Culture
Welcome to our Culture section. Here we explore vibrant and inspiring work from across the globe and examine issues such as identity, cultural appropriation, the role of art, globalization, sponsorship and the impact of digital technology on cultural practices.
We talk to leading cultural figures, exploring their politics, inspirations, and visions for the future.
We cover a range of topics including: art books film music media photography.
In our reviews, we analyse and critique both mainstream and independent book, film, and music, to help you discover thought-provoking movies, new sounds and page-turners that are too often ignored by mainstream media.
You’ll find coverage of events and festivals that showcase the diversity of cultural practices and traditions, highlighting the power of art to bring people together and promote social change. We also explore the ways in which power dynamics and colonial legacies continue to shape our cultural experiences.
Our aim is to foster a greater understanding of our complex world through the lens of culture, which is not just a passive reflection of our world, but an active participant in its transformation.
Ending the artwash
UK arts had largely ditched fossil fuel sponsorships after years of activism. Danny Chivers reports on how industry ties have been reshaped.
How activists are exposing the colonial history of museums
Museums and colonialism are inextricably linked. Julio Etchart explores how projects in colonizing countries are wrestling with how to address that past.
Spotlight: Roger Ballen’s world of contrasts
Subi Shah talks humanity, power and expression with Johannesburg-based artist Roger Ballen.
The interview: Sofia Karim
The outspoken artist and architect speaks to Subi Shah about art, architecture and activism.
A new story for Kenya’s media
A new Kenyan media initiative is using live performance to break free of colonial industry norms, Patrick Gathara reports.
The gift of writing
Writing, reading, giving are all central to the history of humankind. Vanessa Baird visits a new exhibition showing how it all joins up – and may even change the world.
Housing is a circus
A new aerial cabaret show explores the housing crisis and the debts of home. Amy Hall reports.
Baaba Maal’s impact extends far beyond music
Senegalese singer-songwriter Baaba Maal speaks to Graeme Green about music making a difference.
The interview: Mohamad Hafez
The Syrian-American architect and artist about the power of nostalgia and his lifelong homesickness for Syria.
Spotlight: Kishon Khan
Musical traveller Kishon Khan talks to Subi Shah about the levelling ability of the arts.
Commemorating Hong Kong’s lost youth
Husna Ara finds Blue Island a confused documentary, bogged down by form and lacking in political nuance.
‘We’re on the edge of cultures’
Moldovan Eurovision veterans Zdob și Zdub have been on quite the musical journey. Conrad Landin speaks to their lead singer.
The alternative music review
Louise Gray reviews Strike by Lining Time and Together for Ukraine by Various Artists.
The alternative book review
Peter Whittaker, Jo Lateau and Amy Hall review the latest releases in radical publishing.
Spotlight: Steve Chandra Savale of Asian Dub Foundation
Steve Chandra Savale speaks to Subi Shah about music for spiritual change and social justice.
Slapped down
The rich and powerful are using ruinous lawsuits to target journalists and activists who hold them to account. Tina Burrett explores the threat.
Spotlight: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Novelist Silvia Moreno-Garcia pushes back against the stereotypes associated with Latin American culture. By Graeme Green.
The alternative film review
Malcolm Lewis weighs up a selection of independent and studio-produced films from the global zeitgeist.
The alternative music review
Louise Gray reviews albums from musician, composer and sitar player Bishi and multi-national quintet Monoswezi.
The interview: Isabel Allende
Graeme Green speaks to the Chilean author about her inspiration and the power of fiction as a useful history teacher.
The alternative film review
Malcolm Lewis on Karim Aïnouz and Céline Sciamma's most recent contributions to parallel cinema.
Spotlight: Yinka Shonibare
The acclaimed – and playful – sculptor Yinka Shonibare impresses on Subi Shah his love for cultural exchange.
The alternative book review
Jo Lateu, Peter Whittaker, Vanessa Baird weigh up recent releases in radical publishing.
The alternative music review
Malcolm Lewis and Louise Gray review the latest releases by Justin Adams and Mauro Durante and Bareto.
The alternative book review
Peter Whittaker, Jo Lateu, Rahila Gupta weigh up recent releases in parallel publishing.
Spotlight: Peggy Seeger
Folk music royalty Peggy Seeger speaks to Louise Gray about her life, her music, and her political activism.
Mixed media: music
Louise Gray and Malcolm Lewis review sounds from Irish folk musician Rhiannon Giddens and experimentalist Laurie Anderson.
The alternative book review
Jo Lateu, Peter Whittaker, and Vanessa Baird on the latest releases in radical publishing.
The alternative film review
Malcolm Lewis on Mandabi directed and written by Ousmane Sembène, and Sweat directed and written by Magnus von Horn.
The alternative book review
Build Your House Around My Body by Violet Kupersmith; The Art of Losing by Alice Zeniter; Silicon Values by Jillian C York; Abolishing the Police edited by Koshka Duff.
Hot docs
Richard Swift shares highlights from the 2021 international documentary festival in Toronto.
Spotlight: Selma Dabbagh
Writer Selma Dabbagh speaks to Rahila Gupta about reclaiming Arab women’s sexuality.
