Latest news with #Studio13
USA Today
3 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Iowa City Pride: The places, people that make this city so LGBTQIA+ friendly
Iowa City Pride: The places, people that make this city so LGBTQIA+ friendly Any list of the country's premiere independent bookstores always includes several from both coasts. Yet, one bright light shines in the middle of the Midwest — Prairie Lights Books in Iowa City. For nearly 50 years, it has been a primary source of cultural understanding and community in this city of 75, point to Prairie Lights as a primary factor in Iowa City regularly appearing alongside San Francisco, New York and Miami as a destination for queer travel.'From the beginning, Prairie Lights has never shied away from whose books and what topics they would carry or what authors they would invite to special events,' says Joe Reilly, a gay man who, as night mayor, serves as a non-elected liaison between downtown businesses and city officials on issues like safety and inclusivity.'Iowa City has successfully planned for a safe and inviting community by providing good lighting, a healthy pedestrian mall and public safety that demonstrates this space is cared for,' he says. It should be noted that Iowa City's elected mayor, Bruce Teague, is openly also credits the transitory nature of many residents for making Iowa City so welcoming. As the original capital of Iowa, the city is home to the University of Iowa and its 30,000 students from around the world.'People come here from so many walks of life and quickly learn from each other and grow together,' Reilly was in this environment 25 years ago that Studio 13 opened in a downtown alley. Despite its offbeat location, it quickly became the most visible LGBTQIA+ space in town. Owner Jason Zeman acknowledges that a supportive local government has contributed to the club's success, but Studio 13's mantra is based on supporting individual identity.'We live by the philosophy that every customer should feel better leaving our venues than when they came in,' he says. 'Making people feel good about themselves and reminding them they're special, important and loved is something I emphasize to our staff.'Complementing businesses such as Studio 13 are Big Grove Brewery, Iowa's largest craft brewery, that produces a Rainbow Connection Brew. Proceeds benefit Iowa City boutique movie theater FilmScene regularly shows movies with queer themes and by LGTBQ directors. The Iowa City Senior Center has a Queer Elders group.A popular boutique hotel, The Highlander, has won numerous recognitions by the gay travel community.
Evening Standard
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
London Grammar's Hannah Reid: 'I'm not rock 'n' roll' and the secret pain of indie pop
Their rise continued, through the release of Truth is a Beautiful Thing (2017) and California Soil (2021), chart-toppers both, and their return last autumn with The Greatest Love. That fourth album, recorded in their own space within Damon Albarn's Studio 13 complex in Notting Hill, pushed them even higher. London Grammar now enjoy more than three million monthly listeners on Spotify and have reached arena-scale success — on their last tour they sold out the O2. Along the way there were multiple support slots with old friends Coldplay, most recently in summer 2022 when they joined the band on their (still ongoing) Music of the Spheres stadium tour.
CairoScene
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Bluewaters Island to Transform into an Open-Air Gallery This Spring
Bluewaters Island to Transform into an Open-Air Gallery This Spring The Bluewaters Art Festival will feature curated talks and over 20 large-scale works by artists from across the globe. Dubai's Bluewaters Island is set to launch its inaugural Bluewaters Art Festival from April 12th to the 20th, introducing a nine-day celebration of public art and cross-cultural dialogue. Centred around the theme 'Reconnect', the festival brings together 23 artists from the UAE, Türkiye, the UK, the US, and beyond to transform the waterfront destination into a dynamic open-air gallery. From 4:00 PM to midnight daily, visitors will encounter a diverse array of creative expressions—from expansive murals and inflatable sculptures to light-based works, immersive sensory installations, and digital string art. Featured artists include Areen Hassan, whose work draws on Palestinian heritage through multisensory storytelling, and Kaveh Ahanger, known for weaving architecture and digital motifs into public spaces. The festival will also introduce an indoor gallery trail spanning Kanvas Room, Studio 13, and Firetti Gallery. These venues will host interactive exhibitions and media-rich showcases, adding depth to the outdoor displays. Alongside visual installations, the festival offers a robust public programme of free workshops, talks, and performances over the weekends. Programming includes art sessions in clay, canvas, and tote bag painting, as well as panel talks on immersive art, creative resilience, and the role of public art in the UAE. Visitors can also catch performances by regional acts including Leoneì Murphy, Tonatiut Zardon, and Medhat Mamdouh, spread across evening time slots at The Avenue. To join a workshop, guests simply need to spend AED 150 or more at any Bluewaters outlet and present their receipt. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dining spots across the island will join the celebration with themed experiences, such as ceramic mug painting and phone case art at Ribambelle, floral workshops at The Pods, and community dinners fusing food with storytelling at Pastamamma.
