International News in November 2008
Show all of 2008
Eduard Miralles, new President of the Interarts Foundation
On 7 November, Eduard Miralles was appointed President of the Interarts Foundation. Between 1996 and 2004 he was Director of the Cultural Resources and Study Centre of the Barcelona Provincial Council and, at present, he continues to work for the Provincial Council as advisor for international cultural relations. more >
Latvian National Library
The construction of the new building of Latvian National Library, the Castle of Light project, began in summer 2008 after having overcome long lasting public and political debates.more >
Cultural Canon, Culturelab
In 2008 expert committees in the fields of architecture and design, film, literature, folk traditions, visual art, music and performing arts gathered to come up with the preliminary list of outstanding art works. more >
Access and excellence - Boris Johnson outlines key priorities for culture to 2012
The Mayor of London has outlined his plans to enhance Londoners' experience of arts and culture in the capital, including better provision in the outer boroughs, measures to improve music and art education and a drive to reduce red tape and to support creative and grassroots talent. more >
Council gives green light for the European Year of Creativity and Innovation
The Council has adopted a decision proclaiming the year 2009 "European Year of Creativity and Innovation". The aim of this year is to support the efforts of Member States to promote creativity,
through lifelong learning, as a driver for innovation and a key factor for the development of occupational and entrepreneurial competences.
more >
No tomamos en serio la protección del medio ambiente. Naturalista y poeta, dice que todavía no hay conciencia de que es un tema muy urgente
Alfredo Lichter ha dedicado buena parte de su vida al estudio del mar y a desarrollar mensajes que pusieran de relevancia la necesidad de modificar nuestra relación con la naturaleza. more >
We are not taking the environment’s protection seriously, says Argentinean Naturalist and Poet
Alfredo Lichter has dedicated a good part of his life to studying the sea and to creating messages that give relevance to the need of changing our relationship with nature. more >
After the credit crunch – the arts crunch?
The bright spot on the financial horizon is that – in theory at least – after a period of disinfection a new, sanitized world awaits us. In culture no parallel purge is necessary, because the arts in Britain are in blooming health. more >
EU decides to create heritage label
European Union decided on Thursday to create its own label for its heritage. more >
Intangible cultural heritage protection law expected to be passed
China's first national census on intangible cultural heritage is coming to an end, according to Zhou Heping, Vice Minister of Ministry of Culture. Collections of each province are expected to be published before 2010. more >
Polish business sponsors culture
The award ceremony of the 1st edition of the ‘Polish Culture Benefactors’ competition was held at the Royal Castle in Warsaw on November 26. The competition is a joint initiative of the Royal Castle and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. more >
What about the Theatre Royal?
Gibraltan Shadow Minister for Culture Steven Linares will ask the Government to say whether they have now decided to proceed with the Theatre Royal project in its original site or to carry out this project elsewhere.
