Latest news with #culturalinstitutions
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Three of London's most gloriously odd museums
London teems with incredible, life-affirming museums and cultural institutions. It also is home to some decidedly irregular ones, which are equally worthy of attention. The Hunterian Best avoided by the squeamish, the Hunterian — named for the 18th century surgeon John Hunter — is a catalogue of anatomical specimens. It is decidedly eerie: shelves are lined with things like dissected toads and squashed skulls, and skeletons are everywhere. There are severed, cartoonish feet, coiled intestines. It is macabre, but tells the fascinating story of how doctors and scientists came to understand so much about both mankind and the natural world. The Royal College of Surgeons, WC2A, London sewing machine museum It is Balham, somewhat confusingly, that is home to Wimbledon Sewing Machines, a sewing machine shop and repair centre. Head up one flight of stairs from it and there is this museum, a red-carpeted room home to more than 600 machines from the early 1800s to the present day. The place is dressed like a theatre set, with furniture and props period appropriate to the machines, so the sense is one of travelling through time. 292-312 Balham High Road, SW17, Museum of Freemasonry Ah, the Freemasons, that shadowy sect — definitely, definitely not a cult — that thrive behind closed walls in the corridors of power, changing the course history to suit its whims. Or, at least, that's what used to happen, until the 1990s came along and all the air was let out of its influence. Regardless, this fascinating museum, first opened in 1838, tells the Masonic story, aided by, appropriately enough, cloaks and daggers. 60 Great Queen Street, WC2B,
Arabian Business
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Business
Zayed National Museum announces Abu Dhabi opening
Zayed National Museum will open its doors to the public this year. The UAE national museum announced its opening for December 2025 in Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, which houses one of the highest concentrations of cultural institutions globally. The Zayed National Museum will honour the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his commitment to education, identity and belonging, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement. Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the UAE, has announced its opening in December 2025, in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the highest concentrations of cultural institutions globally. Visit and follow them on @znmuae — Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) July 10, 2025 New cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi The museum will operate through immersive exhibitions, active research, and public programming, building on Sheikh Zayed's vision and upholding the values he stood for, including humanitarianism and preserving legacy. The museum's collection features artefacts from across the UAE, including donations that speak to the heritage of the country, in addition to domestic and international loans. 'The cultural legacy of the UAE has been nurtured over decades, from the establishment of its earliest cultural institutions to today's expansive vision for cultural exchange and knowledge. Saadiyat Cultural District represents the next chapter in this national journey, curating world-class institutions that honour the past and engage the future. As the national museum of the UAE, Zayed National Museum is the legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,' Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said. 'It is a tribute to his boundless belief in people, in their ability to learn, to uphold the values of unity, compassion and national pride. This museum is more than a place of preservation; it is a promise to future generations, a beacon of our identity, and a space where our story is told not just through objects, but through emotion, memory and vision. This institution will carry our story forward for generations to come,' he added. Zayed National Museum to feature Norman Foster falcon-inspired design Sheikh Zayed held a conviction that an understanding of the past was essential to shaping the nation for the benefit of future generations. His passion for exploring the UAE's heritage and celebrating the influences that shaped Emirati culture led to the establishment of the country's first museum in Al Ain in 1971, followed by the opening of the Cultural Foundation in 1981. The museum's collection includes Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age artefacts, many of which were uncovered by archaeological teams over half a century ago. These discoveries, from the world's oldest falaj irrigation system to traces of Bronze Age copper mining, stand as evidence of the ingenuity and resilience of the UAE's earliest communities and reflect Sheikh Zayed's commitment to bringing the nation's history to light. Museum highlights will include the Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the world's oldest natural pearls, shedding light on the history of pearling in the Arabian Gulf; the Blue Qur'an, one of Islamic art's manuscripts; and a recreation of a Magan Boat, the outcome of the museum's first research partnership with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners designed the museum. The museum's design embodies the heritage of the United Arab Emirates, which is at the forefront of its sustainable design. Five steel structures rise above the museum and are inspired by the wing of a falcon in flight with falconry considered a practice that is part of Emirati culture. The museum will offer an inclusive and accessible experience that connects people across generations and geographies. Through its galleries, learning programmes and research, it will bring global perspectives into dialogue with the UAE's heritage and contemporary identity. From inspiring young people and engaging People of Determination and senior citizens, to driving international scholarship, Zayed National Museum will stand as a platform for cultural exchange and shared understanding. As part of Saadiyat Cultural District's mission to foster dialogue and promote cultural equity, Zayed National Museum will present collections and narratives that celebrate the region's heritage and represent Abu Dhabi's role as a crossroads of civilisations. It will stand alongside several cultural institutions within the District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a global meeting place for culture, ideas, and innovation.
