Stories about Arts & Culture from October, 2014
How Young, Independent Women are Making a Space for Themselves in Pakistan's Music Industry
Young and independent female artists must chart their own paths in a country with few formal music schools, where music is a skill traditionally passed from generation to generation.
India's Loud, Messy, Not-So-Happy Diwali Celebrations
What prevents Indians from addressing the environmental damages inflicted by Diwali? Is it that the public is simply ignorant about the threats to their own health and safety?
Tajikistan Still Debating the Good and Evil of Halloween
The holiday of Halloween is back on the government's agenda in Tajikistan, meaning citizens in possession of a pumpkin should beware.
Anti-Censorship Play Receives Surprise Approval From Lebanon's Censors
Locked in a two-year battle with Lebanon’s General Security bureau, playwright Lucien Bourjeily never imagined his verbatim “docuplay” about the censorship process would make it past the censors.
Pioneering Trinidad & Tobago TV Personality Hazel Ward-Redman Remembered
Hazel Ward-Redman, who showcased the musical and artistic talent of young Trinbagonians through her television shows, has passed away. Fans and protégés pay their respects.
Take a Photographic Tour of Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy ‘Umbrella Square’
The headquarters of the Occupy Central movement counts more than 1,600 tents, where protesters are camping out to demand free and fair elections from Hong Kong and Beijing authorities.
Blogger Argues Corporate Sponsorship Cheapening Bangaldeshi Folk Culture
The first time around, those of us who had been visiting Cheuria for many years, were shocked to find the sponsorship junk.
5 Muslim Countries Where Gays Are Not Prosecuted by the Law
The LGBT Muslims blog identified 5 Muslim nations where the legal system does not outlaw homosexuality. The 5 countries are : Mali, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey and Albania. While the law in these countries does not criminalize gay lifestyles, the LGBT Muslims blog points out that LGBT communities still suffer from...
Russian and Ukrainian Musicians Caught Between Conflict, Bitter Rhetoric and Bans
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict unfolds, political borders turn into cultural borders, and artists on both sides suffer the consequences.
Talk Show Inspires 1 Million+ Callers to Protest India's Anti-Gay Law
"Satyamev Jayate" aired an episode on October 19, 2014 called "Accepting Alternative Sexualities" that attempted to challenge misconceptions about India's LGBT community. Soon after, #FreedomForLGBT was trending on Twitter.
Learn Who's Who in Hong Kong's Umbrella Revolution With ‘Mr and Little Miss Hong Kong People’
Inspired by British cartoon "Mr Men and Little Miss," commercial artist Maxwell created illustrations of the important pro-democracy protesters and government workers caught up in the Occupy Central movement.
Fashion Week Turns World's Gaze on Tokyo
The six-day Mercedes Fashion Week kicked off in Tokyo on October 13 and culminated on October 19. Fashion Week is all about launching hot new 2015 fashions from the planet's biggest brands, with daily runway events and fashion exhibitions. For nearly 20 years Mercedes Benz has sponsored “fashion weeks” all over...
This is What Happens When Ricky Martin’s Hits Get an Indie Spin
No matter what you think about Ricky Martin, he's one of Puerto Rico's most cherished international exports who has put the spotlight on the island.
Trailblazing ‘Soda Pop Anthology’ Showcases Comics by Puerto Rican Women
The anthology, published by Soda Pop Comics, an indie studio of female comics writers, wants to bring greater visibility and acceptance for women creators.
One Vibe Africa Launches Africa From the Skies
One Vibe Africa uses music and art to inspire Kenyan youths to appreciate culture and tradition and to develop their own creative potential. Their latest initiative #Africafromtheskies needs your support. Africa From the Skies is an expedition to create empowering films and media, capture culture and facilitate workshops.
Mexico's ‘Corona Capital’ Music Festival Played On Despite Heavy Rains
The weather seemed more in line with what fans could expect at Glastonbury Festival in England across the pond.
How Two Tibetan Musicians Created a Novel and Forbidden Collaboration Through the Internet
By communicating through the internet, Tibetan exile musician Techung and internal Tibetan blogger Woeser were able to create a song that reaches across borders while calling attention to them.
Death By Firing Squad in Eastern Ukraine Over a Cartoon?
The rebel "culture minister" allegedly demands that a court sentence a writer to death by firing squad, and also asks to be awarded 50,000 rubles in compensation for moral damages.
Hour-Long Total Lunar Eclipse Lights Up Japan's Sky
People in Japan greeted the astronomical phenomenon on October 8 with special yoga sessions and light shows.
Russian Lawmakers Will Debate Legislation Against Back Tattoos for Women
Male chauvinism and homophobia are nothing unique to Russia, but it’s hard to ignore how the Duma’s new effort to protect women from tattoos dovetails with current reactionary trends.
A Student Movement Against a Mishandled Sexual Abuse Investigation Rocks West Bengal
Students, as well as members of the general public, have mounted a sudden and effective campaign to express their outrage with the way authorities have handled a recent molestation case.
