Stories about Arts & Culture from December, 2012
Russian Documentary Filmmakers Abandon YouTube After Police Investigation
On December 12, filmmakers halted the online publication of one of Russia's most curious documentary efforts: "Srok" ("The Term"), a video project hosted on YouTube and LiveJournal, chronicling and capturing the events of the opposition movement. The project's suspension came after federal investigators searched the home of one of its directors.
Minister Wert Sparks Humour on the Net
An article on online newspaper Núvol with the title “Send up #Wert” [ca] collects discussions, cartoons, jokes and word games inspired by statements and the education law reform proposed by Spanish Minister José Ignacio Wert.
Plástica Magazine Shines Spotlight on Independent Spanish-Language Music
Plástica is an international journal specializing in the independent Spanish-language music scene. More than just a magazine, Plástica is a project that focuses on high quality, creative music. Its main goal now is to expand its readership beyond a digital audience, which is why they will launch the first paper edition of the magazine in 2013.
The Richest Village in the World?
Huaxi village in China's eastern Jiangsu province is claimed to be “the richest village in the world.” Wade Shepard, an Ethnographic Journalist documents his unique experience in the village on his travel blog VagabondJourney.com.
Egypt: Graffiti Over Presidential Palace Walls
It seems like the revolutionary spirit is galvanized in Egypt, thanks to President Mohammed Morsy's power grab. Photographer Jonathan Rashad, who has been actively using his camera to document major events since the beginning of the Egyptian revolution, shares photographs of graffiti which tell the story
Japan's Indigenous Ainu Head to New Zealand
Ainu, the indigenous people of Northern Japan seek cultural exchange with Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.
Land Grabbing for BioFuel in Madagascar
The Association for the Protection of Malagasy Lands and its representative Mamy Rakotondrainibe bemoans [fr] the manner in which the Tozzi Green group is approaching the development of jatropha exploitation over 100 000 ha of lands in Southern Madagascar. Local farmers are quoted as saying [fr] : We, small farmers, are forced to leave...
Vietnam: Hùng Kings Ritual Recognized by UNESCO
Le Minh Khai discusses some issues surrounding the decision of UNESCO to recognize the worship of the Hùng Kings in the Phu Tho province of Vietnam on its “List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
Tibet Scholars Appeal to China's President Xi Jinping
A group of international Tibetan studies scholars launched a petition addressed to China's Xi Jinping, asking the new leader to adjust its language, culture and religion policy in the Tibetan region: As specialists in the areas of Tibetan language, culture and religion, we would like to share with you, through this...
Colombia: Cali Organises Its Third Barcamp
On Monday, December 17, the third edition of Barcamp Cali -a Free Culture event organised in the city of Cali, Colombia- will take place. The event has created a buzz among netizens in Cali, who have been tweeting about it under the hashtag #barcampcali3.
Interview with Maksim Kononenko: Russian Non-Oppositionist Blogging
Kononenko is widely considered to be one of the RuNet’s pioneers, and has worked as a publicist, a columnist, a programmer, and a television host, among other things. He is a self-described "liberal," though his political positions place him squarely outside the Russian opposition.
Uzbek Theater Stages a Multicultural Play
Just imagine, it is a classic Norwegian play, staged [in Uzbekistan] by a Turkmen director, featuring Uzbek, Russian, and American actors, staged in Russian, with support from the Indian Academy of Dramatic Arts - you cannot miss this cultural 'mix'!
Interview with Chanphal Sok: Cambodian Writer and Songwriter
Global Voices interviews Chanphal Sok,one of Cambodia's famous contemporary songwriters. Also a prolific blogger, Chanphal has published several books in the internet. Chanphal discusses the state of book publishing in Cambodia as well as the prospect of online publishing in the next few years.
Italy: Staying in Venetian Monasteries
Olia and Claude Barrère, two French expatriates in Venice, Italy, write on their blog, “Olia i Klod” [fr]: Today, as in the past, monasteries offer the possibility of accommodation. They are places of peace, places rich in culture, very well managed, and offer moments of serenity. In Venice, many of...
Top 10 Chinese Internet Memes of 2012
As the year comes to an end, we've picked China's 10 most memorable Internet memes of 2012. They cover scandal, celebrity, humour and buzzwords.
Brazil Bids Farewell to Niemeyer, Revolutionary of Modern Architecture
Remembered primarily as the architect who designed Brazil's capital city, Brasília, and for having remained faithful to his communist ideals throughout his entire adult life, Oscar Niemeyer passed away on the night of December 5 in Rio de Janeiro after succumbing to a respiratory infection. He was 104 years old.
World Heritage Site Djemila, Algeria in Jeopardy
Algerian historian Nacéra Benseddik warns that the construction underway on the site of UNESCO World Heritage Site Djamila is endangering the archaeological ruins [fr]. Djamila is famous for for its unique adaptation of Roman architecture highlighted by an impressive arch.
Africa: Online culture magazine crowdfunds to print special issue
Buala, an online magazine on culture in contemporary Africa, is crowdfunding to finance its first print edition next year. In existence for two years, publishing over 900 articles by over 300 contributors, Buala has had over 430,000 hits. With versions in French, English and Portuguese, it attempts to present a...
Traditional Weddings in Brunei
Haji Daud bin Haji Abd Rahman writes about the traditional wedding customs and practices in Brunei. He also features some wedding photos in the 1950s and 1960s.
Trinidad & Tobago: What Direction For Creative Industries?
As the government moves to merge various creative entities (film, fashion, theatre, dance, the visual arts and Carnival) under the purview of one company - the Trinidad & Tobago Creative Industries Company (TTCIC) - some local filmmakers are sceptical about the plan, especially since it seems to be going forward without stakeholder consultation.
The State of Comedy in Kenya
Chege discusses the state of Kenyan comedy: I’ve been observing with both curiosity and amusement the on goings of the comic industry in Kenya. Comedy in Kenya has been around since time immemorial even before the yoke of colonialism….