The US government is struggling to establish a strong foundation for arts policy, with a cabinet-level department of arts and culture lacking. A robust National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is seen as a crucial step forward, but its funding is currently inadequate. The NEH and other federal arts programs face significant challenges in receiving sufficient support due to shifting political priorities.
Corvi-Mora Showcases Packer, Brice, Yiadom-Boakye Works
7.22.25
A recent exhibition at Corvi-Mora in London featured works by Jennifer Packer, including her 2023 piece "Procession." In contrast, Lisa Brice's 2021 work "Untitled (After Valloton)" was showcased at the gallery. Lynette Yiadom-Boakye's 2024 "To Improvise a Mountain" is also on display. The exhibition highlights the diverse styles of these artists, including British painter Walter Sickert, whose 1896-98 piece "The Blackbird of Paradise" is part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection.
Elsa Ngai's Murals Inspired by Ancient Chinese Art
7.22.25
This summer's exhibitions in Hong Kong are showcasing the work of young artists exploring identity and tradition through their art. The "Art Actions: Our Youth Our Future" exhibition at Hart Haus features three Hong Kong awardees, including Elsa Ngai Se-ngaa, who received the Hart Award for promising artists from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Ngai's works, Transformation I and Transformation II, are inspired by ancient murals in the Mogao Caves in China's Gansu province, a cultural reference that has gained popularity among Hong Kong artists.
Flag-Waving Incident Rocks Royal Opera House Performance
7.22.25
A performer at the Royal Opera House in London briefly scuffled with someone backstage after holding a Palestinian flag on stage during the final performance of "Il Trovatore" by Giuseppe Verdi. The opera company described the action as an unauthorized and inappropriate act, not approved by the Royal Ballet and Opera. Director Adele Thomas' production reinterpreted the story of desire and a curse.
Isha Ambani Shines in Roberto Cavalli's Masterpiece
7.22.25
Isha Ambani stunned at a recent event wearing a custom Bandhani gown by Roberto Cavalli, blending Indian craftsmanship with Italian couture. The outfit showcased the beauty of Indian heritage and luxury fashion coming together in perfect harmony.
Indonesia's traditional sport Pacu Jalur has gained international attention due to viral videos of its energetic choreography, particularly by 11-year-old dancer Rayyan Arkan Dhika, who performs "aura farming" moves at the front of rowing teams. The competition, held annually in Kuantan Singingi, Riau, features long wooden boats racing down the river with a young dancer maintaining balance to avoid falling into the water. The sport has been recognized as Indonesia's intangible cultural heritage and is being considered for UNESCO status, with Culture Minister Fadli Zon announcing plans to nominate it.
Abbie Chatfield Denies Engagement Rumors with Adam
7.22.25
Abbie Chatfield has shut down speculation about wearing an engagement ring on her left hand during a New Year's Eve performance with her partner Adam. The couple, who debuted their romance in June 2024, were spotted packing on the PDA at the Hindley St Music Hall in Adelaide. Abbie joined Adam on stage for his band Peking Duk's set and later shared a kiss as they counted down to 2025.
K-pop group Blackpink has achieved significant success with their latest release "Jump", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Global 200 chart and is also sitting atop the Billboard Global Excl. chart. The group's digital billboard campaign in Seoul marks the kickoff of their world tour, further solidifying their popularity globally.
CKGSB Launches Art Price Benchmark System Globally
7.22.25
CKGSB has launched new MM Continental Art Price Indices, a long-term art price benchmark system that compares prices based on artists' birthplaces across Asia-Africa-Oceania, Europe, and the Americas. The indices show regional growth patterns, with Asia-Africa-Oceania recording the strongest 7.7% CAGR, followed by the Americas at 31.7% and Europe at 22.4%. China's art market rebounded by 9% in Spring 2025, while a 10-year rolling return on art turned negative in 2023-2024, suggesting potential undervaluation. CKGSB and SDA Bocconi have signed an MOU to co-develop new tools, including European country-level indices and sentiment metrics, to provide transparency to the market.