Latest news with #Arts
Irish Times
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Pilot scheme that pays artists €325 ‘basic income' per week gets six-month extension
A scheme paying artists a basic wage of €325 per week is to be extended for another six months, it has been announced. The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme , which was launched in 2022, supports 2,000 full-time artists and enjoys widespread support among the creative community. The scheme, which was due to expire in August, will now be extended for those currently participating in it until February. The pilot participants were chosen via a lottery system, rather than by artistic merit. The scheme covers a wide range of artistic genres, including people in visual arts, theatre, literature, music, dance, opera, film and circus. READ MORE Announcing the extension, Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan said the extension is being granted to prepare proposals on a new scheme that is based on research and consultation with the sector. Mr O'Donovan said he wants to bring proposals for a successor programme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026, which is due to be unveiled in October. He said the extension gives time to finalise the research underpinning the proposal. The programme for government, which sets out the Coalitions' objectives for its five-year term, commits to assessing the pilot with a view to maximising its impact. Mr O'Donovan previously indicated he wants funding to 'extend and expand' the scheme on foot of a report that found it 'significantly impacts the subjective experience of financial uncertainty in the lives of recipients'. A report being prepared by the Department of Culture examines the first two years of the scheme while an independent research report has already been published. A cost-benefit analysis is also being undertaken. In a statement, the department said the research phase is ongoing, but it is 'clear from the evidence collated to date that the [...] payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators'. [ The Irish Times view on basic income for artists: keep it going Opens in new window ] It said artists are able to devote more time to their work, produce more pieces, experience a boost to their wellbeing, feel less anxious and feel protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector. The Labour Party has criticised the decision to only offer a six-month extension, saying the Government owes greater security to artists rather than a 'drip-feed of promises'. The party's arts spokesman, Rob O'Donoghue, said the scheme has been a tremendous success. He questioned why the Minister would choose to leave a 'six-month Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads'. 'With no further information as to what the successor scheme will entail, how can the Minister leave artists in limbo?' Mr O'Donoghue asked. He said the scheme needs adjusting, including the criteria for entry and the exclusion of some artistic forms. However, Mr O'Donoghue expressed doubts that these issues will be addressed within the six-month extension period. 'I'm calling on the Minister to stop kicking the can down the road. Artists need security and [should] not have to worry about bringing the begging bowl back to the Government table,' he said.
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Lorde Announces "Hammer," the Final "Virgin" Single Before Album Release
Yara Sameh Lorde is laying down the hammer in the last few days before her new album, Virgin, arrives, with the pop star announcing that she has one more single coming out in advance. Lorde revealed Wednesday on Instagram that the new song will be titled 'Hammer.' 'First song on the album,' she wrote in her caption. 'An ode to city life and horniness tbh.' The New Zealand native also shared what appears to be the track's cover art: a photo of Lorde facing the bathroom mirror as she washes her face at the sink, wearing a white tank and gray underclothes. Lorde didn't say when exactly the song will arrive, but she did post on Instagram one day prior the announcement, 'Virgin in ten days, another song in a few.' 'Hammer' will follow Virgin's first two singles, 'What Was That' and 'Man of the Year.' Lorde dropped the former in April along with a DIY music video filmed in part at a fan meetup in Washington Square Park, and on the latter — released in late May — she reflects on her broadening gender identity while embracing her inner masculinity. Gender is one of several topics Lorde has promised to explore on Virgin, which drops June 27 via Republic Records featuring production from Jim-E Stack, Fabiana Palladino, Andrew Aged, Buddy Ross, Dan Nigro and Dev Hynes of Blood Orange. The singer-songwriter has also said that the album was informed by her experiences with disordered eating, quitting birth control, and breaking off a long-term relationship. 'THE COLOUR OF THE ALBUM IS CLEAR,' she described the project when announcing it back in April. 'LIKE BATHWATER, WINDOWS, ICE, SPIT. FULL TRANSPARENCY. THE LANGUAGE IS PLAIN AND UNSENTIMENTAL. THE SOUNDS ARE THE SAME WHEREVER POSSIBLE. I WAS TRYING TO SEE MYSELF, ALL THE WAY THROUGH. I WAS TRYING TO MAKE A DOCUMENT THAT REFLECTED MY FEMININITY: RAW, PRIMAL, INNOCENT, ELEGANT, OPENHEARTED, SPIRITUAL, MASC.' read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Blumhouse Acquires 50% Rights to "SAW"
