A 12-hour theatre marathon at the York Theatre has left two critics, John Shand and Peter McCallum, with a lasting impression. The event, which took place from March 29 to April 5, showcased the enduring power of theatre in capturing history's surprises.
https://www.smh.com.au/culture/theatre/what-i-learned-from-this-12-hour-theatre-marathon-20250330-p5lnlp.htmlBennett, an adjunct professor at UNC Chapel Hill, and Whitener, a former instructor at The Creative Circus, mentor junior creatives at agencies and brands. Their work has earned industry recognition, including 15 Cannes Lions, with notable campaigns like Coca-Cola's "1,000 Song Celebration" and the Travelocity Roaming Gnome's first live-action TV campaign. Guesthouse, an agency founded by Bennett and Whitener, is on pace to more than double its first-year revenue growth in its second year, prioritizing simplicity, great work, fast execution, and lasting client relationships built on kindness and creativity.
https://www.adweek.com/agencies/indie-agency-guesthouse-expands-adding-every-man-jack-and-first-full-time-hire/A majority of Brits and MPs believe that Big Tech companies should pay artists and writers for the content their artificial intelligence systems consume. A new ChatGPT image generator is generating high-quality images in the style of Studio Ghibli, while fashion chain H&M has rolled out AI-generated 'twins' of real-life models, including successful models like Vilma Sjöberg and Mathilda Gvarliani. The Mail is leading a campaign against government plans to exempt AI firms from copyright laws, with 92% of MPs supporting transparency about the materials used to train their models. Research shows that 69% of the public and 85% of politicians think Silicon Valley giants should compensate creators when they use their work to train AI models.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14555165/Artificial-intelligence-firms-pay-artists-musicians-using-work-amid-uproar-Labours-plans-exempt-copyright-laws-according-new-poll-Brits.htmlThe Shanghai Museum has launched an exhibition featuring lyrics from the Chinese working class movement of the past century, which includes an AI melody-generating machine that allows visitors to compose music for the lyrics. The exhibition is scheduled to run until June 8, with a goal of immersing young visitors in the vibrant power of this historical movement.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1331240.shtmlResidents of Spalding, Lincolnshire, have criticized the £43,000 cow and sheep statues unveiled to celebrate the area's agricultural heritage, calling them "pointless" and "made of papier-mâché". The sculptures, funded by a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, were met with skepticism, with some questioning whether taxpayers' money could be spent better on improving the town's infrastructure. Local resident Frank Caswell, 48, described the statues as "just a bit pointless" and said they are more suited for taking selfies than serving any practical purpose.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14553751/pointless-cow-sheep-statues-cost-taxpayers.htmlStar Magic has launched the Star Magic School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SMSCPA), formerly known as Star Magic Workshop, with a new curriculum that includes acting, singing, dancing, directing, and character building. The school will offer master classes taught by industry experts such as respected mentors in the Philippine entertainment industry.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/01/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/star-magic-reinvents-workshop-classes-in-new-creative-and-performing-arts-school/2083522"The Bachelor" show typically uses commercial music in its opening and finale episodes to make a big impact. Due to the quick turnaround time of six episodes per week, the show's team pre-clears over 1,000 songs ahead of time, sending requests to publishers and labels for potential use. This approach allows for memorable musical moments, such as Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin's "I Like It" playing during a pivotal scene in Madrid. Historically, the show has featured artists like Colbie Caillat, Boyz II Men, and Backstreet Boys.
https://apnews.com/article/love-is-blind-bachelor-real-songs-ac3515f64993ef339de1eb1d8c4424beThe Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is planning an evening of performances featuring Yoko Ono's works, coinciding with her 93rd birthday in February 2026. The event aims to activate the building and engage communities, reflecting Ono's artistic spirit. This exhibition will be part of a larger retrospective of her work, following previous shows at the Tate Modern in London and the Museum of Fine Arts in Leipzig, Germany.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/31/yoko-ono-acclaimed-tate-modern-retrospective-will-travel-to-mca-chicagoThe Czech government is introducing a new decree that would directly address music as a form of noise, closing a loophole that has allowed some venues to bypass noise restrictions since 2015. The draft requires event organizers to notify authorities in advance for events with over 300 attendees and introduces exceptions allowing music to continue beyond the standard 10 p.m. curfew in designated areas, potentially extending performances to 11 p.m.
https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/prague-may-extend-open-air-music-events-in-prague-to-beyond-10-p-m