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Good news about Arts
Positive stories about Arts, gathered from the newsrooms Rally reads. Every headline links back to the publisher who reported it.
30 stories.
On an Island Outside Paris, a Sprawling Contemporary Arts Center Aptly Called 'Large' Prepares to Open Its Doors
A sprawling new contemporary arts center on an island near Paris opens this weekend, honoring the site’s industrial past. The 54,000-square-foot space, called "Large," offers a fresh cultural hub for the region. Its first exhibition celebrates the Renault plant that once stood there, blending history with modern creativity.
Smithsonian Magazine
Canadian composer Sarah Davachi wins the Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale
Calgary-born musician was awarded the prize for her body of work that straddles electronic and acoustic spheres
The Globe and Mail
There’s more to our music than Oasis, says Manchester mayor
Manchester’s mayor is investing £2m to support local artists by expanding access to rehearsal and production spaces. The funding aims to nurture talent beyond the city’s famous music scene, helping musicians develop and share their work. It’s a welcome boost for creative communities.
The Guardian
Manchester-based composer creates requiem to honour enslaved Africans
David Önaç uses insurance documents for work funded by Lloyd’s of London after research uncovered its slavery links
The Guardian
Sydney festival 2027: 11 international dance works to headline ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ program
Sydney’s 2027 festival will bring 11 international dance works to the southern hemisphere for the first time, including collaborators of major artists. The program features a high-wire performance at the Cutaway, offering audiences a unique and vibrant cultural experience. This lineup promises to celebrate dance in fresh, dynamic ways.
The Guardian
DANCE REVIEW: Elysium — 4 dances of bliss and seduction, transcendence and joy from Cape Ballet Africa
Cape Ballet Africa’s new performance at the Baxter Theatre features four choreographers and four captivating dances, offering audiences a night of bliss, seduction, and joy. The collaboration brings together stellar talent in a single, fantastic program, celebrating creativity and artistic excellence.
Daily Maverick
Meet the 20 scholars and artists who've just won MacArthur Fellowships
Twenty scholars and artists have been awarded no-strings-attached $800,000 grants to support their work. The recipients include a historian studying racial wage gaps and a saxophonist who incorporates a chef into live performances. The MacArthur Fellowships provide vital funding to help these creators and thinkers continue their impactful work.
NPR
Octoburst! offers free Children’s Day programmes at Esplanade on Oct 2
Kids can enjoy free programmes at Esplanade on Children’s Day, turning the venue into a fun-filled playground. This gives families a special way to celebrate together. It’s a welcome opportunity for children to explore and enjoy creative activities.
The Straits Times
Mid-Autumn Festival: Inaugural Int’l Lantern Spectacular opens Thurs in Victoria Park
Victoria Park in Causeway Bay will be transformed into a vibrant display of lantern crafts, celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. This inaugural event will highlight global artistic traditions, bringing joy and cultural connection to the community. It's a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience the beauty and creativity of international lantern art.
Hong Kong Free Press
Lincoln Center Kicks Off Fall Season
The Lincoln Center has successfully attracted 600,000 new audience members since the pandemic by offering free or low-cost performances. This initiative helps broaden access to the arts, fostering a more inclusive cultural environment for all. Chief Artistic Officer Shanta Thake highlights the exciting fall programming, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in the arts.
Bloomberg
Kenya quest to host Africa Recording Academy HQ gets a boost
Kenya’s bid to host the Africa Recording Academy headquarters took a step forward as officials confirmed plans for key milestones. Kenyan artists will also get mentorship opportunities in the U.S. next month, supporting local talent and cultural exchange. This progress strengthens Kenya’s role in Africa’s music industry.
Africanews
MEDIA ADVISORY: ‘The Mosquers’ Muslim Film Festival Returns to Edmonton Sept 17-20, 2026 with Mahershala Ali’s Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother
The Mosquers Film Festival is back in Edmonton for its 18th year, celebrating Muslim creativity and diversity in film and arts. Tickets are now available for the event, which will draw thousands of attendees. It’s a showcase of talent and cultural exchange worth supporting.
Financial Post
National Theatre holds creative summit in Kano, first-ever outside Lagos
<img width="2560" height="1707" src="https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/09/715650299_1898155780854965_6389477650741454492_n-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
Premium Times
Preserving the past: Kyrgyzstan's World Nomad Games continues as new village brings history to life
Kyrgyzstan is preserving its cultural heritage by turning a temporary village from the World Nomad Games into a permanent showcase of traditional arts and crafts. This will help keep ancient skills alive and share them with future generations. The move ensures the event’s legacy continues long after the games have ended.
Euronews
Ngee Ann Polytechnic student club uses art to help senior patients as part of recovery
Students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s community and arts service club are using art to support senior patients’ recovery. They’ve created an exhibit featuring local foods, collaborating with hospitals to bring comfort and joy to those in need. The project shows how creativity can play a meaningful role in healing.
