Slovakia's culture ministry has been criticized for its handling of high-profile firings, with former director Matej Drlicka accusing Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova of incompetence and "everyone's laughing stock". Drlicka was dismissed in August 2024 after two stints as head of the Slovak National Theatre, while Branislav Panis, a museum expert who served for over 25 years, was let go in September without explanation. Zuzana Liptakova, who headed an international children's art center, was also suddenly dismissed in March 2024, with her replacement causing several employees to quit in protest.
Srikalahasti's Bhanodaya Preserves Ancient Kalamkari Craft
7.4.25
In Andhra Pradesh, a traditional craft called Kalamkari is being protected through free training centres and dedicated artisans in Srikalahasti. The Bhanodaya Kalamkari Centre is one such centre where artisans practise the age-old craft of hand-drawn, natural-dye Kalamkari, creating intricate mythological designs by hand using vegetable and mineral dyes.
Tirupati MP Dr. Maddila Gurumurthy has sought support from Tata Group chairman N. Chandrasekaran to revive the ancient Kalamkari art form in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Srikalahasti. The MP proposed establishing a BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) center and a Tata Skill Development Centre in Tirupati to generate employment for local youth. Dr. Gurumurthy also urged Tata Fashion brands like Westside and Tata CliQ to incorporate modern designs into traditional Kalamkari products, aiming to preserve the art form while promoting its mainstream appeal.
Thoreau's Walden Pond Rebellion Ignites Social Change
7.4.25
Henry David Thoreau was born in 1817 and became a writer, influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson. He moved to Emerson's family home and later built his own hut by Walden pond. Thoreau opposed the US War of 1846, which he believed would expand slavery, and refused to pay taxes funding the war effort, leading to his imprisonment. In "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau argued that breaking unjust laws is morally necessary for protest. He posited that a minority's influence can be powerful when it resists the majority, and that non-violent illegal protest can be justified in response to slavery. Thoreau gave speeches to Abolitionists advocating for "civil disobedience" before his death.
The author, Tom Utley, expresses his preference for traditional tastes in art and literature, favoring British artists like Gainsborough and Millais over modernists like Mondrian and Kandinsky. He also enjoys the works of classic authors such as Jane Austen and PG Wodehouse. In contrast to his sons' generation, who find his views on issues like plural pronouns and historical narratives "dull" and "old-fashioned", Utley believes that Britain has a rich history worth celebrating and that its suburbs are ideal places to live. He also pokes fun at himself for being overly fond of crossword puzzles and afternoon TV, as well as using outdated phrases in his writing.
A private collector has purchased the artwork, but no specific name is mentioned. The sale took place in the UK, with no location specified other than that it was not New York or London.
Bob Vylan has been criticized by Right Said Fred for his performance at Glastonbury Festival, where he encouraged chants of 'Death to the IDF' and made anti-Zionist remarks, prompting the BBC to express regret over not stopping its livestream of the set.
The Stone Mountain Memorial Association has hired Warner Museums, a Birmingham-based company specializing in civil rights installations, to design an exhibit exploring how the "Lost Cause" movement emerged from Southern society's collective memory of slavery and westward expansion. The exhibit will also address the role of organizations like the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Sons of Confederate Veterans in perpetuating this ideology through monuments, education programs, and racial segregation laws. A small Black community that lived near the mountain after the war will be featured in the exhibit. Georgia's General Assembly allocated $11 million for the project, which includes renovating Memorial Hall.
The Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert and Fireworks event will take place on July 4th with gates opening at 4pm. Performances by Álvaro Díaz, JoJo, Mr. HOLLYWOOD DJ, and DJ Ghost & Friends are scheduled to occur before the fireworks display, which is set to launch around 9pm in the evening.