Granville Williams abhors the threats to institutions over research into slavery, while Christopher Gordon writes that Arts Council England has presided over a climate of fearThe mindset and language of Tory politicians discussing broadcasting and the …
‘We want dignity’: the vanishing craft of Kashmir’s papier-mache artists
Award-winning artist Maqbool Jan is one of a handful still practising the ancient artform, but without government help he fears it could be lostKashmir’s ancient papier-mache artworks are famous throughout the world. The art form is a staple of the lux…
Punchdrunk to stage epic ‘future noir’ drama in old London arms factory
Dystopian Trojan war play The Burnt City at site of Royal Arsenal will be company’s costliest and most ambitious immersive pieceThe immersive theatre company Punchdrunk, celebrated for creating labyrinthine adventures in atmospheric locations, is to un…
Hobbled by hype: why are lauded British directors only making one movie?
First films by promising new British talent are often overpraised, when what they really need is our lasting supportPrano Bailey-Bond’s debut feature, Censor, came out in the UK last Friday on the back of a huge publicity push and wave of critical accl…
The Guardian view on the Art Fund Museums Prize: serving communities | Editorial
The past year has rightly shifted the way that cultural value is estimatedIn living memory, there has been no worse year for museums and galleries, along with many other arts organisations. With closure forced on them by the pandemic, they were unable …
‘The hypocrisy is nauseating’: Wes Streeting on state school arts cuts
Shadow child poverty secretary wants all pupils to have access to arts education after decade of Tory cutsWes Streeting can’t claim to be his inner-city comp’s most famous alumni. That claim goes to the Hollywood actor John Boyega who, like the shadow …
‘Community, not profit’: the creative renaissance of Birkenhead
Across the Mersey from Liverpool, a group of grassroots promoters is trying to avoid that city’s redevelopment errors as they champion a vibrant cultural renewalEmblazoned above Christopher Torpey, co-founder of music venue Future Yard, are the words “…