A wildfire in Pacific Palisades has destroyed multiple homes and scorched over 1,260 acres of land. The blaze began at around 10:30 a.m. near N Piedra Morada Dr and quickly spread to over 200 acres within the hour, threatening nearby homes with smoke blowing towards the Getty Villa museum. Over 250 firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and neighboring agencies are battling the fire, which has prompted the closure of Eastbound Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Las Flores Canyon Road. The Getty Villa is closed to the public and its staff have been evacuated due to the fire, but a detailed plan is in place to protect the art collection, including fireproof walls.
https://deadline.com/2025/01/wildfire-pacific-palisades-winds-1236250233/Hala Badri, the director general of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, emphasizes that art and culture are integral to Dubai's identity. The city's cultural scene is thriving, as seen in events like the Sikka Art Fair held in Al Fahidi, a cultural area in Dubai. This suggests that Dubai prioritizes its artistic heritage and provides opportunities for artists to showcase their work.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/01/07/the-art-and-culture-of-dubai-is-a-part-of-its-soul/Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan inaugurated an exhibition at PNCA Islamabad featuring calligraphic masterpieces and artworks by prominent artists from eight ECO member countries. The exhibition highlighted the region's cultural diversity as a strength, serving as a bridge between civilizations and promoting peace, prosperity, and mutual respect among nations including Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1269776-cultural-heritage-exhibition-of-eco-states-opensThe Odissi dance and music festivals are scheduled to take place, featuring performances by renowned artists. The Mukteswar Odissi Dance Festival will showcase solo, duet, and group performances by prominent Odissi dancers. Meanwhile, the Rajarani Music Festival will feature recitals of Hindustani, Carnatic, and Odissi music.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/odisha-to-host-classical-dance-music-festival-in-bhubaneswar-from-jan-7-11/The Moscow Times organized an art exhibition titled "Artists Against the Kremlin" at the De Balie Arts Center in Amsterdam, featuring over 100 works by Russian-speaking artists who oppose war and authoritarianism. The show ran for a month, showcasing the creative expressions of these artists as they speak out against the current political climate in Russia.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/07/the-best-of-russian-diaspora-art-2024-a87525A guest on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow was left in tears after discovering that a glass box she bought online for £32 could be worth up to £6,000. The item, made by mid-19th-century Viennese goldsmiths, features intricate enamelling work and is made of rock crystal, a type of quartz. Expert Joanna attributed the piece's value to its rarity and the skill of the craftsman who created it, noting that if it were sold at auction, it could fetch between £4,000 and £6,000. The guest was stunned by the revelation, having purchased the item for just £32.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-14258365/BBC-Antiques-Roadshow-tears-value-glass-box-online.htmlThe annual performance event featured a range of themes including racial discrimination in the arts and dowry abuse. Performer Adhith Soorya T from MHS Moonniyur, Malappura, delivered a powerful recap of significant events in 2024, such as the devastating landslides in Wayanad. Actor Balaji Sarma commended the performers for their ability to tackle complex issues with empathy and finesse, encouraging them to continue developing their craft and stay informed about global issues, highlighting theatre's potential to spark social change.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/mono-act-performances-stir-emotions-and-spark-social-conversations/article69072735.eceA guest on the Antiques Roadshow was stunned to learn that two 19th Century paintings, which had been passed down through her family for approximately 150 years, could be worth a six-figure sum. The paintings, attributed to artist Winslow Homer, were purchased by the woman's great-great-grandmother in the late 1800s and were appraised by expert Betty Krulik during an episode of the show filmed in Arkansas.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-14259561/antiques-roadshow-guest-six-figure-valuation-family-paintings.htmlTeddy Abrams, music director of the Louisville Orchestra since 2014, will be recognized with a Silver Fleur-De-Lis Award for his contributions to advancing Louisville's performing arts scene. The orchestra, under Abrams' leadership, took home a GRAMMY Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo last year. Meanwhile, AT&T is being honored with a Silver Fleur-De-Lis Award for its efforts in promoting inclusion excellence, specifically through its investment in a bilingual store in South Louisville that caters to the area's large Spanish-speaking population.
https://www.lanereport.com/178380/2025/01/att-teddy-abrams-to-receive-glis-silver-fleur-de-lis-awards/