Web Release
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Bluewaters Presents First-Ever Art Festival: A Celebration of Creativity, Culture and Community
By Editor_wr On Apr 10, 2025 Bluewaters Dubai, one of the city's prominent waterfront destinations, is set to electrify the city's cultural calendar with the launch of its inaugural Bluewaters Art Festival, taking place from April 12th to 20th, 2025. Centered around the theme 'Reconnect', this week-long celebration will immerse visitors in over 20 awe-inspiring murals, interactive installations, live performances, and hands-on workshops, all designed to transform the island into a vibrant open-air gallery. The festival will run daily from 4:00 PM to midnight daily. Bringing together 23 visionary artists from the UAE, Türkiye, New York, the UK, and beyond, the festival aims to bridge cultures, generations, and perspectives through art. In perfect alignment with its theme, 'Reconnect', this creative gathering invites visitors to explore a shared visual language through dynamic installations, thought-provoking sculptures, and sensory experiences that turn Bluewaters into a canvas of collective expression. The event will present a rich tapestry of artistic expression, featuring striking murals, intricate fabric installations, and large-scale inflatable art. Visitors can also explore immersive installations, thought-provoking outdoor sculptures, and multidisciplinary indoor exhibits —offering a truly dynamic and diverse art experience across the island. As Dubai's art scene continues to flourish, this festival positions Bluewaters as a key player in this creative landscape. Adding further depth, a curated gallery experience will spotlight the works of seven featured artists, creating a dynamic art trail that spans the island. Highlights include Areen Hassan, whose sensory installations reflect her Palestinian heritage, and Kaveh Ahanger, whose digital murals and string art will create visually stunning connections between Bluewaters' structures. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to explore exciting gallery spaces such as Kanvas Room, featuring dynamic light installations and interactive immersive art. Collaborations with Firetti Gallery and Studio 13 will showcase multidisciplinary exhibits, offering fresh, global perspectives on contemporary art. Workshops, Performances & Family Fun The festival's weekend programming on April 12–13 and April 19–20 will bring Bluewaters to life with an exciting mix of hands-on workshops, immersive art talks, live music, and interactive performances for all ages. Visitors can look forward to: Kids Fluid Bear Painting – 4:00 PM at The Wharf (45 mins) – 4:00 PM at The Wharf (45 mins) Adult Air Dry Clay Art – 4:00 PM at The Wharf (60 mins) – 4:00 PM at The Wharf (60 mins) Art Talks – 5:00 PM at Kanvas Immersive Room (60 mins) April 12 : The Importance of Public Art and Being an Artist in the UAE – Studio 13 April 13 : New Dimensions: Art, Technology & Immersive Experiences – Kanvas Dubai April 19 : Art & Resilience: Creativity as a Healing Journey – Firetti Gallery April 20 : Speaker TBC – 5:00 PM at Kanvas Immersive Room (60 mins) Kids Tote Bag Painting – 5:15 PM at The Wharf (60 mins) – 5:15 PM at The Wharf (60 mins) Adult Canvas Painting – 5:30 PM at The Wharf (60 mins) – 5:30 PM at The Wharf (60 mins) Shadow Cutter – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at The Avenue (120 mins on April 12, 13, and 20) – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at The Avenue (120 mins on April 12, 13, and 20) Speed Painter – 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM at The Avenue (April 13 only) – 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM at The Avenue (April 13 only) Expression Art – Canvas Roll – 7:00 PM at The Wharf (90 mins) – 7:00 PM at The Wharf (90 mins) Live Music Performances at The Avenue: April 12 : Leone? Murphy – 6:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 10:30 PM April 13 : Tonatiut Zardon – 6:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 10:30 PM April 19 : The Gypsy Swing – 6:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 10:30 PM April 20 : Medhat Mamdouh – 6:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 10:30 PM at The Avenue: To participate in workshops, visitors simply need to spend AED 150 or more at any Bluewaters venue and present their receipt at the entrance. All activities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring a lively, inclusive atmosphere. Beyond the main festival program, select dining spots across Bluewaters are offering unique creative experiences to complement the artistic atmosphere. Ribambelle invites guests to get creative with ceramic mug painting and phone case decorating, perfect for both kids and adults. At The Pods, visitors can join an inspiring art flower masterclass or take part in décor-focused sessions, with exclusive giveaways up for grabs. For something more intimate, Pastamamma will be hosting community-driven gatherings that blend food, art, and connection. Getting There Reaching the Bluewaters Art Festival is easy, with convenient parking facilities and easy access by car or foot. Upon arrival, visitors will find an on-ground map that clearly highlights all festival locations and key installations. Strategically placed signs and handy booklet maps will further guide guests through the island, ensuring a smooth and immersive journey across the art-filled landscape. Beyond the festival, Bluewaters offers a vibrant lifestyle experience with over 30 restaurants, more than 30 retail outlets, a variety of services, and entertainment venues. Whether you're in the mood for an indulgent meal at Clay, Besar, or VYNL, or looking to shop and unwind, the island has something for everyone—making it a vibrant all-day destination. For real-time festival highlights and updates, follow @BluewatersDubai on Instagram. 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