London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has been criticized for spending £2,138,888 of taxpayers' money on a project to make the city's public art more diverse. The "Untold Stories" fund, set up in response to the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, has funded 398 new artworks, trails and events in public spaces, including plaques and information boards honoring figures such as anti-slavery campaigner Olaudah Equiano and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Critics, including Elliot Keck of the TaxPayers' Alliance, have accused Khan of prioritizing an "ideological crusade" over addressing pressing issues like knife crime in London. The project has also been criticized for its cost, with some questioning whether it is a responsible use of taxpayer funds.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14339587/Fury-Sadiq-Khan-woke-statues-commission.htmlThe French government plans to renovate the Louvre Museum in Paris with a major upgrade costing an estimated 700-800 million euros over the next decade. The renovation includes the creation of new underground exhibition spaces, a new entrance along the Seine that connects to the pyramid, and the development of a "green" area on the esplanade lined with trees. The project is expected to be paid for by contributions, ticket sales, and sponsorship agreements, including one with the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The renovation aims to make the museum safer and more comfortable for staff and visitors, and President Macron has stated that it will become the epicentre of art history in France and beyond.
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/mona-lisa-painting-louvre-renovation-13857404.htmla:MUSEUM, the Philippines' newest cultural hub, has opened its doors, offering a unique immersive art experience that combines traditional art with cutting-edge technology to create a multi-sensory experience that transcends time and space. The museum's innovative approach allows visitors to engage with art in a more dynamic way, although details of the specific exhibits and features are not available due to registration requirements.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/30/tmt-newswire/amuseum-the-largest-mind-blowing-digital-museum-in-ph/2046413The Sharjah Creative Quarter is a dynamic space that will foster a community of talented individuals, offering them the freedom to transform their ideas into tangible reality. The quarter will feature several key components, including the Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi Collection museum, which showcases art and historical artefacts from Her Highness's personal collection. It will also include the Qasimi Archives, which honours the legacy of Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi and cultivates next-generation fashion designers. The Sharjah Fashion Lab will provide world-class expertise to local designers, while the Irthi Museum will promote and contemporise Emirati and regional crafts. The quarter will also feature a campus of L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, which aims to introduce the public to all aspects of jewellery culture.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2025/01/29/sharjah-creative-quarter-enhances-sharjahs-culture-hoor-al-qasimiChina's humanoid robots, developed by Unitree Robotics, recently performed alongside human dancers in a viral video at the Spring Festival Gala. The 16 robots showcased their capabilities by dancing to a traditional Yangko dance, a folk art from northeast China, impressing audiences and social media users on X and Reddit with their display of technology and cultural integration.
https://indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/just-days-after-deepseek-ai-craze-china-humanoid-robots-dance-and-dazzle-in-a-viral-video-2671883-2025-01-29The Espace L has curated a selection of artists for an immersive experience that showcases Yan's Neo-Pop vision, blending fine art and digital storytelling with pop culture nostalgia. The event features a world première that utilizes AI to revolutionize the music industry in favor of human musicians. Additionally, Anvil Wonderland is an interactive piece that combines classical animation with contemporary art, paying tribute to resilience through a dynamic and colorful display inspired by the cartoon trope of falling anvils.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/29/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/wisearts-exclusive-reveal-of-yan-balestras-anvil-wonderland-to-be-held-at-wisekeys-geneva-headquarters-from-january-30-to-february-2/2046688Aptech Limited, a leading non-formal vocational training company, has launched "Creval", a unique AI-powered evaluation tool for the visual arts industry. The tool utilizes Amazon Bedrock's generative AI capabilities to assess creative work in real-time, while maintaining user control over their data. Aptech's EVP Abir Aich and Head of Service Lines Kanishka Agiwal showcased Creval at an event in Mumbai.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/aptech-unveils-first-of-its-kind-creval-generative-ai-powered-evaluation-tool-designed-for-visual-arts-1857519Bahattin Sürücü, president of EKODOSD, has called on the Aydın Archaeology Museum to establish a dedicated section for Latmos, a site in western Turkey known for its significant prehistoric rock art. The region's unique rock paintings, which number 200 and date back 8,000 years, are considered an important part of Turkish history and tourism. Sürücü emphasized that a dedicated section would be an essential addition to the museum, which currently lacks a proper representation of Latmos' historical significance. He noted that such a section would draw visitors' attention and inform them about this treasure, potentially becoming one of the museum's most popular spots.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/nature-enthusiasts-call-for-establishing-latmos-corner-205186Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab presented a high-drama couture collection at an event marked by opulent designs and architectural precision. The show featured sweeping silhouettes with geometric bands of sparkles, recalling Art Deco grandeur but with a modern twist. Models walked down three parallel runways framed by classical white arches, wearing gowns adorned with jewels and feathers that evoked foliage. The collection was an invitation to a world of 1920s glamour reimagined with Saab's signature style, but also carried a sense of structure and boldness, suggesting a woman who is both feminine and strong.
https://apnews.com/article/elie-saab-eva-longoria-couture-spring-paris-fashion-66731e52a950f495023ad8bd2710590a