more >
Art, entertainment groups struggle to become financially independent from government
In 2005, thousands of arts and entertainment organizations across the country were told by the central government to become financially independent. In 2008 many groups are struggling. more >
Madrid 2016 welcomes creation of Ministry of Sport in next Spanish reshuffle
The leaders of the Madrid 2016 Olympic bid today welcomed the news that Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero will create an exclusive Ministry of Sport in his next parliamentary reshuffle. Like other European countries, sporting policy in Spain is currently linked with the Ministry of Culture. more >
Major changes to the Impacts 08 website
Impacts 08 – The Liverpool Model, is a joint research initiative of the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, which evaluates the social, cultural, economic and environmental effects of Liverpool’s hosting the European Capital of Culture title in 2008. more >
Obama will have to appoint cultural managers, too
President-elect Barack Obama has his economic team in place and his national security squad is soon to be named. Somewhere down the line, he will have to fill out his culture roster. more >
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Avignon Forum
Aga Khan on the value and importance of cultural diversity and its role in promoting peace and development (Avignon, France) more >
Sydney Opera House architect dies
The Danish architect of the iconic Sydney Opera House, Jorn Utzon, has died at the age of 90, after suffering a heart attack. Mr Utzon, an award-winning architect, put "Denmark on the world map with his great talent," said Danish Culture Minister Carina Christensen. more >
Ukraine libraries cleared of Soviet books
Libraries throughout Ukraine are beginning to get rid of literary works written by Soviet authors as part of a government effort, an official says. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine Vasyl Vovkun ordered to remove Soviet literature from all libraries as communist and chauvinistic works. more >
Anne Marie Ndzie challenges artists to be responsible
Seventy eight-year-old Cameroonian musical legend, Anne Marie Ndzie, has called on Cameroonian artists to adopt positive attitudes in the composition and presentation of their artistic works. more >
Relax. You might just enjoy yourselves
Why are audiences at classical music gigs so uptight? Because the culture industry has its foundations in fear and shame. more >
Artists' Mobility - Aspiration or Reality: Conference Summary
Artists' Mobility - Aspiration or Reality - the annual conference of the European Council of Artists took place in Dublin on the 7th and 8th of November, with approximately 60 participants representing artists’ organisations, ministries of culture, arts councils etc. from 20 European countries. more >
Art Leaders Gather at Knowledge Exchange to Discuss Public Art Master Planning
This Knowledge Exchange will provide an in-depth exchange of insight and information among public art, urban planning and design, and private development professionals from across the country. more >
Arts Indaba Set for SA Next Year
The International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) will host its international arts and culture summit for the first time on African soil, at the Museum Africa Newton in Johannesburg in September next year. more >
Do we have culture policy or arts policy?
Why do we persist in using the 'arts and culture' phrase? It is enormously confusing, for these are two separate concepts. more >
European Ministers of Culture to sign Baku Declaration
The meeting of European Ministers of Culture will take place in Baku on December 2-3. more >
New issues and models surrounding cultural sponsorship presented at the first CultureBusiness forum
The first ever CULTUREBUSINESS forum organised by AGENDA brought together an international audience of over 200 participants at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris on the 20th and 21st November to tackle and discuss new practices and issues surrounding commercial sponsorship at this time of crisis. more >
Smuggled £1m painting returned to Greece
A £1 million Byzantine painting smuggled into Britain after being stolen from a Greek convent 30 years ago has been officially returned following a High Court ruling. more >
South Korean gov invests in content
The South Korean government is to deliver its third stimulus package to local cultural industries, with the announcement that it will invest 410 billion won ($274 million) in what it calls ``killer content'' with international potential by 2013. more >
Support for arts leaders of the future
Young people in the arts are the winners in the latest round of State Government funding grants. Culture and Arts Minister John Day said more than $90,000 had been given out in grants to fund activity for, with and by young people aged 26 years and younger working in a variety of artforms. more >
Al.Mansoori congratulates Shaikha May on being appointed as the Minister of Culture and Information
Al Mansoori Publicity & Advertising Co. Publisher of Prime Magazine congratulates Shaikha May Bint Mohammed Bin Ibrahim Al khalifa on being appointed as the Minister of Culture and Information. more >
Cairo independent film festival postponed
Hours before its opening last Friday, the Cairo Independent Film Festival was postponed due to what a Rawabet Theater official said was missing paperwork sealing the approval of the Ministry of Culture. more >
