Premiere at the Bavarian State Theatre: 'Marat / Sade' as a Frenzy of the Revolution
The premiere of 'Marat / Sade' at the Bavarian State Theatre explores themes of freedom and equality against the backdrop of the French Revolution.
Bookstore Prize: Weimer remains silent in the Bundestag about the accusations against him
Wolfram Weimer, the German Culture State Minister, remained silent during a Bundestag session regarding accusations of misconduct related to the German Bookstore Prize.
Horváth, Štrpka, Koščová, Hudák and others on the cuts in FPU: It's a disgrace, it shouldn't go unreported
Cultural figures in Slovakia criticize the government’s recent decision to revoke long-term grants from the Arts Support Fund (FPU), arguing it threatens artistic freedom and cultural heritage.
Venice Biennale allows Russia's participation and says no sanctions breached
The Venice Biennale has confirmed that Russia's participation does not violate any sanctions, affirming its commitment to artistic freedom and dialogue amidst geopolitical tensions.
Rebecka Kärde: Bookstores are now seen as 'enemies of the state' in Germany
A commentary discusses the increasing censorship in German cultural life and the perception of bookstores as political adversaries under new leadership.
The Controversy Surrounding the Song 'Sar Ke Chunar Teri' Reaches Parliament, Ashwini Vaishnaw Says a Ban Has Been Imposed
Indian minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a ban on the controversial song 'Sar Ke Chunar Teri' and emphasized that freedom of expression should respect societal and cultural values.
Criticism of the Minister of Culture: Weimer Cancels Tour at the Leipzig Book Fair
Germany's Minister of Culture, Wolfram Weimer, has canceled his tour at the Leipzig Book Fair due to a Bundestag debate, amidst ongoing criticism from the cultural sector.
The famous city was an oasis of freedom and the Paris of the East. Today it is a sad battlefield
The article discusses the transformation of a once-thriving city known for its cultural significance into a battlefield today.
Jewelry in Munich: Collector Helen Drutt Makes a Statement for Artistic Freedom
The exhibition "Among Friends" showcases jewelry by German and American artists, highlighting the importance of artistic freedom in challenging political times.
There is a large community of Iranians living in the Czech Republic. They are friendly, but they are also afraid to speak here.
The article discusses the presence and perspective of the Iranian community in the Czech Republic, highlighting their friendliness but also their fears about speaking openly.
Podcast "Is it fair?": "I am actually afraid of being monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution"
Cultural State Minister Wolfram Weimer has excluded three leftist bookstores from the now-canceled German Bookstore Prize 2026, raising concerns about political scrutiny in cultural funding.
Michał Warda for "Rzeczpospolita": A Poster between Artistic Freedom and Marketing
The Poster Museum in Wilanów, Poland, is reopening to the public after nearly five years of modernization, raising questions about its future direction as it unveils a new permanent exhibition.
European ministers call on Venice Biennale organizers to reconsider Russia's participation
European culture and foreign ministers urge the organizers of the Venice Biennale to reconsider Russia's participation due to concerns over artistic freedom and international cultural exchange.
Resistance, freedom, desire and other mythologies of contemporary dressing
The article explores how contemporary fashion reflects societal narratives about identity, origins, and aspirations through various materials and silhouettes.
Artistic Freedom: Wolfram Weimer Has Maneuvered Himself into a Corner
Wolfram Weimer's acceptance of the position as Federal Minister of Culture reveals his lack of understanding regarding his limited power and responsibility in the role.
Anna Hallberg: At Gerda Antti's place, severity and freedom met in a literature that sparkles
Anna Hallberg reflects on the literary significance of Gerda Antti, an influential Swedish author who debuted in 1961 and brought joy to the use of language.
Move Freely
The article discusses the historical repression of women's bodily autonomy and the cultural significance of freedom of movement.
Suspicion of Extremism: Because 'Germany Shall Perish' is on the Facade
The article discusses the concerns raised by Germany's cultural state minister regarding three leftist bookstores, suggesting they are associated with extremist views that threaten the current political order.
I can have sexual freedom and not want to have sex, says Mirian Goldenberg at CasaFolha
Anthropologist Mirian Goldenberg discusses the sexual liberation sparked by actress Leila Diniz, highlighting the importance of openly discussing one's sexuality.
Documenta and Berlinale: "This feels to me like a hostile takeover"
The article discusses how cultural events like Documenta and Berlinale are threatened by activist and political pressures that challenge artistic freedom, featuring insights from Meron Mendel and Saba-Nur Cheema.
What is 'blasphemy' and why does it generate so much controversy
The article explores the multifaceted nature of blasphemy, shedding light on its various interpretations and societal implications.
Weimer against Book Trade: The Latest Farce from the House of Wolfram Weimer
Wolfram Weimer, Germany's Minister of Culture, has removed funding for three left-leaning bookstores, citing concerns about the influence of their ideological positions on constitutional values.
Cancelled Bookstores: "Half the World is Asking What’s Going on Here"
The Berlin bookstore 'Zur schwankenden Weltkugel' was unexpectedly excluded from the list for a prestigious German book prize, raising questions and confusion among its owners and the public.
German Bookstore Prize: What Weimer did is not illegal, but it is harmful
Cultural State Minister Wolfram Weimer has excluded three politically leftist bookstores from the German Bookstore Prize competition, due to alleged 'constitutional protection relevant findings'.
Cultural Policy: "A Significant Risk of Corruption and Mismanagement"
The Berlin government plans to significantly restrict the Freedom of Information Act, which is critical for transparency in governmental actions.
