The north west of England has seen a £1 billion boost in music tourism thanks to high-profile performances by artists such as Sam Fender, Chappell Roan, Dave Grohl's Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift, and Bruce Springsteen. The region's annual music festivals like Parklife, Creamfields, and Beat-Herder have also drawn large crowds. In 2024, over 21.9 million Brits and 1.6 million overseas fans attended live concerts, with Swift's Eras tour generating millions at venues like Wembley Stadium.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14863613/Sam-Fender-Chappell-Roen-Foo-Fighters-help-generate-staggering-1-2billion-music-tourism-north-west-England-amid-growing-demand-live-music.htmlThe films in Pardi di Domani will be eligible for several awards at the festival, including the prestigious Pardino d’Oro and Pardino d’Argento, as well as specific recognition for Best Direction and newcomer talent from Medien Patent Verwaltung AG.
https://deadline.com/2025/07/locarno-short-medium-length-competition-titles-1236446462/The Oslo-based company Thirtyfour is launching a collaborative platform for creative professionals, aiming to facilitate the exchange of ideas among European producers. Trond Kvernstrøm and Ida Jørgensen from The Oslo Company are behind this initiative, seeking to foster a community that benefits everyone involved.
https://deadline.com/2025/07/thirtyfour-media-expands-with-belgium-norway-producers-1236446110/ICONSIAM, a Bangkok landmark along the Chao Phraya River, partners with Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart Group to host the first-ever Yuyuan Lantern Festival in Thailand, "Spirit of Mountains and Seas · Yuyuan Lantern Festival and 2025 China–Thailand Culture Month". The festival runs from July 1 to August 15, 2025, at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM, featuring lantern installations inspired by ancient Chinese text Shan Hai Jing, with interactive technology and fantastical creatures. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of Thai-Chinese diplomatic ties, offering a rich program of cultural activities, including traditional performances, local products market, themed cultural weeks, and an art exhibition.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/mediaoutreach/2025/07/01/iconsiam-in-collaboration-with-shanghai-yuyuan-tourist-mart-group-brings-chinas-most-iconic-lantern-festival-to-thailand-for-the-first-time/392227A new book titled "Culture is bad for you" challenges the conventional view that culture is beneficial. Written by Orian Brook, Dave O'Brien, and Mark Taylor, it argues that inequality in the cultural and creative industries perpetuates discrimination and racism. The authors suggest that the arts should be recognized as a key part of what it means to be human, with Justin O'Connor and Robert Hewison contributing to an urgent treatise on the decommodification of culture.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/07/01/why-sociologists-believe-that-culture-is-bad-for-youIn Egypt, belly dance is facing a stigma that's pushing young performers to reclaim their art form as part of the country's heritage. Safy Akef and Safaa Saeed, both great-nieces of legendary dancers, are leading a movement to reframe the art as fit for theatres and festivals. Choreographer Amie Sultan is behind this effort, which includes training students in musicality, history, and theory, and aims to preserve the dance's history. The group wants official recognition, including Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, but faces challenges from conservative society and colonial baggage that has exoticized the movement.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2025/07/01/in-our-blood-from-stigma-to-stage-egyptian-women-challenge-taboos-seek-unesco-recognition/182422Alison Amick, chief curator at Intuit Art Museum, disputes the notion that immigrants are more likely to be self-taught artists than non-immigrants. However, co-curator Dana Boutin suggests that life experiences of immigrant artists can significantly impact their artistic paths. The new exhibition "Catalyst" challenges traditional views by highlighting the importance of marginalized voices in shaping American identity and artistic excellence.
https://observer.com/2025/07/art-exhibition-review-catalyst-intuit-art-museum-chicago/Kane Hibberd's Scale photography exhibition at Unlocked Shoreditch in London is a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his work as a concert photographer, portraitist, and music video director. The exhibition runs from June 12 to August 31, 2025, and will be followed by a high-quality book release in late 2026.
https://petapixel.com/2025/07/01/photographer-showcases-legendary-guitars-at-life-size-scale/The City of Anaheim offers a variety of free and low-cost concerts and cultural performances during the summer, including the Summer Nights Under the Stars event at Pearson Park Amphitheatre in Anaheim. The event featured performances by Ling's Dance Academy, who showcased their talents with dance routines and even invited young audience members to learn some steps on stage. Other performers included the Hikari Taiko Drummers, whose energetic beats filled the amphitheatre. The event was part of the City of Anaheim's efforts to provide accessible cultural entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/07/01/summer-of-shows-at-pearson-park-in-anaheim-are-free-or-low-cost/