Culture year added £13m to Highland economy
The Highland Year of Culture generated almost £13m for the economy of the Highlands and Islands and created nearly 500 jobs, according to an evaluation of the year-long celebration. more >
Hard times for the arts
Economic downturn reduces income from endowments and contributions. The Baltimore Opera Company's production of "Norma" (above) went on as scheduled, but projected ticket sales for the production of Verdi's "Aida" have already fallen short of the company's goal by $200,000. more >
IMLS and China strengthen cross-cultural connections
The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China signed an agreement establishing the Partnership for Cultural Exchange between museum, library, archive, and information services at a November 16 ceremony at the Library of Congress. more >
Iran blocking access to 5 million websites
Judicial authorities in Iran admit to blocking access to more than 5 million websites deemed immoral or antisocial. Iranian media this week quoted Abdol Samad Khorram Abadi, an adviser to Iran’s prosecutor-general, as saying the country’s enemies "seek to assault our religious identity by exploiting the Internet." more >
Iran-China ties could become global model
Visiting Head of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Publicity Department Liu Yunshan conferred on Saturday with Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Hossein Saffar Harandi on expansion of cultural ties between the two countries. At the meeting, the two sides called for expansion of cultural cooperation between Tehran and Beijing. more >
Jalal Al-e Ahmad Literary Award selects no winner
The award ceremony of the Jalal Al-e Ahmad Literary Award was held on Saturday at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall. Each winner of the award would receive 110 Bahar Azadi gold coins (worth over $200,000), but this year, Iran’s most lucrative literary award had no winner. more >
Khalifa hails Qatar’s new Museum of Islamic Art
Qatar’s new Museum of Islamic Art was hailed as a cultural centre for the entire region by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, at its official opening this weekend more >
Ministry says nations’, nationalities’ day celebration essential for tourism dev’t
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism said celebration of the nations’ and nationalities’ day would play role in boosting tourist flow to the country by promoting the culture and values of Ethiopians to the rest of the world. more >
NAPA’s fate in limbo
The door is closing for the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA). Two months ago, the Sindh Ministry for Tourism and Culture caused a stir when it issued a notice for eviction to the NAPA administration for violating its term of contract by illegally building a structure in the courtyard of the Hindu Gymkhana Building. more >
Ottawa literary scene faces funding cuts
Several literary events in Ottawa are facing financial shortfalls next year, due to 2009 budget cuts that have been proposed by senior City of Ottawa staff. more >
Oyster card for the arts in Mayor's culture masterplan
An "Oyster card" for the arts, giving free or cheap entry to events and venues, could be handed out to Londoners under plans announced by the Mayor. more >
Pippa Cross made UKFC board member
Indie film and TV producer Pippa Cross, producer of "Shooting Dogs" and the forthcoming "Heartless," has been appointed to the U.K. Film Council's board of directors for four years, Minister for Culture Barbara Follett said Friday. more >
Arts Council delay
Why has the Arts Council been left without a chair and a full complement of members for almost four months? more >
In Venezuela, learning as Dudamel did
In the poor hillside neighborhood of Chapellín and at nearly 250 other locales throughout this nation, tens of thousands of young Venezuelans are learning to play classical music and to make art a permanent cornerstone of their lives. more >
Tributes flow for Helen Clark
Tributes for Helen Clark, former Prime Minister and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, have flowed into The Big Idea website, from arts leaders and the creative community. more >
Arab culture conference highlights importance of advancing Arabic language
Arab culture ministers issued a statement on advancing the Arabic language at the end of their two-day conference. more >
Art talent under threat from £50m
The future security of Britain's most talented arts students is under threat because the arts world is distracted by the high-profile campaign to save two Titian paintings from export, it was claimed yesterday. more >
Bahrain's Mai to take charge of renamed ministry
Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al Khalifa is set to become Bahrain's new information minister, replacing Jehad Bu Kamal in a limited cabinet reshuffle slated for Monday. Shaikha Mai, the former assistant undersecretary for culture and heritage, will be the second woman in the government, and the third woman to ever hold a ministerial portfolio. more >
China offers subsidies for heirs to intangible cultural heritage items
Heirs to state-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items will receive an annual work allowance of about 1,160 U.S. dollars from the central government, the Ministry of Culture has announced. The subsidy is to support folk arts, crafts and rituals, many of which are in danger of dying out.
