Stories about Arts & Culture from December, 2020
Calls for freedom of expression in Cuba after members of artist collective evicted during peaceful protest
More than 200 people gathered in Havana to demand the right to freedom of expression, but the result of dialogue with Cuban authorities remains uncertain.
Christmas in the Philippines in the time of Duterte and COVID-19
The government has discouraged family reunions, church gatherings and even prohibited the holding of Christmas parties.
‘How do you live here?’ A local podcaster takes on misconceptions about eastern Ukraine
In Slavyansk, one podcaster is attempting to refocus outsiders' perspectives of eastern Ukraine — for Nika Perepelitsa, it is not simply the site of tragedies, but also of diverse cultural possibilities.
Iconic House of Wonders collapse leaves Zanzibaris wondering about fate of cultural heritage
The House of Wonders collapse left many wondering about the fate of Zanzibar's cultural heritage.
Online backlash follows blurring of Christmas imagery on popular Chinese TV show
A Chinese online TV outlet had to pixelate its variety show's Christmas setting as the political campaign to boycott foreign festivals gained momentum.
Fendika cultural hub in Addis Ababa wins major cultural prize
This month, Fendika cultural hub accepted a prestigious Prince Claus Award in recognition of its groundbreaking work in culture and development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In Belarus, a new civic culture is born out of recycled historical symbols in urban yards
As Belarusans continue to fill the streets in protests against Alyaksandr Lukashenka, a hyper-local movement is forming a new civic culture.
‘It’s not just a joke!’ Nigerian comedians unite against rape culture
"We have to stop turning survivors of sexual and gender-based violence into collateral damage, just for laughs. Because rape is not a joke…This has to stop. Now!"
‘Queer Japan’ documentary introduces Japan's vibrant, multifaceted LGTBQ+ community
The film features a variety of individuals involved in art, activism, nightlife, and politics in Japan.
Internet artist behind satirical Australia war crimes image hailed as a hero on Chinese social media
The satirical image of an Australian soldier slitting the throat of an Afghan child was shared by China’s Foreign Ministry's spokesman on Twitter, causing a row between the two countries.
The power of ‘personal experience': An interview with Egyptian artist Youssef Nabil
Nabil's "technique mixes painting and photography, inspired by hand-painted movie posters of the 1940s and 1950s, and is reminiscent of the pre-digital world."
Controversy over Thanksgiving celebration in a Chinese university highlights a growing culture of political snitching
A dormitory supervisor at Harbin Institute of Technology wanted to give out chocolate treats to students on Thanksgiving Day. A student threatened to report her to the school's authorities.
