Harbin, a city with a rich musical history and cultural heritage blending Eastern and Western influences, is set to host the World Federation of International Music Competitions' annual meeting. President Peter Paul Kainrath hopes this event will foster closer ties between Harbin and other Chinese cities through dialogue and cooperation in various sectors. As the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeast China, Harbin aims to showcase its unique cultural identity through its summer music festival, featuring diverse and catchy music that highlights the city's position as a cradle of modern Chinese music.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/02/tmt-newswire/pr-newswire/xinhua-silk-road-summer-music-feast-draws-crowds-of-attendees-in-ice-city-in-ne-china/2142212The 17th Annual Miami Takeover is returning to Miami Beach in July with The Art of Go-Go Culture Fest, a celebration of 50 years of go-go music and Black creativity. The event will take place at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell on July 26th, featuring live performances by legendary bands Junkyard Band, Black Passion Band, and Top5 Band.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-miami-takeover-in-collaboration-with-the-greater-miami-convention--visitors-bureau-will-celebrate-50-years-of-go-go-music-and-black-art-next-month-at-the-art-of-go-go-culture-fest-302494436.htmlSan Diego Pride emphasizes the value of free speech, particularly for marginalized groups like queer individuals and people of color whose voices are being silenced by the federal government. The event highlights the role of artists in challenging systems and creating culture to amplify these underrepresented voices.
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/interview-interim-executive-director-san-diego-pride/509-a7512d8f-28a8-46fd-ae31-e71925c2c011Zegler stars in a new West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita", playing the role of Eva Peron. The musical features Jamie Lloyd's raunchy production with vibrant choreography by Fabian Aloise, blending tango and Zumba moves to create a high-energy performance.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14866497/review-Evita-Rachel-Zegler-knockout.htmlAndrew Lloyd Webber is impressed with Imogen Zegler's performance at the Palladium, citing her exceptional stage presence and singing abilities. He wants to offer her a role in Evita on Broadway, considering her success in Romeo + Juliet alongside Kit Connor. Lloyd Webber believes Zegler has the potential to become a major star if she makes smart choices and lands the right roles, potentially becoming a rare talent who excels in both stage and screen.
https://deadline.com/2025/07/evita-to-broadway-london-palladium-rachel-zegler-jamie-lloyd-1236447524/Drew Dodge's artwork combines elements of art history, including Baroque paintings and ancient bas-reliefs, to create a unique style. His use of fur as a compositional element draws inspiration from various sources, such as Kenneth Anger's psychedelic constructions and Jim Henson's puppetry. The artist's figures are reduced to their basic function, creating an abstract approach that balances presence and distance. This style is reminiscent of Carl Jung's concept of the "zoo-anthropic figure," a persona or mask that represents the artist's identity. Dodge's choice of dog as his primary subject brings to mind the Canadian collective General Idea's works featuring poodles, which symbolize identity, gender fluidity, and queer affirmation. The artist's use of fur also echoes Franz Kafka's novel "Forschungen eines Hundes" (Investigations of a Dog), where the protagonist is a dog narrating his own story, creating a sense of intimacy and self-discovery.
https://www.juxtapoz.com/news/painting/drew-dodge-rainbows-rituals-and-ruins-semiose-paris/Dubai has been chosen as a hub for a conference that aims to foster innovation and collaboration between Africa and Asia. The event will bring together experts from various fields, including architecture, art, technology, education, and humanities, through high-level panel discussions, exhibitions, workshops, and think tanks.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/07/02/canadian-university-dubai-to-host-summitThe European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA) is a coalition of seven European organisations representing over 750 brands and cultural institutions, including Altagamma (Italy), Circulo Fortuny (Spain), Comité Colbert (France), Gustaf III Kommitté (Sweden), Laurel (Portugal), Meisterkreis (Germany) and Walpole (UK). ECCIA aims to promote innovation, quality, skilled employment, and strong exports in the arts and culture sector.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-eccia-bain-report-europes-high-end-sector-sounds-alarm-on-tariffs-skills-and-competitiveness-302495989.htmlThe artistic team of Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino is being reinstated to represent Australia at the Venice Biennale, six months after they were abruptly terminated due to controversy over two of Sabsabi's historic works. The decision comes as a result of a review by consultants Blackhall & Pearl, which identified missteps in the governance of Australia's participation at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Sabsabi and Dagostino had been stripped of their appointment following questions raised in parliament about their work, leading to an artists' boycott and international embarrassment. The reinstatement is seen as a step towards healing the fractures between the arts agency and the community, with Sabsabi and Dagostino expressing gratitude for the support of their families, friends, and fans.
https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/sacked-artist-to-be-reinstated-as-australia-s-venice-representative-20250617-p5m896.html