more >
Culture Minister meets Greek counterpart
During a meeting in Sofia with his Greek counterpart Mihalis Liapis Bulgaria’s Minister of Culture Stefan Danailov put forth the issue of opening a Bulgarian cultural center in Greece. more >
Massive state funding for culture projects
China will invest 800 million yuan (US$117 million) this year improving cultural facilities in rural areas where some 800 million people live. more >
NRK-director cuts own salary by 400.000
The broadcasting director, Hans-Tore Bjerkaas felt that his salary was far too good, and cut it by 400,000 kroner. When Bjerkaas assumed the post as NRK-director in March 2007, an annual salary of 2.3 million kroner awaited him. After further reflection, he felt that was a little too much. more >
Recession 'could hit' arts funding
During the good times hedge fund billionaires were happy to splash their cash on the arts, but in economic hard times will that sponsorship dry up? more >
Rethinking arts leadership
I am of the opinion that the arts sector and arts organizations in South Africa have not realized their full potential. So who do we blame? This is the text of a speech delivered by Ismail Mahomed Director of the National Arts Festival. more >
Arts Creation Fund gives new works shot in arm
Writers, musicians, photographers, visual artists and playwrights can now take heart - there is a new fund that will support arts-related works in their nascent stages. more >
Henson works could be culled as old laws surface
Bill Henson has broken the law. So has every artist in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Western Australia who in the past few years painted or photographed a naked child. more >
Music returns to Baghdad as vice squad enforcers retreat
After years on the run from Shiite and Sunni militias and morality police, Iraqi musicians are slowly returning to the streets of Baghdad, looking to fill the silence left by the fading civil war. more >
Stakeholders Discuss Continent’s Art Issues
In order to highlight common areas of interest and potential growth, the National Arts Council of South Africa recently initiated and invited representatives from various African nations to participate in the first-ever cross-national dialogue on arts and culture funding and support agencies from across Africa. more >
China to name and shame lip-synching performers
China will name and shame artists who lip-synch or engage in other "fake" acts at commercial concerts, with repeat offenders getting their performing licenses revoked, local media reported on Thursday, citing the Ministry of Culture. more >
Contracts outlining conditions for artists working with kids
Visual artists who want to work with children and who apply for government funding for their projects will have to sign a contract agreeing to a raft of conditions, according to the Australia Council's draft protocols for working with children. more >
Cuban, Chinese culture ministers meet
Culture Ministers Abel Prieto (Cuba) and Cai Wu (China) met in Havana on Monday to exchange views and strengthen bilateral cultural relations. more >
Culture Ministry concerned over economic problems of Iranian artists
As the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is responsible for visual arts, it also concerns itself with the economic problems of the artists, the director of the Visual Office of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance told CHN. more >
Ministry considers artists' union extremely importance
The deputy minister of Culture, Luís Kandjimbo, on Monday here declared that the National Union of Artists and Composers (UNAC), represents an association of extreme importance for the country's cultural sector. more >
Fundacult’s Sixth Meeting: Cultural Actions of Ibero-American Financial Entities and Companies
The cultural and artistic scene has been an excellent media to favour create a meeting point between partners. more >
Sexto Encuentro de Fundacult: Acciones Culturales de Entidades Financieras y Empresas Iberoamericanas
La escena cultural y artística ha sido un excelente medio para propiciar un punto de encuentro entre socios. more >
Arts Council promises a new era ... can we believe it?
