Stories about Arts & Culture from April, 2023
Reggaetón, the Latin American ambassador to the world
Nowadays the region's cultural industries have a greater influence worldwide than any other expression on the continent. Why is this?
Human trafficking, forced labor and exploitation of migrants in Russia
Russian authorities trafficked people for illegal actions that they were forced to commit while being trafficked, such as prostitution, illegal presence in the country or drug trafficking. Many are deported.
‘Jamaica Farewell': Harry Belafonte passes away and the Caribbean tries to find adequate words of tribute
"There are not enough words to say how GREAT this man is and the giant contribution he has made during his life in music, film, human rights, Black rights."
At home, in a presidential palace, and a mosque: Where Central Asian presidents hosted iftar in 2023
Where they are held, who attends them, and what words are spoken at these events can help better understand Central Asia and its people.
End of Ramadan in Taipei shows role of Islam in Taiwan's diplomacy
Though it only makes up about one percent of the population, Taiwan's Muslim community represents an asset for greater visibility and engagement with the Middle East, where China dominates.
Six films on Asia-Pacific communities addressing the climate crisis
These films feature stories of communities fighting against the adverse impact of climate change and inspiring hope in addressing the climate crisis through their efforts and solidarity.
Musicians receive draconian prison sentences for setting fire to military draft office in Russia
While some other musicians from the "older generation" of Urals rock club are either supporting or keeping silent about the war, the younger musicians from the Urals are protesting
Remembering Alwin Bully and Jah Shaka, two Caribbean pioneers with distinctly personal styles and a humble approach
Dominican playwright Alwin Bully and Jamaican dub pioneer Jah Shaka, both of whom passed away recently, were quintessentially Caribbean.
The normalization of Chinese-style censorship in Hong Kong
While the Hong Kong's National Security Law primarily targeted politicians of the pro-democratic opposition, activists, and critical media outlets, it soon also engulfed Hong Kong’s arts and culture scene.
The designer of the ‘Thanks to Erdoğan’ sticker campaign lands in the president's crosshairs
The stickers read: "This product is expensive because of us. Remember this when you vote," accompanied by pictures of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his political ally Devlet Bahçeli.
Snapshots of Ramadan: Capturing a few spiritual and communal moments
Ramadan is a highly celebrated occasion in the Islamic world, as it provides a unique opportunity for communities to come together to break the fast, socialize and give to charity.
In Turkey, a popular TV Show gets slapped with fines and a broadcast ban
Ever since the show's premiere in October 2022, its been criticized by both fronts of Turkish society — the secularists and the conservatives.
The jeweller who made Stations of the Cross for a heritage church in Trinidad hopes they continue to make an impact
Jeweller Gillian Bishop worked in copper and brass to make a distinctive design for her childhood church.
‘I will not write about this war,’ says acclaimed Ukrainian writer-turned soldier
I’m not sure how long it will take to make sense of all that has taken root deep inside us during the long months of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
Mongolians celebrate and fear for an 8-year old boy as Dalai Lama names him their next spiritual leader
Mongolia has got not only a spiritual leader but a powerful trump card with which it can influence relations between Tibet and China.
Burkinabe music reflects the country’s openness to globalisation
The music scene in Burkina Faso has evolved to include a blend of Pan-African, diasporic, and international influences, resulting in a diverse array of genres that contribute to its success.
What does it take to revitalize a dying language?
Researcher and writer Uday Raj Aaley, together with resource person and the only fluent Kusunda speaker Kamala Sen Khatri, is on a mission to revive the language, once deemed moribund.
