cold, and can be strengthened over time through natural crystallization processes. Contrary to popular perception, clay walls do not dissolve in the rain, and Heringer's schools have required minimal maintenance despite being hundreds of years old.
Carmichael believes that Dark Mofo's Dark Park in Tasmania won't continue next year due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the festival. The festival faced backlash on social media over an art project that involved crowd-sourcing blood from Indigenous and Aboriginal people. In contrast, a previous initiative by David Walsh, a Tasmanian collector, aimed to create an Aboriginal art park on Hobart's waterfront with a history centre, fire and light installations, and a contemporary art gallery at Macquarie Point.
Grateful Dead Icon Jerry Garcia Honored in New Book
7.18.25
A coffee table book honoring Jerry Garcia's birthday will be released on August 1, coinciding with a panel discussion on July 15 at 5 PM at shop.davidkordanskygallery.com. The event features Jay Blakesberg, Shirley Halperin of The Hollywood Reporter, Ron Rakow, Rosie McGee, and Stuart Krimko, who will discuss the book and Garcia's connection to photographer Ron Rakow's work as part of the Grateful Dead's management team in the late 1960s and early '70s.
Indonesia Partners with GOBELINS for Talent Development
7.18.25
Indonesia's Creative Economy Ministry has proposed collaborative schemes with GOBELINS to enhance the country's creative talent development. The initiatives include a Talent Exchange, Masterclass & Joint Workshop Series, Digital Curriculum Co-Development, and Educator Residency program. Industry players will be directly involved in the education process, aiming to equip Indonesia's creative professionals with global competencies to tackle local and international challenges.
James Bennett II Leads SCI-arc's Downtown Revitalization
7.18.25
James Stark Bennett II was a prominent figure with diverse interests and affiliations. He began his career at the University of California at Berkeley's radio station KALX, where he produced its annual Jazz Festival. After graduating from Harvard Business School, Bennett became Chief Operating Officer at Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-arc) in downtown Los Angeles, playing a key role in establishing the institution in the Arts District. He also served on various boards, including the Ojai Music Festival, W. Alton Jones Foundation, and National Environmental Trust, among others.
K-pop and other South Korean pop culture products are gaining international traction, challenging North Korea's leadership as they gain popularity among the public. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has intensified campaigns to eliminate South Korean cultural influence. A US resident from Arkansas, Nathan, discovered K-pop through his cousins in Texas, who were long-time fans, and initially pretended to dislike it before being introduced to EXO's 'Growl' music video on YouTube.
The Korean Cultural Center library in New York has won an iF Design Award for its unique blend of traditional and modern elements, while Seoul Light DDP's "Poetry of Time" show also took home the award. The awards come as part of the Busan Design Festival 2025, which highlights top lifestyle trends. Design expert John Maeda emphasizes the importance of design in driving innovation and competitiveness in the 21st century, particularly in navigating the intersection of technology and ethics.
Myke Towers' Island Boyz Marks Career Turning Point
7.18.25
Myke Towers has stated that the creative process behind his album "Island Boyz" was organic and based on artistic chemistry, rather than formulas. The collaboration with artists such as Quevedo, De La Ghetto, Gabito Ballesteros, Manuel Turizo, OmahLay, Ludmilla, DFZM, and iZaak resulted in a cohesive vision for the album. Myke Towers' goal was not to achieve easy success, but rather long-term authenticity and depth in his music. The production, narrative, and intention behind each track make "Island Boyz" a solid work that marks a turning point in his career.