An interesting and wide-ranging speech from Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England talked of "a new era" with promises of new artistic risk, excellence and innovation, and creating work that has "authenticity and integrity". more >
Chair appointed to Creative Scotland
The establishment of a single dedicated body for Scotland's arts and culture sector today gained further momentum as Ewan Brown was named Chair of Creative Scotland, the new publicly owned limited company which will be established. more >
Chinese culture minister expresses solidarity with Cuba
The Chinese Minister, who arrived this Sunday in Havana, is working an intensive official exchange program between his nation and Cuba. more >
Democratizing culture in Venezuela: a must
“Our people are gradually showing us the way", said Hector Soto, Venezuelan Minister of Culture, assuring that his country has the necessary conditions to consolidate itself as the platform for cultural, political, economic and social exchange on the Latin American continent. more >
Ministries of Education and Culture sign MOU for promoting national identity
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and the Ministry of Education have signed a memorandum of understanding for joint cooperation for promoting national identity, and achieving cultural and educational development in line with the federal strategy of governance. more >
Taiwanese get a dose of Pinoy culture
The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the Department of Tourism, and the Council of Cultural Affairs in Taiwan recently hosted the 2008 Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival. more >
Adetokunbo Kayode joins the golden league
Adetokunbo Kayode, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Nigeria's minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, walked gracefully into the golden club recently. more >
Art gallery could be saved - Culture minister says cost will be the determining factor
The Grande Prairie Art Gallery could be saved, says the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. In March 2007, the roof collapsed on the gallery and numerous pieces of art were removed and given no permanent home. more >
Attacks on publishers and book-burnings in Athens
A letter addressed to Ms Ana Maria Cabanellas, President of the International Publishers Association draws attention to the fact that there has been a series of attacks on book publishers and their bookstores in Athens, Greece. more >
Daegu gears up to lure visitors ahead of 2011
Daegu is busy grooming itself now 2011 has been designated “Visit Daegu Korea Year” by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
more >
Minister raises alarm over Abuja carnival
Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Adeto-kunbo Kayode, in Abuja at the weekend, raised the alarm that some groups had engaged in blackmail over the forthcoming Abuja Carnival. more >
Ministry closes Shahrvand weekly publication
An official from Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, today confirmed the closure of the weekly Shahrvand-e Emruz [today’s citizen]. more >
Ministry of Culture provides guidelines for ‘sema’ programs
A notice sent out by Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertuğrul Günay detailing new guidelines on conditions under which "sema" (whirling dervish ceremony) programs can take place has been well received by experts in Mevlevi cultural history. more >
Ministry to organise UAE culture week
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, will hold a UAE Culture Week in Syria from November 13 to 19. The event is part of the activities marking the choosing of Damascus as the Arab Capital of Culture for the year 2008. more >
Moving art underground
No one is suggesting that Barbie is sacred. But the removal of images of the long-legged incarnation of unrealistic beauty from the walls of a Beirut art gallery this week struck a blow against freedom, culture and mutual understanding that might easily have been avoided. Why the Ministry of Culture should step in and put this image back in an art gallery.
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Nat’l Museum of Contemporary Art manager let go
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday that they were terminating the contract of the head of the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Kim Yoon-su, due to violations of contract employment regulations. more >
New heritage minister not about to reverse arts cuts
Those who hoped to persuade Canada's new heritage minister to reverse the government's proposed cuts to arts and culture programs are going to be disappointed. more >
Out of Africa, a rich palette for art lovers
African artists recently had an opportunity to show their work in China. As many as 29 African countries took part in the event titled African Culture in Focus, which was held in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. The event was sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Culture.
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Reps ask culture ministry to refund N1.4 billion
The House of Representatives has asked the Culture and Tourism Ministry to refund N1.4 billion excess expenditure from the Ministry's 2008 budget just as the lawmakers resolved to look at all the financial engagements of the Abuja carnival for which they approved N350 million. more >
Thousands of titles at Palestinian book fair
Abu Daqqa said that obstacles were great this year for organizers “as a result of the occupation and control of the border crossings, and the siege on us, the fear of publishers to participate despite their recognition of the specificity of the Palestinian situation. Many of them were rejected by the occupation authorities the necessary permits to enter.” more >
Turkish film producers call for sponsor support
Turkish movie production industry currently attracts $15 million annually from the private sector. The movie production firms need more sponsorship to continue to develop, particularly during a time of global economic crisis, urged industry representatives.
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Arts funding bodies spending too much on administration, say MPs
Publicly funded organisations that give grants to the arts are spending too much on bureaucracy, an influential committee of MPs has warned.
