In Gaza, an artist named Taha Hussein Abu Ghali destroyed his paintings in a video shared on Instagram, saying they had become "bread" due to the lack of fuel and resources during the nearly two-year-long conflict. He expressed the pain of having to burn his art, which he considered music to his heart, as a family struggled with no access to basic necessities like food, fuel, and medical facilities.
In Sharjah, UAE, children are using AI to rewrite ancient fables from Kalila wa Dimna, creating a vibrant digital universe with custom animations and holographic projections. The House of Wisdom is expanding its summer camp program, including AI-focused workshops in game design, animation, and interactive fiction, based on the enthusiastic response from participants and parents.
AI-Generated Music Threatens Musicians' Livelihoods
7.29.25
Music industry experts Yung Spielburg and Mathieu Gendreau warn that the rise of AI-generated music poses a significant threat to musicians' livelihoods. According to Spielburg, "active" listeners who care about what artists convey will ultimately prevail over AI-generated tunes, but those who listen passively while doing mundane tasks may not be able to distinguish between human and synthetic music. Gendreau predicts that if listeners can't tell the difference, publishers and labels will opt for AI-made bands that don't earn royalties, making it harder for musicians to make a living. Music streaming platforms are already filling playlists with anonymous mood music, while University of Rochester School of Music professor Dennis DeSantis notes that AI-generated soundtracks have become cost-saving options in various venues, including movies and advertisements.
Aisha Rao is set to make her debut at the Hyundai India Couture Week on July 29, 2025, with a colourful showcase titled "Wild At Heart" at Taj Palace in New Delhi. The collection, created in collaboration with Kohler, is described as a maximalist ode to nature's untamed beauty.
Bihar Chief Minister Unveils Buddha Museum Project
7.29.25
The Chief Minister of Bihar has announced the establishment of a Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa in Vaishali, which will serve as a symbol of the region's cultural pride and spiritual legacy. The memorial is expected to boost tourism, cultural identity, and employment in the area, positioning Vaishali prominently on the global Buddhist map.
A 67-year-old artist, Cai, has created an exhibition in Macau featuring artworks generated by his AI model cAI, which he developed after seven years of research. The exhibition includes digital fireworks on floor-to-ceiling screens, phone booths for direct conversations with cAI, and gunpowder art pieces created using a humanoid arm that sets off explosions.
Korean media company CJ ENM is partnering with East West Bank to create First Light StoryHouse, a venture aimed at promoting cultural exchange and supporting artistic endeavors that drive positive change. The project is the result of a collaboration between CJ ENM's CEO, CJ, and East West Bank's president, Ng, who has expressed admiration for leaders such as Miky Lee and Janet Yang in their pursuit of creative and philanthropic endeavors.
Cyprus Minister Zon Seeks Global Cultural Exchange Partnerships
7.29.25
Cyprus Minister Zon proposed cultural cooperation with Indonesia and other countries, including Ethiopia and Argentina, to promote their cultural heritage internationally. The minister suggested joint nominations for UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, such as a musical instrument collaboration between Indonesia and Ethiopia, similar to the kolintang and balafon instruments. Zon also discussed plans for Tango dance classes and performances in Indonesia with Argentina's Ambassador Coppa.
Fadli Zon Unveils Heritage Exhibition in Indonesia
7.29.25
Culture Minister Fadli Zon has announced a collaborative exhibition at the Sri Baduga Museum in Indonesia, featuring heirloom collections such as keris, kujang, and tombak, to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage. The event aims to educate the public about Nusantara's cultural richness, with potential future exhibitions exploring local foods, traditional games, and sports like the pacu jalur boat race from Riau Province.