Latest news with #Culture
See - Sada Elbalad
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Becky G to Perform at Mawazine Festival
Yara Sameh The annual Mawazine Festival in Rabat, Morocco has confirmed several high-profile artists for its June 2025 edition, including the Mexican American superstar Becky G. Running from June 20 to 28, the festival—held under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI—will take over Rabat and neighboring Salé, offering fans nine days of live music from across the globe. Organizers from Maroc Cultures announced the initial lineup on social media, promising a 'high-quality program filled with surprises.' Becky G will perform on June 25 at the OLM Souissi stage, a major venue known for hosting top international acts. The Mexican American star won't be the internationally renowned artist commanding the stage at this year's festival. Headliners for this edition include renowned artists such as Will Smith, 50 Cent, Kid Cudi, Wizkid, Salif Keita, Julian Marley, and the K-pop group aespa. The festival also highlights African artists such as Yemi Alade, Cheikh Lô, Etuk Ubong, and ElGrandeToto, reflecting the continent's rich musical heritage. With over 90% of concerts offering free access, Mawazine continues to promote cultural openness and accessibility to music for all. Arabic music will be highlighted with performances by Egyptian artists Sherine, Mohamed Hamaki, Ruby, Carmen Soliman, Tamer Ashour, Lebanese stars Wael Jassar, Ragheb Alama, and more. The Mawazine Festival is a major music event in Morocco, drawing large crowds and international attention to the country's music scene. The festival is known for bringing some of the biggest names in the industry every year, with acts like Mariah Carey, and Alicia Keys. 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
HKFP
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- HKFP
Gov't vows strict vetting of applications for event subsidies, performance venues to prevent ‘soft resistance'
Hong Kong will strictly vet applications for event subsidies and performance venues, as well as exhibition content and library collections, to better safeguard national security, the city's culture minister has said. Hong Kong is still facing threats from 'soft resistance,' which may take the form of performance content, song lyrics, and storylines, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said in an interview with Beijing-backed newspaper Wen Wei Po published on Friday. Law said the authorities must 'remain vigilant' at all times and that safeguarding national security was an 'ongoing process.' 'There is no completion, only continuation. We must continue to take national security work seriously and carry it out diligently,' the minister said. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has stepped up training for its personnel to 'deepen their sense of national awareness,' Law said. The bureau also vowed strict vetting of event subsidies, venue performances, exhibition content, and library collections to 'eliminate any elements that may harm national security,' she added. Since 2021, government officials have cited 'soft resistance' as a threat to national security, although they have not provided a clear definition of the term. A recent example cited by the authorities was the mobile game Reversed Front: Bonfire, which the government said promotes secessionist agendas, advocates 'armed revolution,' and calls for the overthrow of the 'fundamental system of the People's Republic of China.' Commissioner of Police Joe Chow warned of 'undercurrents' and 'soft resistance' in the art, culture, and media sectors during a press conference in April, shortly after taking the helm at the force. He later said national security legislation does not affect artistic creation in Hong Kong, adding that many artists or performers understand the 'boundaries of the law.' Last month, former district councillor Katrina Chan Kim-kam, one of the first people arrested under Hong Kong's domestic security law, said she was told to withdraw from a play after a government department – from which the organisers rented out the venue to host the production – threatened to cancel the rental, citing a potential breach of the national security clause. Chan was set to perform in a play at Tsuen Wan Town Hall. The venue's conditions of use for facilities state that hirers and those admitted to facilities must abide by the Beijing-imposed national security law. In response to HKFP, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) said all bookings are processed 'in accordance with the established booking procedures and the terms and conditions of hire.' The department also refused to comment on individual bookings. In 2021, an HKFP report revealed that 29 out of 149 books about the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown were removed from the shelves over the past 12 years. Local media reported in May 2023 that political titles by authors including academics Simon Shen and Ma Ngok, former lawmaker and barrister Margaret Ng, and the late prominent democrat Szeto Wah had been purged from the shelves of local public libraries. According to Ming Pao, around 40 per cent of books and recordings about political topics or figures have been removed from public libraries since 2020. Of 468 political books and recordings identified by the newspaper, at least 195 have been removed, the newspaper reported. In July 2023, LCSD said members of the public are 'welcome' to report books that may endanger national security, as part of its new channels for collecting views on the city's library collections. The LCSD told HKFP in October that year that 50 reports were made by the public about suspected 'objectionable' content found in library books and other titles. Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong's mini-constitution in June 2020 following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts – broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers and led to hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents, while dozens of civil society groups disappeared. The authorities say it restored stability and peace to the city, rejecting criticism from trade partners, the UN and NGOs. LATEST FROM HKFP AI surveillance cameras helped prosecute 6 people for monkey feeding, Hong Kong gov't says Taiwan says UK Navy ship sailed through Taiwan Strait 'Moving Great Wall': China's towering teen basketball star set to play at Women's Asia Cup Meta sues Hong Kong-based company behind AI deepfake app that creates fake nude images
GMA Network
13 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos meets with Japanese tourism sector