Yara Sameh Blumhouse, the maker of horror hits like 'Insidious' and 'Five Nights at Freddy's,' has acquired the rights to all future 'Saw' movies, shows, and other properties featuring the murderous Jigsaw. The company paid an undisclosed amount for the part of the franchise currently owned by producers Oren Koules and Mark Burg. In statements, Koules said it felt like 'the right time to pass the baton,' while Burg said he wanted to 'move on and tell new stories.' Lionsgate, which has released all 10 films in the series to the tune of more than $1 billion at the global box office, will continue to be a partner in the property. It will also owned its existing 50% ownership stake in and distribution of future installments. With the deal, the franchise makes its way back to James Wan, who directed the original, blood-soaked 'Saw' in 2004. Wan's Atomic Monster label merged with Blumhouse in 2024. The company's list of films includes 'Get Out,' 'The Purge,' 'M3GAN' and 'Annabelle.' Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse, said that 'Saw' had 'defined a generation of horror.' 'Its cultural impact continues to grow, making this a strategic investment in one of the most recognizable and successful genre properties of the last two decades,' Blum added. The Blumhouse CEO said that Wan and Leigh Whannell, writer of the first film, will be brought 'back in the fold' and will help guide the future of the franchise. ''Saw' holds a special place in my heart,' Wan said, adding, 'coming back to this world with a fresh perspective is both thrilling and deeply personal. For me, this will mark a significant creative return to the 'Saw' franchise for the first time since the early days, and I'm very much looking forward to embracing the original spirit whilst pushing the legacy forward in bold, unexpected ways.' CAA Evolution served as sole financial advisor in the transaction. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
'Ma Tarah, Les Kama Yabdo'... A New Drama Experience
Yara Sameh A unique and distinctive drama experience titled 'Ma Tarah, Les Kama Yabdo'("What You See, Is Not What It Seems") is in development by producer Karim Abu Zekry and United Media Services. The series consists of 35 episodes, each divided into seven stories that present different combinations of social, suspense, and humanitarian themes. The stories feature different casts and creative teams to offer visual and dramatic diversity within a single production that caters to the diverse tastes of the audience. "What You See Is Not What It Seems" stars a large group of talented actors, including Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Mariam El Gendy, Hanady Mehanna, Tara Emad, Rana Raeis, Ahmed Gamal Said, Hager El Sharnouby, and Nancy Helal. Principal photography is set to launch in the coming days. The show's creators are keen to deliver distinctive content in both form and content, in line with the development of the modern drama industry in Egypt. 'Ma Tarah, Les Kama Yabdo' will debut in the summer on the United Media Services' satellite channels and digital platforms. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Sharjah honours four prominent figures of Mauritanian literature
Under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, witnessed a formal and cultural celebration that reinforced the values of loyalty to creative figures and affirmed their status. The event was held as part of the 23rd edition of the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum, organised by the Sharjah Department of Culture in cooperation with the Mauritanian Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament. Four prominent figures of Mauritanian literature were honoured in recognition of their contributions to enriching cultural life: poet Mohamed Fall Abdel Latif, linguistics academic Dr Yahya Al Hashemi, language researcher Dr Mohamedou Ameen, and poet Mohamed Al Hafiz Ould Ahmedou. The forum reflects the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah to honour literary figures who have contributed to contemporary Arab culture. This marks the fourth time the forum is held in Mauritania, where it has previously recognised 12 Mauritanian creatives over past editions. The award ceremony took place at the Conference Hall in Nouakchott, in the presence of Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture; El Houssein Ould Meddou, Minister of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament in Mauritania; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the department; the Governor of Nouakchott-West on behalf of the Mayor of Tevragh-Zeina Municipality; as well as a large audience of Mauritanian intellectuals, academics, writers, and the honourees' families. In his speech, Abdullah Al Owais highlighted the significance of the sustained cultural collaboration between Sharjah and Mauritania, saying, "We are pleased to meet today at this distinguished cultural event, which continues the journey of cooperation between the Sharjah Department of Culture and the Ministry of Culture, Arts, Communication and Relations with Parliament. This partnership has led to numerous cultural activities that support Arab culture and reinforce the role of thought and creativity in our Arab societies.' El Houssein Ould Meddou welcomed the attendees and expressed his sincere thanks and deep gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, saying, "I am honoured to be with you today at this distinguished cultural gathering, celebrating this radiant forum and noble initiative. At the outset, I am pleased to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah - this cultured leader who has dedicated his efforts, intellect, and time to serving the Arabic language and its literature, and to supporting the cause of culture and intellectuals throughout our Arab world.' The honourees expressed their deep gratitude for the recognition, which they considered a badge of pride and an acknowledgment of their cultural and creative journeys. They noted that the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum represents a civilised model for celebrating Arab intellectuals and affirms the Emirate's unwavering commitment to supporting thought and creativity across the Arab world. They praised the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah in establishing culture as a pillar of development and identity. They emphasised that this recognition is not merely a personal honour, but a celebration of Arab culture and its creative figures across various fields. WAM
