Sylvia Young, a pioneering teacher who founded a stage school in Westminster that launched the careers of Amy Winehouse, Rita Ora, Billie Piper, and Emma Bunton, has died at the age of 86. Her daughter, Frances Ruffelle, confirmed the news, stating her mother was a "true visionary" who gave young people from all walks of life the chance to pursue their performing arts skills. The school, which began in London's east end, has a strong reputation for nurturing talent and has produced notable alumni including Dua Lipa, Denise Van Outen, and Tom Fletcher.
V&A Showcases Artistic Influences in London Exhibition
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The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is showcasing a unique collection of objects that highlight their influence on various art forms, including fashion, design, film, and creativity. The display features items such as a Qing dynasty porcelain vase, a costume from the Royal Ballet's "The Sleeping Beauty," and a watercolour painting of a forest glade by Potter. The collection also includes a handmade quilt from Wales and a 15th century earthenware tile from Somerset. Visitors can view these objects up close through the museum's Order an Object service, which allows them to book an appointment with a staff member.
In Germany, a campaign by 12 well-known voice actors from the VDS association went viral on TikTok, calling for lawmakers to obtain explicit consent when training AI on artists' voices and fairly compensate them. The petition gained over 75,500 signatures, with VDS member Cedric Cavatore stating that if intellectual property is no longer protected, creators will stop producing content due to concerns of theft. In the US, SAG-AFTRA has signed a new contract with video game studios focused on AI, representing progress in protections against the tech. Meanwhile, some studios like Neue Tonfilm Muenchen are cautiously exploring AI and human dubbing coexistence, with managing director Eberhard Weckerle warning that cheaply produced AI-generated content could lead to poorer quality.
Yale University in Connecticut has been ranked 15th overall by Travel + Leisure. The university's diverse architecture reflects changing styles, from the Georgian-style Connecticut Hall to postmodern Ingalls Rink designed by Eero Saarinen. Other notable buildings include Edward P. Evans Hall by Norman Foster and the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, which houses a Gutenberg Bible and a 12th-century book of Buddhist prayers.
Indonesia Revamps Batik Industry with Ministerial Support
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Indonesia is developing its batik industry through various initiatives, including creating reference books and facilities for geographical indications, digitizing industries, and revitalizing small and medium-sized centers. Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasizes the importance of collaboration among central and regional governments, businesses, and academics to create a sustainable ecosystem for the industry's growth. This effort aims to preserve Indonesia's batik heritage while laying the groundwork for a better future in the fabric industry.
The new museum will feature a vast collection of art and artifacts from various artists, including Frida Kahlo and Norman Rockwell, as well as comic book characters like Flash Gordon and Iron Man. The building will also include cinemas, classrooms, a library, a restaurant, and a gift shop, with the surrounding parkland remaining open to the public. Originally scheduled for 2021, the museum's completion has been delayed due to the pandemic and construction complexities, with an expected opening in 2026.
The Great Falls Spinners and Weavers Guild is showcasing its unique side at the fair with a booth featuring interactive exhibits on spinning, weaving, and dyeing yarn. Linda Henning, a guild member with over two decades of experience, shares her passion for the craft that began in childhood when she made clothes for her Barbie dolls. The guild's booth includes ongoing demonstrations and encourages visitors to explore their interest in the art form, with advice from Henning to start small and seek out local resources.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, has laid off 14% of its staff, including 15 full-time roles and seven part-time positions. The cuts primarily affected the education and public programming departments. Following Sandra Jackson-Dumont's departure as director in January, George Lucas will take on a programming role at the museum before it opens.
A portrait of Lionel Messi created by Refik Anadol sold for $1.87 million at a Christie's auction, with proceeds going towards education programs in Latin American and Caribbean countries supported by the Inter Miami CF Foundation. The artwork is based on Messi's iconic 2009 Champions League looping header against Manchester United that sealed Barcelona's first treble.