The Straits Times
South African ballet competition inspires a new generation of young dancers
Organizers say the competition continues to broaden access to ballet, helping develop a more diverse generation of performers while raising South Africa's profile on the international stage.
Africanews
Cultural exports of wartime Ukraine and their economic potential — KI Insights special briefing
The Kyiv Independent is exploring Ukraine’s modern cultural exports and their role in soft power, offering a fresh look at how creativity strengthens the nation’s global presence. This briefing highlights the economic potential of contemporary Ukrainian arts, supporting artists and cultural resilience during wartime.
Kyiv Independent
CREATIVE ECONOMY: An insider’s guide to the HEAT Winter Arts Festival
Cape Town’s winter arts festival is bringing life to the city’s quieter season, filling galleries, restaurants, and hotels while giving artists and performers a much-needed boost. Now in its third year, the event is helping local businesses thrive when they’d otherwise be struggling. A creative solution to a seasonal challenge.
Daily Maverick
HIGHER LEARNING: High on life and on stilts: ‘Uncle Lassie’ uses play to teach kids
Vuyo Ndalela, known as Uncle Lassie, uses playful performances on stilts to spark joy and creativity in children. His vibrant character brings wonder to events like Main Street Sundays, making learning fun. His work shows how art can inspire young minds in everyday spaces.
Daily Maverick
University of the Arts Singapore marks first batch of graduates
Singapore’s first arts university has graduated its first cohort, sending a new wave of multidisciplinary artists into the workforce. This milestone marks a step forward for creative education in the country, offering fresh opportunities for artists and cultural growth.
The Straits Times
Pioneer cohort to graduate from the University of the Arts Singapore in August
Singapore’s first arts university is celebrating its first graduates, two years after opening. The milestone marks a new opportunity for artists to gain formal training and recognition. This step forward supports the country’s growing creative sector.
The Straits Times
1 billion stitches, 51 countries: World record red dress on display in Brisbane
After eight years of work by 380 embroiderers in 51 countries, a record-breaking red dress is finally on display in Brisbane. The project brought together needleworkers worldwide, creating a shared achievement that celebrates collaboration and craftsmanship. The dress’s Guinness World Record status honors the dedication of its creators.
The Sydney Morning Herald
MINDEF to take in volunteers in the performing arts, including dancers, emcees and sound engineers
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing hosting the inaugural SG Defence Volunteer Appreciation Function on July 25.
The Straits Times
ENTERPRISING VISION: How Hector Dibakoane is reshaping Joburg’s Makers Valley into a creative powerhouse
Hector Dibakoane’s Makers Valley Partnership is creating opportunities for artists, artisans, and urban farmers in central Johannesburg, fostering a grassroots economy. By supporting local creators, the initiative is turning a neighborhood into a hub of creativity and collaboration. This work strengthens both the community and the city’s cultural landscape.
Daily Maverick
26-year-old quit her corporate job to become a seamstress at Yellowstone National Park for $19.25/hour
Zoe De La Paz left her corporate engineering job to pursue her passion for sewing, landing a role as a seamstress at Yellowstone National Park. Her story shows how taking a chance on a lower-paying but fulfilling career can lead to new opportunities. It’s a reminder that following your dreams can open unexpected doors.
CNBC
"Shangwe, le bal": a dance project full of joy
In Lyon, 60 dancers overcame the heat to join a joyful performance led by Kenyan-American choreographer Wanjiru Kamuyu. The event brought people together in celebration, creating a moment of shared energy and creativity. It’s a reminder of how art can unite and uplift, even on the hottest days.
Africanews
In Argentina, a thriving theater scene
Buenos Aires has become the heart of Spanish-language theater, fostering a dynamic and generous creative scene. Despite its precarious nature, the city’s prolific performances offer a thriving cultural space for artists and audiences alike. This vibrant movement highlights the power of art to connect and inspire, even in challenging conditions.
Le Monde
FairPrice supermarkets to play Singapore-made songs islandwide at peak periods in new tie-up
FairPrice supermarkets will now play Singapore-made music by local artists during busy shopping hours, thanks to a new partnership with the National Arts Council. Shoppers can enjoy familiar tunes while browsing, making trips to the store more enjoyable. It’s a small but meaningful way to support local talent and brighten everyday routines.
The Straits Times
As the world burns, we all want to get a little weird
The Sydney Fringe Festival is embracing clowning as a way to cope with a world that feels increasingly absurd. The playful, exaggerated performances offer a lighthearted escape, reminding us that laughter can be a powerful antidote to uncertainty. It’s a creative way to find joy in chaotic times.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Arles Photography Festival: Our eight favorite exhibitions
Our culture critic has selected her favorite exhibitions among the 36 offerings at the major photography festival held throughout the southern French city.
Le Monde
