Arts & Culture UK – new format of cultural publication that includes a website and a print version. We specialise in visual art, literature, music and film; we publish texts by journalists, writers and contemporary art researchers from the UK. We don't chase novelties for their own sake, but select the best contemporary art in line with art history; we talk to interesting, experimental and famous creators; but above all we talk and write about the human emotions which this art evokes. Arts & Culture UK gives you the chance to find a new book to read; get acquainted with the masterpieces of world cinema, or discover a film for the whole family at the weekend; read stories and novels by great writers that have not yet appeared in the bookshops, or lectures by the best linguists; find the hottest London events each month and learn how writers advise you to compile a home library. We aim to bring you a truthful and engaging story, rather than a mere review. What matters to us is how you feel when you engage with the art that we recommend. Ours is a world where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be at peace in a space of art.

Cultural Investment Fund boosts UK arts and local economies

The UK government has pledged to provide a financial boost to over 70 arts organisations and cultural venues across the country. The aim is to increase access to the arts, while simultaneously supporting local economic growth through culture. The funding will also serve to safeguard vital local collections for future generations. Beneficiaries of the Cultural Investment Fund include museums, cultural venues, and public libraries across England.

From Hopper to Dhiver: Celebrating the Urban Landscape in Art

29.03.23 Michael Mittelman, art reviewer

The city has always been a significant source of inspiration for artists, as it represents a microcosm of humanity with all its complexity, diversity, and beauty. It has been depicted in many forms, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and films. The city’s representation in art has played an important role in art education and the development of individual creative processes.

How do artists explore the hidden beauty of music?

22.03.2023 Michael Mittelman, art-researcher and critic

Yuri Negrebetsky, Nothing, 2022. Nothing is an entity that comprises everything.

Contemporary artists have always found new and innovative ways to express themselves, and now, many are turning to spectrograms of music as a new medium. Spectrograms are visual representations of sound that allow us to see the frequencies and patterns that make up a particular piece of music.

Croydon’s Culture Honor Divides Locals

Croydon, a south London borough, has been selected as the 2023 London Borough of Culture. With the announcement of the calendar of events, the residents have started to react to the news, questioning whether such events could help the borough overcome its financial troubles.

The calendar of events includes street festivals, dance, music, and theatre productions that will run from April 2023 to March 2024. The events aim to highlight the creativity and diversity of the borough, showcasing local talent and celebrating its cultural heritage.

“Bird-Music” Takes Flight

13.03.2023 Maria Bregman is a journalist, writer and contemporary art researcher.

In the world of music, it is rare to come across a performance that is not only highly skilled and highly educated but also has a focus on families and communities. “Bird-Music,” a musical performance which has passed in the years 2022-2023, does just that. The last performance took place on February 6, 2023 in the center of Moscow, Bryusov Lane in the famous Tchaikovsky Music Club. It offers an unforgettable experience for both children and adults, introducing them to the magical realm of Bird-Music and sparking their creative fire.

Bradford prepares for the Year of Culture

As Bradford prepares for its year as City of Culture in 2025, local authorities are making plans to tackle anti-social behaviour and littering in the city. A council meeting will hear that police powers could be reviewed to deter crime, with extra lighting, CCTV and cutting back vegetation among the measures being considered. Additionally, licensing arrangements would be streamlined to encourage bars and food outlets to open in time for the event, while cleaning would be carried out to ensure the city is “prepared and dressed” ahead of the year-long arts festival. With the refurbished St George’s Hall set to be one of the venues for events in 2025, local authorities are keen to ensure Bradford is a safe and welcoming destination for visitors. As such, they have established a series of initiatives to promote feelings of safety in urban centres and other key cultural sites, with ‘real safety’ assessments a key part of the process. It appears Bradford is determined to put its best foot forward ahead of its year in the spotlight!

Oil Painting: A Timeless Art Form, Expressing Visions and Perspectives

Oil painting remains a favored medium for contemporary artists to showcase their talents and express their unique perspectives. From the sweeping landscapes of Justyna Kopania to the vibrant brushstrokes of Rim Safiullin, oil painting continues to produce some of the most breathtaking works of art.

Masterful Everyday Beauty: Shmoylov’s Art

29.01.2023 Maria Bregman is a journalist, writer and contemporary art researcher.

As an art critic, I have had the pleasure of experiencing the work of Vladimir Shmoylov on multiple occasions. Each time, I have been struck by the way in which he masterfully explores the relationship between technology, design, and daily life in his work. His experimentation with everyday objects challenges viewers’ perceptions and encourages them to see the beauty and potential in the mundane.

Creative Approaches to Mental Health

The Greater London Authority has announced plans to host an event centered on the theme of “Creative Approaches to Mental Health” in honor of Great Mental Health Day 2023. This event aims to showcase the positive impact that culture and creativity can have on mental health and well-being, particularly in light of the ongoing mental health challenges that have arisen as a result of the global pandemic.

Save Aberdeen’s Belmont cinema

As a culture observer, it is worth noting that the future of Aberdeen’s beloved Belmont Cinema has been brought to the attention of Scottish Culture Minister Neil Gray.

During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, January 11, North-east MSP Maggie Chapman, of the Scottish Green party, discussed the issue with the minister and requested a meeting with former Belmont cinema employees and other advocates for an independent cinema in the city.