Arts Funding Crisis Hits Australian Institutions Hard
7.4.25
The Australian government's tax reform is being proposed as a new patron of the arts, following concerns about funding for arts institutions and organisations. Many are struggling to cope with increased costs post-COVID, while governments have reduced their support.
BBC Censures Pro-Palestine Activist Mahmoud Khalil
7.4.25
Pro-Palestine activists have faced censure from the BBC after a controversy at Glastonbury Festival. Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil was released on bail following the incident. The BBC has taken steps to address its coverage of pro-Palestine events, with some critics accusing it of bias.
BBC Withdraws Staff Over Glastonbury Controversy Backlash
7.4.25
The BBC has temporarily withdrawn senior staff from music and live events following a backlash over its handling of Bob Vylan's performance at Glastonbury, where the punk duo was deemed 'high risk' but allowed to air despite containing anti-Israeli comments. Lorna Clarke, head of music on an annual salary of £215,000, has stepped down to focus on an investigation into the incident. The BBC's director general Tim Davie issued a personal apology for the corporation's mistake.
The Rejang Lebong Kuda Kepang Cultural Arts Association will host the Gerebeg Suro festival in Bengkulu on July 7 to celebrate the Islamic New Year. The event, which has been held annually since 2022, features a large-scale performance of kuda kepang, a traditional Javanese dance where performers ride flat, woven bamboo horses. PKKKRL chairman Hidayatullah and Rejang Lebong Police Chief AKBP Florentus Situngkir have expressed their support for the event, which aims to foster appreciation for local culture among younger generations and serve as a platform for cultural education. The festival will involve dozens of kuda kepang groups from both the region and beyond, with security forces on site to ensure a safe and orderly celebration.
Burning Man Cancels Fireworks Over Tourism Concerns
7.4.25
The organizers of the Burning Man festival have been informed that tourism and economics are the main reasons for not continuing the show's fireworks display, according to Steers. However, Steers believes a quieter alternative, such as a drone show, could still attract visitors to the wilderness. The fireworks are set to take place in just a few hours, but it is possible that Steers and her organization may be granted their wish for a more subdued performance by 2026.
China Commemorates WWII Resistance with Exhibition & Docs
7.4.25
The Chinese government is launching an exhibition and releasing documentaries to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China's resistance against Japanese aggression during WWII. The exhibition will feature large-scale videos, a photo wall, and immersive installations showcasing China's role in supporting Allied powers. A documentary titled "The Great Victory — Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression Through the Lens of a Soviet Photographer" co-produced by China Global Television Network and All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, will highlight the experiences of renowned Soviet photographer Roman Karmen during his time in China.
ED attaches assets worth ₹34 crore of Kannada actor Ranya Rao in gold-smuggling case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹34 crore of Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who is accused of being involved in a gold smuggling case. The ED action was taken against Ranya Rao and his associates under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The investigation revealed that Ranya Rao had allegedly smuggled gold worth ₹34 crore into India through various routes.
Hong Kong is mourning the loss of two beloved film stars, Chow Chung and Suet Nei. Chow Chung, 92, died from pneumonia on Friday, while Suet Nei, 77, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Thursday after a long battle against the disease. The actress's husband, renowned kung fu choreographer Tang Chia, passed away 10 days prior. The loss is described as a "double whammy" by Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild vice-president Candice Yu On-on, who considers Suet Nei and her late husband a model couple in the industry.
Indonesia Crafts Plan to Elevate Cultural Significance
7.4.25
Indonesia's government is drafting a National Action Plan for Cultural Advancement, which aims to establish culture as the foundation of civilization. The plan is being developed in collaboration with the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture and the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas). Secretary General Bambang Wibawarta emphasized that culture is not just a legacy of the past but also a guiding light for building a brighter future.