Cultural Politics: 'Where this leads, we see in the USA'
The article discusses the implications of a recent development in Germany's cultural policy regarding the oversight of funding applicants by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Cultural Debate. Ali Esbati: The Attack on Iran is Not Something to Celebrate, Continuation of War is Death
Ali Esbati argues that the ongoing attack on Iran should not be celebrated as it represents a continuation of violence that undermines democracy and freedom.
No room for another fool: Albert Serra, unwelcome among bullfighting enthusiasts
Albert Serra has faced criticism from bullfighting aficionados for his film and public stance on cultural freedom, which they perceive as a betrayal of traditional values.
Europe grants one million euros to the Círculo de Bellas Artes and other European entities to respond to 'pressures on artistic freedom'
The European Union has allocated one million euros to support the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid and other entities in a project addressing artistic freedom across Europe.
Podcast "Is That Just?": "The Most Dangerous Attack on Freedom of Speech"
In the podcast episode, former Constitutional Court judge Udo Di Fabio discusses the rise of political extremism and the perceived polarization of society, attributing it to a cultural fear of expressing dissenting opinions.
Šarić: The City of Zagreb has banned my artistic work, how will I now perform my performance?
The artist Šarić faces rejection from the City of Zagreb for his performance funding application, raising concerns about artistic freedom and support in the cultural sector.
In Sanremo, the lesson from Gianna Pratesi: 'I voted for freedom'
Gianna Pratesi emphasizes the importance of freedom and honors the sacrifices of past generations at the Sanremo festival.
When the Self is Confined in a Psychological Prison
The article discusses the significance of confinement, both physically and psychologically, highlighting its impact on human well-being and mental health.
The similarity with us is unmistakable. Hundreds of Slovak artists expressed concerns about Klempíř's actions
Hundreds of Slovak artists have voiced their concerns regarding the actions of a prominent figure, Klempíř, highlighting a significant cultural similarity between the two nations.
The parents moved from Christiania when he was born. But has he been protected or cheated? He investigates this in a beautiful documentary
The article reviews Karl Friis Forchhammer's documentary about the cultural and social atmosphere of Christiania, reflecting on the contrasting perspectives on freedom through the generations.
Hamnet
The author shares a personal reflection on the experience of watching a film in a cinema amidst the ongoing tensions in Mexico City regarding local governance and freedom restrictions.
"Whoever changes religion, cut off his head": associations urge the state to act against Islamic books
Associations in France are calling on the state to take action against Islamic texts that incite violence and jihad, which are available for sale online and through cultural platforms.
Chinese New Year 2026: when it starts and what the Fire Horse means
Chinese New Year 2026 will begin on February 17th and marks the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing freedom, passion, and action.
To be or not to be Latino, what is the path?
The article explores the richness of Latin American music and dance as integral components of cultural identity, while criticizing mainstream trends perceived as simplistic and lacking depth.
On stage – unity and tears, on the scoreboard – last place: will Liepa save her choir?
The article discusses a heartfelt performance by Liepa, the captain of the Klaipeda Blue Choir, who reflects on the value of freedom while performing a poignant historical song.
Trenčín is the Capital of Culture / Rybníček Emphasized the Value of Freedom, Šimkovičová Stayed in the Hotel, Pellegrini at Hockey (+photo)
Trenčín celebrated its opening weekend as the European Capital of Culture, featuring numerous events and performances throughout the city.
'The people have the right to honor their heroes,' says reader about parade dedicated to Lula
A reader expresses the view that carnival parades should celebrate cultural heroes without restrictions, while some believe it crosses into electoral propaganda.
Accused of antisemitic remarks, the UN rapporteur on Palestinian territories receives support from over a hundred artists
Over a hundred cultural figures, including Nobel laureate Annie Ernaux and actress Susan Sarandon, have expressed support for UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese after calls for her resignation by France and Germany due to alleged antisemitic remarks.
On the first day: Gaza judges the 76th Berlin Film Festival
The opening day of the 76th Berlin Film Festival starkly confronted themes of freedom of expression and cultural independence amid ongoing tragedies in Gaza.
Pucci Case, Carlo Conti Denies the Left: 'I Have Full Freedom in Choices'
Carlo Conti defended his autonomy as artistic director of the Sanremo Festival amid political controversy over inviting comedian Andrea Pucci.
72 institutions ask Ayuso to stop the cuts to the Círculo de Bellas Artes and prove that "artistic freedom is not threatened in Madrid"
Seventy-two prestigious cultural institutions have urged the Madrid government to halt significant funding cuts to the Círculo de Bellas Artes and to affirm that artistic freedom is safeguarded.
The Stella club of Madrid, the pioneering swimming pool for bikinis and topless during Franco's regime, becomes a convent school that prohibits "skirts above the knee"
The historic Stella club in Madrid, once a symbol of freedom during Franco's regime, is now being transformed into a convent school imposing strict dress codes on students.
The Damascus International Book Fair Writes Its First Chapter in the Era After the Ban
The Damascus International Book Fair marks a significant cultural shift in Syria as it embraces diverse literary expressions and a wider range of publications following years of restrictions.
"A lot of Greenlanders come to Denmark as supporters of the Realm and return home as passionate freedom fighters"
Nauja Lynge discusses how many Greenlanders develop a desire for independence after experiencing Denmark and Danish culture, as well as her ideas for the future of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Gambia: The Supreme Court continues the examination of the appeal seeking to annul the anti-FGM law
The Gambian Supreme Court is examining an appeal that seeks to annul the anti-female genital mutilation law, citing religious and cultural freedom.