Analog photography has played a significant role in preserving cultural heritage worldwide since its invention in the 19th century. The Apollo 11 lunar landing, documented using analog cameras, is one notable example. Claudia Determann and Christian Klant have led efforts to submit arts and traditions for consideration through analog photography, with Thomas Gerwers' involvement. Their efforts have been successful, as analog photography has been officially recognized in the State Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of North Rhine-Westphalia.
https://petapixel.com/2025/03/31/germany-officially-recognizes-film-photography-as-a-cultural-heritage/The Blokees Brand Marketing is evolving its event system by 2025 into a comprehensive framework featuring three core components: an online creation competition, an offline Speed Build competition, and a global exhibition of works. Ye Shanshan, Vice President of Blokees Brand Marketing, aims to provide a more complete platform for participants worldwide to create and share their talents, allowing individuals to discover their own stage.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/01/tmt-newswire/pr-newswire/blokees-officially-announces-the-launch-of-the-second-season-of-3rd-bfc-creation-competition-breaking-the-cocoon-season/2083875Several free AI tools are available to generate Ghibli-style images, including Grok, which offers this service for free. Google's Gemini 2.0 has also shown exceptional capabilities in creating photorealistic and cinematic visuals. Wombo's Dream is a top AI-powered art generator that supports multiple styles, including Ghibli. The Deep Dream Generator provides various artistic effects, such as hand-painted and watercolor looks reminiscent of Ghibli. Artbreeder allows blending artistic elements to achieve a Ghibli-like appearance in portraits, while Runway ML generates animated-style images with artistic filters.
https://www.ndtv.com/webstories/feature/ghibli-style-ai-art-6-alternative-tools-37038#pfrom=home-ndtv_webstoriesThe final rehearsal for the Kyoto's spring 'Miyako Odori' geisha dance performance took place on April 1, 2025. The event is a traditional Japanese dance performance that showcases the art of geishas from Kyoto. The rehearsal was held at the Gion Shirakawa district in Kyoto, Japan, where the actual performance will be staged later this spring.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250401/p2a/00m/0na/013000cArtist O'Connor's work combines elements of portraiture, landscape, and still life, emphasizing deep observation and engagement with his subjects. His direct portraits feature unguarded gazes, while landscapes painted en plein air in Los Angeles capture the transient nature of place. The artist's use of time and sustained attention imbues his works with psychological intensity, as seen in Eaton Canyon Unfinished, where a painting was left unfinished after its subject was lost to the 2025 Eaton Fire. O'Connor's still-life "table paintings" feature recurring motifs that blur distinctions between past and present, suggesting presence as an evolving state. His works, such as those in Flame of Vapor, unfold over time, revealing how painting warps, erodes, and reconstructs its subjects through prolonged observation.
https://www.juxtapoz.com/news/painting/kent-o-connor-flame-of-vapor/Odia cultural heritage has been recognized globally by UNESCO. The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's apex cultural body, has listed Rath Yatra and Bali Jatra from Odisha in its National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Rath Yatra, a festival celebrated in Puri, is the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to the Shree Gundicha Temple, attracting millions of devotees worldwide. Bali Yatra, a historic festival in Cuttack, commemorates Odisha's rich maritime heritage and ancient trade connections with Southeast Asia.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/odisha/odishas-rath-yatra-bali-yatra-find-place-in-centres-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/article69399255.eceThe Vivid Sydney 2025 festival will feature a unique blend of art, literature and entertainment. The event aims to reimagine the traditional festival by inviting attendees to dream through various forms of media such as films and literature.
https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/vivid-sydney-2025-a-festival-reimagined-inviting-you-to-dream-whether-it-is-films-or-litersture-13876180.htmlThe Academy has faced criticism after releasing a statement condemning artists who express harm or suppress viewpoints, with some members feeling it fell short of the moment's demands. Journalist Yuval Abraham compared this to silence on Hamdan's assault. Over 600 Academy members signed an open letter expressing their discontent, including Joaquin Phoenix, Olivia Colman, and Riz Ahmed. In response, the board apologized for any support given to artists who felt unsupported by the initial statement, condemning violence worldwide and affirming the suppression of free speech under any circumstances.
https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-academy-apologizes-to-oscar-winning-palestinian-filmmaker-hamdan-ballal-amid-attacks-on-him-by-israeli-settlers-13875915.htmlThe 32nd annual Days of European Film festival is coming to Czechia, featuring award-winning films, special showcases, and events across the country. Screenings will take place in Prague (Světozor, Edison, Přítomnost cinemas), Brno (Kino Art), and Ostrava (Minikino) from April 2-16.
https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/ahoj-monday-5-tips-for-surviving-the-week-ahead-in-czechia-17