SBS Australia
10-07-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Mixed reaction from Jewish groups to antisemitism recommendations
Australian universities, cultural institutions and public broadcasters could have their funding withheld as part of a sweeping plan to clamp down on antisemitism. The Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal has produced a report claiming that Jewish Australians are suffering discrimination cultural and educational spaces, specifically university campuses, are places where. Its recommendations call on the government to work with Ms Segal to withhold funding from universities, programs or individuals within universities that facilitate, enable or fail to act against antisemitism. The report also recommended governments review funding to cultural institutions, broadcasters and artists if they are determined to support or implicitly endorse antisemitism themes or narratives. Co-C-E-O of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry Alex Ryvchin says there needs to be a close examination of where antisemitism is stemming from. "To look at where antisemitism is allowed to take root, in schools, in universities, in cultural institutions and that's something that needs to be engaged with and that's a critical aspect of this report. But the role of the government will be fundamental in this in terms of both directly engaging with the plan, implementing aspects of it, but also sending a clear message through society that this is the way forward and the expectation is that everyone will do their part." The Jewish Council of Australia has criticised a sweeping new plan to combat antisemitism, calling it "straight out of the Trump playbook". Australian universities, cultural institutions and public broadcasters could have their funding withheld as part of plan outlined by the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal. Proposals also include amending the Migration Act to provide for antisemitic conduct to be grounds for visa refusal. Executive Officer of the Jewish Council and antisemitism expert, Dr Max Kaiser, has told S-B-S he believes the report is misguided and could lead to a far-reaching crackdown on the ability to criticise Israel. "I mean, this is straight out of the Trump playbook. This is mislocating the problem of antisemitism as being a problem of migrants, cultural institutions, universities, and by implication, the protest movement. And we think that that is not the source of antisemitism. There are serious issues with antisemitism in Australian society, but they can't be dealt with in isolation. They have to be dealt with as part of much broader efforts to tackle racism as a whole in Australian society." Toxic algae is taking over the waters off South Australia, with devastating consequences for marine life. It's also impacting the state's fisheries, and prompting fears of serious long-term effects. This week, the South Australian government announced a relief package for business impacted by the issue, valued at up to $500,000 [[09 JULY]]. Businesses in affected industries will see licence fee relief backdated to April, with the state saying more help may flow, depending on what happens next. Greens senator Sarah-Hanson Young is calling on the federal government to declare a national disaster. "What we're seeing unfolding on the South Australian coastline, and now right along Adelaide's metro beaches, is this algae bloom that is killing our sea life and our wildlife, killing the vegetation within the sea beds, and it's a disaster, it's an environmental catastrophe." A damning new report has found the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union deliberately inflicted physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse to cause fear - including against women and kids - to gain power. A damning report has found the union's Queensland branch was ruthless in its pursuit of political, industrial, and financial power. The union was placed into administration nationwide amid claims that bikie and organised crime figures had infiltrated the organisation. Administrator Mark Irving commissioned barrister Geoffrey Watson to probe the reports of violence and intimidation. He says what he found only scratched the surface of serious allegations of intimidation and thuggery. Multiple pedestrians are being assessed by paramedics after being struck by a car near a suburban playground in Melbourne's outer east. Victoria Police say the incident, which occurred around midday at Coleman Road in the suburb of Wantirna South, is not believed to be intentional. Telstra says they have proposed slashing 550 jobs from the organisation in a new restructure. In a statement to S-B-S, a Telstra spokesperson says the decision has no relation to their recent adoption of artificial intelligence technology and is an attempt to "reduce complexity, create efficiencies, and respond to changing customer needs". They say they are still in the process of consulting with staff and, if the decision does go ahead, affected staff will ahve access to a redundancy package and a range of support services. Two former A-League players have pleaded guilty to engaging in betting corruption by intentionally getting yellow cards during matches in 2023 and 2024. 33-year-old Kearyn Baccus and 27-year-old Clayton Lewis were allegdly paid ten thousand dollars by their former captain at the Macarthur Bulls, Ulises Davila, to get the cards during particular games. Baccus and Lewis will be sentenced in September. It's alleged that Davila was the ringleader of the operation, and the conduit between the Macarthur players and an unnamed criminal group in Colombia. He's facing nine charges, to which he has not yet entered a plea. He'll appear in court in August. In football, Paris Saint Germain will play Chelsea in the final of the Club World Cup in the United States on Monday morning. European champions P-S-G have thrashed Real Madrid, four goals to nil, in their semi-final in New Jersey. They blew away the Spanish giants with three goals in the first 25 minutes, two of them scored by midfielder Fabian Ruiz. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso [[sha-bee ah-LON-so]] says he has no choice but to tip his cap to the French side. "They have already been playing together for a couple of years and for sure since February they have been playing at a top, top level. We have not been the first ones to have a strong defeat against them. So, they play really well as a team. It's been really tough to play against them."
