Culture news UK think tank calls for ‘class ceiling’ to be broken in the arts UK think tank the Fabian Society calls for a “universal library card” and a “culture pass” for children in the UK, in order to democratise the arts and break the “class ceiling”. 19/09/2024
Art Is Venice’s famed winged lion statue actually Chinese? New chemical evidence claims that Venice’s winged lion could be Chinese... And that it's not a lion but an altered Chinese tomb gardian known as a 'zhènmùshòu'. 19/09/2024
Culture news Have archaeologists uncovered the remains of a famed French poet? Archaeological excavations at Notre-Dame de Paris have uncovered a burial site that could be that of the French poet Joachim du Bellay (1522 - 1560), whose grave has been sought since the 18th century. But doubts remain... 18/09/2024
Culture news Nine Inch Nails photography exhibition to open in London The collection of photographs by Jonathan Rach hits London next month. ‘The Downward Spiral Exhibition’ coincides with the 30th anniversary of Nine Inch Nails' second album 'The Downward Spiral', and features "unseen" images from NIN's 1994-1996 'Self Destruct' tour. 18/09/2024
Lifestyle Victoria’s Secret comeback show: Cher to lead all-women line-up Cher has been announced as the headliner for Victoria’s Secret’s upcoming comeback fashion show, after a six-year hiatus for the lingerie brand. 18/09/2024
Culture news Iconic Berlin music institution to permanently close after 22 years The iconic Berlin club Watergate will shut its doors at the end of 2024, with the team citing “enormous financial pressure” as one of the reasons behind the closure. 18/09/2024
Culture news Marr vs Morrissey: The Smiths trademark ownership claims debunked Johnny Marr’s management has released a statement debunking the accusations made by former The Smiths singer Morrissey, who claimed that his ex-bandmate trademarked the group's name "without any consultation". 18/09/2024
Cinema Here's what not to miss at this year's Festival Lumière 2024 Cinephiles rejoice! The 2024 Lumière Festival kicks off in Lyon next month, and with a rich and eclectic program, this 16th edition promises to be yet another vibrant tribute to cinema in all its forms. Here’s the lowdown on the screenings and events you shouldn’t miss. 17/09/2024
Culture news Brie Larson to make West End debut in Greek tragedy ‘Elektra’ “I couldn’t be more excited to perform in this Greek drama," said Oscar-winning Brie Larson, who hits the stage in London next January as the titular character from Sophocles' famous play. 17/09/2024
Culture news Record number of female writers make 2024 Booker Prize shortlist This year’s Booker Prize shortlist features the highest number of female writers shortlisted in the prize’s 55-year history, as well as the first Dutch author to be shortlisted. 17/09/2024
Culture news Backlash against Donald Trump's 'I hate Taylor Swift' intensifies Trump's four-worded outburst comes just days after Taylor Swift informed her 284 million Instagram followers that she was going vote for Kamala Harris. 16/09/2024
Culture news Iranian resistance on film two years after Mahsa Amini's death Two years after the death of Mahsa Amini, two Iranian films which defy state censorship and expose the crimes of the Islamic State begin their European rollouts in cinemas. They remind us how fortunate we are to have filmmakers who dare to challenge oppression, misogyny and tyranny. 16/09/2024
Culture news Jackson 5 founding member Tito Jackson dies aged 70 Tito Jackson, founding Member of the Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, has died. 16/09/2024
Culture news Film of the Week: ‘The Substance’ - A spine-cleaving triumph For her second film, which won Best Screenplay in Cannes this year, French director Coralie Fargeat delivers a gory parable about the fetishisation of youth. It’s a demented fairytale you won’t want to miss, and 2024’s best horror film. Warning: Weak stomachs need not apply. 13/09/2024
Culture news The Simpsons’ pet dog is going viral after the Trump-Harris debate “They’re eating the dogs”: Trump peddled false claims about immigrants in last night's debate, leading him to be fact-checked live on air. It also led to a flurry of memes featuring animals and The Simpson’s dog, Santa’s Little Helper. 11/09/2024
Food and Drink Sip happens: Sangria with €120,000 worth of Petrus, anyone? A video posted online has become the subject of numerous outraged comments. It shows patrons of a bar on the Côte d'Azur concocting a sangria with one of the world's most expensive wines... 11/09/2024
Culture news Can Taylor Swift's support swing it for Kamala Harris? It’s the endorsement that everyone’s been waiting for, and while not surprising, it means a lot. Several celebrities have reacted - including a strange comment from Elon Musk which has gone viral. What weight can Swift's support have on the November elections? 11/09/2024
Culture news Could Almodóvar's 'pro-euthanasia' film lead to legislative change? Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar won the Golden Lion at this year's Venice Film Festival for his first English-language feature 'The Room Next Door'. The film deals with a topic that is still taboo for many: euthanasia. Can the film - or any film - engender changes to policy? 10/09/2024
Culture news 'This machine sues fascists': The White Stripes are suing Donald Trump Rock band The White Stripes add their name to an ever growing list of artists who are suing Donald Trump over the illegal use of their songs in campaign videos. The band highlight the “flagrant misappropriation” of their hit song ‘Seven Nation Army’. 10/09/2024
Culture news Fans angry at Beyoncé snub for the Country Music Awards The Country Music Awards nominations have been announced and one superstar is noticeably absent from the list... 10/09/2024