Stories about Arts & Culture from December, 2017
In 2017, Stories of Resilience, Creativity and Love Were Plentiful
Injustice abounds, but the human spirit is alive, kicking, and as beautiful as ever. Take a look at these highlights of Global Voices' coverage in 2017.
From Political Icon to Tyrant: President Duterte, According to Philippine Protest Effigies
The many protest effigies during President Rodrigo Duterte's first two years in power reflected the evolving position of left-leaning activists and rights advocates towards the new administration.
7 Global Voices Stories That Resonated With Readers in 2017
They spanned topics like memes, tattoos, and injustice, and focused on countries as diverse as Syria, Brazil, and Macedonia.
How Some Musicians Are Reshaping the Image of Chile's Music Scene
"Before being music producers, we're 100% music fans."
Wayang Wahyu: Preaching the Bible Through Indonesian Javanese Puppets
Indra Suroinggeno has been conducting workshops among young Javanese to preserve and promote Wayang Wahyu, a narration of Bible stories through the use of puppet characters.
Two Salvadoran Theater Productions Explore Themes of Violence and Forced Disappearances
Theater actors and directors devote efforts to understand, denounce and remember a forgotten ramification of violence in El Salvador -- forced disappearances.
The Chinese Communist Party Forbids Members From Celebrating Christmas, Calling It a Festival of Humiliation
This year, the anti-Christmas campaign has been marked by the circulation of an article that recites the history of Western military invasions in China, arguing that Christmas represents Chinese humiliation.
Thailand's Military Junta Wants to Promote Nationalism With a Soap Opera Called ‘Love Missions’
"It’s delusional to think this is enough to alleviate the people’s sorrow and disappointment with the military in the real world."
Zanzibar’s Football Heroes Win Hearts Despite Loss to Kenya in CECAFA Cup
Zanzibar Heroes shocked everyone when they made it to the CACEFA Senior Challenge Cup finals against Kenya's Harambee Stars. They lost, but Zanzibar is still cheering for its heroes.
The Story Behind China’s Online Literature Boom
China is experiencing a boom in online e-book sales which is changing the landscape of publishing and literature in the country.
Robbie Williams’ Bottom Ignites Online Firestorm in Uzbekistan
“This is my band...this is my arse. Tonight your arse is mine.”
Art and Music Festival Brings Joy to Islamabad
After a month of tense street protests in Islamabad, an arts festival restores the spirits of its residents.
Found in Translation: Local Publisher Brings Alive the Story of a Somali Olympian and Refugee for Macedonian Readers
Graphic novel "An Olympic Dream" -- a biography of a runner who perished while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea as a refugee -- was published in two local languages.
Graphic Journalists and Illustrators Draw Alternative Narratives in Syria
"Contrary to a common prejudice, comics can help address serious, difficult issues. This form allows, if not requires, the reporter to be part of the story he tells."
UNESCO Protects Balkan Grandma March Day Custom As Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage activists in South-eastern Europe celebrate UNESCO's recognition of the Balkan Grandma March Day custom of wearing red and white wool ornaments.
Audrey Azoulay, the Second Woman at the Head of the UNESCO
She won the title after five voting rounds, with 30 votes in her favor against 28 votes for her opponent Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, from Qatar
What Future for the ‘Wikipedia Seagull’ on Kazakhstan's Brand New Banknotes?
A seagull appearing on the 500 tenge note was claimed by a Swiss photographer, but officials have not acknowledged copyright infringement.
Kyrgyz Children's Author Remakes Old Fables, Drives New Narratives
“There are no fairytale weddings in my stories and no handsome prince. None of my characters are especially waiting for him, either.”
Weaving Objects of Loss and Memory With Hayv Kahraman
Kahraman’s new work is a masterful exploration of the issues of identity, personal struggle, and human consciousness.
