Valparaiso University Sells Off Masterpieces Amid Scandal
7.3.25
Valparaiso University has shut down its campus museum due to a deaccessioning scandal and falling enrollment. The university planned to sell artworks by Georgia O'Keeffe, Childe Hassam, and Frederic Church, valued at up to $15m, which led to a lawsuit and appeals to Indiana state officials.
A dialogue between cultures was organized during the exchange and both museums signed a cooperation memorandum. In parallel, Baoji hosted a cultural fair in Astana, where heirs of Baoji's intangible cultural heritage and folk musicians promoted Baoji through clay sculptures, embroidery, and traditional instruments, attracting nearly 1,000 local residents who immersed themselves in ancient Zhou culture from China. The event aims to open a window into the world to understand ancient Zhou culture from China, highlighting Baoji's deep cultural heritage as a hub for ancient bronze-making. Baoji plans to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in areas such as culture, tourism, and industry in the future, aiming to make this culturally rich Chinese city a key platform for cultural exchanges between China and Kazakhstan.
In a provocative move, two teams faced off in a football match played with an artistic reproduction of Francisco Franco's head in Moia, Spain, as part of the "Ex Abrupto" art festival. The unusual ball was created by artist Eugenio Merino and his group Indecline, who have previously courted controversy with works criticizing Franco and right-wing dictatorships. The match, dubbed "La Copa del Generalisimo," was held near former trenches from the 1936-1939 civil war and was recorded for broadcast on local radio and later shown in a bar. Merino aimed to commemorate Franco's death anniversary while promoting anti-fascism, using the same mould for the resin and silicone-covered head that sparked controversy with previous works.
The city of Harbin, China is hosting various international music competitions and events, including the Schoenfeld International String Competition 2025, the XX World Saxophone Congress, and the VII International Accordion Art Festival. The city's unique cultural heritage, blending Eastern and Western influences, has made it an enchanting destination for artists and audiences alike. According to Peter Paul Kainrath, president of the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC), Harbin aims to foster close ties with Chinese cities through music and dialogue. As a hub for modern Chinese music, Harbin's summer festival showcases diverse and catchy melodies, illuminating different cultures through its vibrant music scene.
Indonesia Minister Backs Pencak Silat Development Plan
7.3.25
Indonesia's Minister has expressed support for West Sumatra's development of pencak silat, a martial art originating from the region, as part of the central government's cluster system to emphasize regional strengths. The minister encourages the new leadership of the West Sumatra Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) to develop a comprehensive concept for advancing the sport, including centralized training and cultural performances. President Prabowo Subianto is committed to promoting sports diplomacy through pencak silat, aiming to take it to the Olympics. The IPSI chair, Vasko Ruseimy, has pledged to follow up on the minister's directives and improve pencak silat achievements in West Sumatra by grounding them in traditional practices.
Indonesia Ministry Empowers Young Artists Through Biennale
7.3.25
The Indonesian Ministry of Culture supports the establishment of creative expression spaces for young people through initiatives like Kids Biennale Indonesia, a program that engages children in artistic practices and reflections on social issues such as bullying and environmental concerns. The ministry's Museum and Cultural Heritage Management Agency, led by Executive Director Esti Nurjadin, aims to make cultural sites dynamic and inclusive, particularly for the younger generation who will shape the nation's future.
Indonesian Angklung Group Performs in Rome Celebration
7.3.25
The Indonesian Angklung Art Group performed at the "Celebrating Forests and Culture, Youth and Music Forest Harmonies" event in Rome, Italy, as part of the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) 80th Anniversary celebration. The group, supported by the Indonesian Embassy in Rome, showcased traditional Indonesian music, including Nusantara songs like Apuse and Bolelebo, alongside popular hits such as Que Sera Sera and O Sole Mio. The performance was a form of cultural diplomacy, highlighting the universal values conveyed through angklung music, including cooperation, peace, and environmental harmony.
Juneteenth Celebration Honors Sheila Jackson Lee Legacy
7.3.25
The "Juneteenth in July" event will honor Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's legacy by celebrating Juneteenth as a national holiday. Renowned artists such as Yolanda Adams, George Clinton, and Stokley of Mint Condition will perform at the free admission event, which begins with marketplace activities and live performances at 2 p.m. followed by a main program and musical tribute concert at 4 p.m., hosted by Se7en the Poet. The celebration aims to bring together diverse audiences to honor freedom and unity, while recognizing Congresswoman Lee's pivotal role in establishing June 19 as a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.