culture

Eli Broad, who helped reshape the cultural landscape of Los Angeles, has died, aged 87

Eli Broad, the billionaire art collector, businessman and philanthropist who played an outsize role in transforming the cultural landscape of Los Angeles, has died, aged 87. Among other ambitious undertakings, he co-founded the art institution known as the Broad—which has become one of the most popular museums on the West Coast—with his wife Edythe, who…

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Looting, Plundering, and More: Cultural Treasures That Have Faced Claims of Theft

Art theft typically conjures pieces ripped from the walls of world-class museums, and while art heists take place frequently, they are not the only means by which priceless treasures are taken. Throughout history, masterpieces have plundered, looted, and stolen, and taken far away from the original locales. For the former owners of such stolen works,…

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Keep your distance, former culture ministers warn UK government

Two former UK culture ministers have spoken out to The Art Newspaper in defence of the country’s cherished “arm’s length principle”, which ensures national museums and organisations such as Arts Council England can operate independently, without government interference. Ed Vaizey and Chris Smith say that the rule is under threat because of the “anti-woke” campaign…

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Art patrons seek new ways to keep culture alive in a pandemic

During a chance conversation with staff from London’s St Paul’s Cathedral in the teeth of the pandemic in April, businessman Lloyd Dorfman (pictured above) realised he could help them solve a serious problem. As the coronavirus toll mounted, curbs were imposed on funeral gatherings and memorial events. The public aspect of grief — the celebration…

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7 Contemporary Artists Who are Engaging with Tech Culture in New Ways

Meet the contemporary painters, sculptors and photographers exploring centuries-old art forms through today’s lens. By Katherine Brooks October 29, 2015 10:11 am Painting and sculpture have their roots in ancient cultures, practiced by prehistoric artists across the globe. Photography, an infant compared to the other two mediums, is still nearly two centuries old, introduced to…

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Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander Tells Us Why America’s Biggest Funder of Culture Is Shifting Its Focus to Social Justice

“There won’t be a a penny that is going out the door that is not contributing to a more fair, more just, more beautiful society,” Alexander says. by Sarah Cascone on July 2, 2020 When future applicants seek funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the largest supporter of the arts and humanities in the US, they…

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