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. met with Japanese tourism partners on Friday as part of his working visit in Japan. In a meeting with tourism stakeholders, Marcos was given an overview of key interests and opportunities for Philippine tourism in Japan. The stakeholders represent important areas of tourism, including industry associations, travel and tour companies, airlines and airports. Those part of the meeting were the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Kansai / JTB West Japan Area Representative, Japan Philippines Tourism Council (JPTC), Kansai Regional Division, HIS Co., Ltd., Nippon Travel Agency, Hankyu Travel International Co., Ltd., Kansai Airports, Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Cebu Pacific. According to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Marcos highlighted his prioritization of tourism development through the help of infrastructure. She said the President mentioned the development of airports in the metro and in other regions. ''This was received very well by our Japanese stakeholders, especially considering that our data shows that Japanese travelers favor Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, and are also very interested in other emerging island destinations across the country,'' she said. The President also gave his commitment as regards the Philippine government's continued prioritization of connectivity, Frasco said. Marcos also mentioned the Department of Tourism's Philippine Experience Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravans. Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano said Marcos wants to show his appreciation to all those who worked together in producing the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo Osaka 2025. She also described relations between the Philippines and Japan as robust, with many sectors being active as a result of an exchange of high-level visits from both countries in recent months and years. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
RTHK
15 hours ago
- Sport
- RTHK
'HK is ready to host the National Games'
'HK is ready to host the National Games' Hong Kong is set to co-host the National Games with Guangdong and Macau for the first time in November. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said Hong Kong is confident of its readiness to co-host the upcoming National Games, stating that all test events are now complete. For the first time, Hong Kong will co-host the Games in November alongside Guangdong and Macau, overseeing eight sports, including fencing and basketball. Speaking to RTHK to mark the third year of Chief Executive John Lee's administration, Law said the trials helped determine standards and identify improvements needed to ensure the events' success this year. 'The goal of our test events was to identify areas for adjustments," she said. "For example, in the recent fencing event, everyone felt the venue was excellent, providing an atmosphere that had never been experienced in Hong Kong before. 'However, we noted that the changing rooms and warm-up areas may need to be larger, and the air-conditioning settings should be adjusted to ensure that athletes compete comfortably, as their uniforms are quite heavy. "But we need to make adjustments to ensure it won't be too cold for the audience as well. "Many different events will have similar considerations.' Law expects a turnout of around 100,000 tourists and spectators. She said authorities are committed to delivering events "on schedule, smoothly, safely, fairly and justly". Law added: 'This involves many aspects, including the venue, detailed arrangements, security and technology applications. "On the other hand, we hope to attract as many local citizens as possible to participate fully since Hong Kong is one of the hosts. 'We also want to encourage more people from the Greater Bay Area and other provinces in the mainland to come to Hong Kong to watch the events, while also experiencing the latest developments in the city. "Of course, it's also very important that our Hong Kong representative teams achieve good results.' Law emphasised the Games' tourism potential, citing opportunities to offer travel packages or multi-stop itineraries to attract visitors to all three host regions. She also aims to introduce cultural and artistic experiences beyond sports to visitors in Hong Kong.
The Journal
a day ago
- Business
- The Journal
Artists to receive an extra €8,450 as Basic Income for the Arts scheme extended until next year
THE BASIC INCOME for the Arts (BIA) payment scheme has been extended until February 2026 – meaning that artists currently on the pilot programme will receive an additional €8,450. This extension applies to the 2,000 artists participating in the scheme, who receive a weekly payment of €325. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, confirmed that the government remains committed to reviewing the BIA pilot scheme to 'maximise its impact'. He explained that the six-month extension of the scheme allows the department time to prepare proposals for a new successor scheme. Last month, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport published a report on the scheme, in which artists highlighted how the weekly stipend improved their mental health, gave them a greater sense of empowerment, and provided much-needed stability in their lives and work . Advertisement Other benefits cited included helping artists secure more sustainable housing, start families, and establish pension schemes. Arts groups have warmly welcomed the scheme. Launched initially in September 2022, the Basic Income for the Arts scheme has been a vital source of support for many creatives. O'Donovan plans to present proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026. The six-month extension will be used to finalise research on the pilot and engage with key stakeholders in the arts sector. The minister said this approach would provide the government 'with a comprehensive evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions' regarding the scheme. 'I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists and am glad to bring some certainty to those currently benefiting from it,' he added. Following the announcement, the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) launched a new campaign urging local government representatives to back calls for the scheme to be permanently retained, extended, and expanded. 'Our campaign aims to benefit Irish society by ensuring the BIA scheme becomes a permanent support mechanism for artists, recognising its potential to transform Ireland's precious creative landscape,' NCFA Chairperson Maria Fleming said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