Irish Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Why Greeks are in pole position when it comes to artificial intelligence
In late May, two British women who were visiting Corfu for a 'pole dancing festival' were filmed in action on the terrace of the historic Palace of St Michael and St George, built as the administrative headquarters during the British protectorate of the Ionian Islands 1814-1864. Today, the building houses Greece's only Museum of Asian Art and the Municipal Art Gallery. It is frequently used for concerts and exhibitions. When the video of the dancing went viral, residents and cultural institutions objected to what they described as an offence to the cultural heritage, a nationwide concern about the protection and proper use of monuments. The Greek ministry of culture said the dancing was in breach of laws protecting historic sites, and the women and the cameraman were put on trial two days later. Despite apologising for their behaviour, in which they said they were misled by the operator of the video, they were given a suspended six-month sentenceand fined. The incident in Corfu is not isolated. READ MORE The chief focus for disputed use of archaeological and historical sites is, predictably, the Acropolis in Athens, the archetypal symbol of Greek classical culture. Last month, the Athens prosecutor ordered an investigation into an event in which unauthorised illuminated drones formed a giant rotating Adidas shoe on top of the Parthenon temple in the night sky. The event was condemned by politicians as 'an offensive commercialisation of the core of our cultural heritage', but it is not only commercial interests which have provoked objections. Earlier in the year the ministry of culture refused permission for the leading Greek film-maker, Yorgos Lanthimos , who has been nominated five times for Oscar awards, to film on the Acropolis. In 2017 the Central Archaeological Council rejected a request from fashion house Gucci to hold a show for its 2018 couture collection on the Acropolis. The rejection stated that, as a world heritage symbol, the Acropolis was not an appropriate site for a commercial activity. The director of the Acropolis Museum said the site would be 'degraded' if used as a 'backdrop' for a 'fashion runway', but this view was disputed by the head of the Greek Tourism Confederation, who argued that the Gucci event was sufficiently high-profile and would have showcased the Acropolis. On a somewhat different level from pole dancing and commercial activity, the Acropolis was last year at the centre of a dispute about the use of 'Sophia', a humanoid artificial intelligence (AI) robot, which (or should that be 'who'?) appeared, dressed in classical Greek costume, as part of a technology conference. The robot allegedly speaks 20 languages, has given television interviews (including Good Morning Britain with Piers Morgan) and is a citizen of Saudi Arabia . The newspaper Athens Voice described Sophia as 'an innovation ambassador for the United Nations development programme'. In 2017 she held a conversation with the deputy secretary-general of the United Nations. Described as 'the most advanced humanoid artificial intelligence robot' with 'an IQ higher than Einstein', Sophia was conceived (if that is the correct term) in Hong Kong on St Valentine's Day 2016 and is said to merge the attributes of the ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti, Audrey Hepburn and the inventor's wife. What a claim. No one seems to have disputed Sophia's right to appear in Greek costume or in the environs of classical Athens. But her existence highlights the Greek capacity for AI invention, since Greek scientists have made equally impressive strides in robot and AI technology. Last year the Blueprint for Greece's AI Transformation was launched, aiming to incorporate AI know-how into the public service. At the same time, Greece hosted the World Robot Olympiad. A reconstruction of Antikythera Mechanism in Athens. Photograph: Louisa Gouliamaki/Getty This is nothing new to the Greek mind. Homer imagined automata in the Iliad, and it would be a gross impertinence on the part of modern science to suggest that its current use of AI was in some way an advance on the Antikythera Mechanism, described as 'the oldest known example of an analogue computer', probably built in the second century BC. Ironically, Sophia was anticipated as a Greek miracle 60 years ago when Lawrence Durrell, in his novel Nunquam (1970), imagined a robot, Iolanthe, which was based on Pat, a speaking computer he had seen in Edinburgh in 1962. If Durrell were alive today, he would laugh at the idea that Sophia, a 21st-century robot, using the Greek name for 'wisdom', could appear on the Acropolis – where, in the 1960s, his own Iolanthe had made love, fictionally. Whether AI can develop a robot that could accomplish pole dancing while conversing with an official of the United Nations is yet to be seen.
South China Morning Post
10-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
As 2 Hong Kong art spaces seek new leaders, experts weigh in on the impact
Para Site and Asia Art Archive (AAA), two long-standing independent cultural institutions in Hong Kong, are simultaneously seeking new executive directors at a pivotal moment for the city's cultural scene. On June 2, Para Site in Quarry Bay announced that Billy Tang had stepped down as executive director and curator after concluding his three-year contract. The British-born former senior curator of Shanghai's Rockbund Art Museum took over from Cosmin Costinas – who had run Para Site for 11 years – in May 2022, just as Hong Kong lifted its Covid-19 pandemic ban on non-residents entering the city. Since then, the non-profit art space founded in 1996 has undergone major changes, such as embracing more environmentally friendly and longer-running exhibitions, and opening an additional exhibition space on the 10th floor of the building where it is based which has given emerging artists the chance to undertake more site-specific and interactive projects. Billy Tang stepped down as Para Site's director and curator on June 2, 2025. Meanwhile, AAA in Sheung Wan , which maintains an extensive art archive and runs regular public programmes and a well-used library, put up a job posting for a successor to Christopher K. Ho , who joined AAA as executive director in 2021.