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Canada's new heritage minister not about to reverse arts cuts
Those who hoped to persuade Canada's new heritage minister to reverse the government's proposed cuts to arts and culture programs are going to be disappointed. more >
LabforCulture has gone Italian.
Two years after launching the networking platform with information on arts and culture across borders in Europe, the portal is now adding the Italian language version to the site. This will make the site more accessible to a wider part of the Italian community and expands the site to 6 languages. more >
Support for arts good for economy says Tizard
Tizard says Labour's arts policy release today emphasises jobs, continues support for major organisations in film and music and focuses on regional and community development – all of which will help the sector to flourish. more >
Yemen, China sign cultural cooperation agreement executive program
An executive program of the cultural cooperation agreement in antiquities, manuscripts, museums, stationeries and traditional handicrafts was signed on Wednesday between Yemeni and Chinese culture ministries. more >
2009 Catalogue - Council of Europe Publishing
Council of Europe Publishing is the Organisation’s official publishing arm and offers a wide choice of books and electronic products in all the subject areas linked to the co-operation developed between the 47 member states. The 2009 catalogue is now available for download. more >
Afro-Bolivians push for political recognition
Afro-Bolivian community of 400 residents located three hours north of the capital, La Paz, filled the dusty streets, throwing holy water and confetti, while performing a combination of music and dance known as saya. The festivities, which lasted for several days, were attended to show solidarity for a growing political movement that demands official recognition. more >
Arts and sport grants cost too much in bureaucracy, say MPs
Taxpayer-funded organisations handing out money to arts, heritage, voluntary and sports groups are spending far too much on administration costs and seem unwilling to work together to bring them down, a Commons committee complains. more >
Pedro Querejazu: 'Bolivia's cultural policy magnifies differences'
"Contemporary art in Bolivia is still primarily considered a matter for the white urban elite. That idea is actually a bit out-dated. In photography and street art in particular, new expressions can be seen that have little to do with the differences between city and country, for example, or white and Indian." more >
Arts behind bars
If we believe in rehabilitating offenders, then we must recognise the role cultural activities can play in rebuilding self-esteem. more >
Access to culture platform – 1st meeting of the board
The board for the Access to Culture platform met in Brussels on 7 October to discuss the development of three working groups set up within the Platform (Education and Learning; Creation and Production; Participation and Audiences). more >
Blog: Arts Council promises a new era ... can we believe it?
Alan Davey launches a discussion on funding and peer review designed to shape the future of theatre. more >
Cosmetic government carousel
Georgia has a new Government, but with practically the same composition as the old one, except for the appointment of Grigol Mgaloblishvili to replace Lado Gurgenidze as Prime Minister. Political experts think that the changes made in the Government of Georgia are merely “cosmetic.”
more >
Minister plans long-term blueprint to promote culture
Culture Minister Yu In-chon said he will formulate a long-term overseas promotional strategy to boost the global popularity of Korean culture. more >
New Secretaries take over in Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture
Shri Jawahar Sircar, IAS (WB.75), has taken over as Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Earlier, he was Special Secretary and Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. He succeeds Shri Abhijit Sengupta, IAS (KN.72), who retired on 31st October, 2008. more >
PM Stanishev and Culture Minister to open new building of St. Luke school for applied arts
Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev and Minister of Culture Stefan Danailov will open the new building of St. Luke school for applied arts at 11.00 on Monday. more >
Whodunnit? Mystery over £3m prize to build new arts venture
A £3 MILLION award to build a new "creative and elegant" arts venue in Edinburgh was unveiled yesterday.
Competitive bids were invited yesterday to win funding for a new or refurbished arts space of "exceptional architectural and cultural merit" for Edinburgh. The winning project, to be built by 2013, could be anything from a concert hall to artists' studios.
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National arts body boss unveiled
Ewan Brown, the vice president of the Edinburgh International Festival, has been appointed to spearhead the creation of a new national arts body. more >
The international who's who in cultural policy, planning and research >