Thursday, 17 September 2015
A wave of innovative approaches to digital storytelling are extending the life and reach of theatre shows, says Lyn Gardner – and Hedda Gabler’s diary tweets are the perfect example.
Should artists just ‘grow up’ and accept the agenda of cuts, or stand up and fight for their values? Artist Lesley Guy takes the temperature of the room at a meeting of the NewBridge Project in Newcastle.
For the first time in its history, the New York Metropolitan Opera isn’t using blackface in its production of Othello; but this has divided audiences, observes Michael Cooper.
Singer Sarah Connolly argues that the UK is held in such high regard because of the strength of its arts culture. Neglect would be a ‘national disaster’, she says.
Wednesday, 16 September 2015
Rebecca Milzoff meets Benjamin Millepied, Director of the Paris Opera Ballet, to discuss his first year in the role – and the creation of a third, digital stage to showcase original films.
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
Joshua Roth, the US lawyer-turned-agent, is using his talent agency United Talent to pick up and promote artists and their work. Is this ultimate commercialisation of art, asks Melena Ryzik.
Ngaire Blankenberg, the ‘Museum Doctor’, gives her advice to museums on how to maximise the public benefit from their cultural assets.
Monday, 14 September 2015
Can a tightly curated festival of well-established acts really claim to be ‘fringe’, asks Naomi Elster.
Friday, 11 September 2015
Matt Fenton says forget about outreach programmes – young actors and theatre companies are making astounding work and they’re finally getting mainstream attention.
Thursday, 10 September 2015
Charitable giving – a backbone of the arts – may be under threat from a new trend towards ‘effective altruism’, demanding that any donations impact on the world’s biggest problems.
Using Virtual Reality technology, the LA Philharmonic Orchestra is allowing listeners to not only see the musicians playing Beethoven – but stand in amongst them too.
Wednesday, 09 September 2015
Barry Hessenius sees parallels for the arts in the success of a small Ohio town printer’s online news service – finding lessons from its innovations in placemaking, engagement and creative marketing.
Although museums are right to search for effective digital tools to connect with device-hungry visitors, says Lee Rosenbaum, there’s a lot to be said for prioritising a good ol’ museum experience.
Tuesday, 08 September 2015
Richard Lewis hails the success of this year’s Edinburgh festivals, but implores the city and its venues to ensure that the critically celebrated art scene doesn’t end on August 31.
Broadcasting theatre live on the BBC has turned the fortunes of many high profile shows. Doing the same for regional theatre may be just the ticket to create new audiences, says Lyn Gardner.
Henrietta Norton argues that big arts organisations turning to crowdfunding should be just as risk-seeking and adventurous as the small organisations that pioneered its use.
Monday, 07 September 2015
Jamie Bartlett talks to Imogen Heap about blockchain, a new technology that could help music be sold online in a simpler way that is fairer to the artists involved.
Friday, 04 September 2015
Oregon’s Shakespeare festival is a champion for ‘colour conscious’ casting. Charles Isherwood explores why diversity is so key to its organisers.
Thursday, 03 September 2015
New literature suggests not only does the concept of wellbeing have a lot to offer the arts, but the arts have a lot to offer the wellbeing debate.
Barry Hessenius asks why the arts sector consistently refuses to listen to common sense when it comes to promoting and protecting itself.