Another Digital Culture Guide: May At Home With B&A
A month has passed since our previous cultural appointment, and we’re still here, home, doing a lot of the same things we were doing last month and complaining about it. Don’t get me wrong, I get it, just like I get the dreadful feeling of having to constantly find something to say when people on Zoom ask “What’s new?”. Because nothing really is new, and having to find something to say to that question means having to confront the reality of it. Constantly.
So when gathering the activities for this month’s Culture Dip, all I could think of was just how good it would feel to be able to say “Well, Karen, here’s what’s new”, and then confidently list all of the fantastic things I participated in, consumed and learned during this time. And it is with that slightly aggressive thought in mind, that me and the B&A Team set out to comprise our catalog of digital activities that you can participate in, from your couch, in your sweatpants. Or your jeans. If you feel like putting them on. So, take a break from Animal Crossing, grab some coffee, a pen, and your planner, and get ready to fill in those empty slots with some fun activities that will not only make May 100x more fun, but will also impress your friends, parents, and co-workers in your next catch-up call.
1 — Charting the Avant-Garde: From Romanticism to Utopic Abstraction
The fall of naturalism and the emergence of abstraction has always been one of the hottest themes when speaking of art. What is Modern Art’s rapport with representation? Is the abstract artist still saying the truth about reality? Could your pal who said “I could do that” when you were hanging at the modern art museum actually do that? This online course by The Art Institute of Chicago will guide you through such questions! Get ready to expand your knowledge and impress your guests at your next dinner party — whenever that will be. Find the course as well as more info here.
2 — Understanding Fashion: From Business to Culture
What: Online course Where: www.futurelearn.com How Much: FREE (or €48 for certificate)
Thought you’d found every online course out there? Wrong! L’Institut Français de la Mode’s new course explores the interaction between fashion society and business. A great opportunity for you to expand your industry knowledge, and kinda study in Paris, this course is a big must if fashion is your thing. Featuring exclusive input from fashion industry leaders and designers, including Jacquemus, Christelle Kocher, and Paul Smith. Find the course as well as more info on it here.
3 — The Centre for The Less Good Idea: Season 7
What: Online Program Where: The Centre For The Less Good Idea How Much: FREE
The interdisciplinary incubator space for artists based in Johannesburg, created by artist William Kentridge, has decided to broadcast its 7th season of performances online. These programs merge performance, installation, and free-flowing physical experimentation, all filmed at The Centre for a global audience. Find more info here
4 — Nikon’s Online Photography Courses
What: Online Courses Where: Nikon’s Website How Much: FREE
If you’re one of those people who always wanted to improve their photography skills but never actually got around to doing it, now is your time to shine. Nikon is offering free photography courses on its website (normally chargeable)! Each lesson is taught by a professional photographer and thanks to the big variety, you will definitely find something adapted to your needs: from making music videos to having Nikon targeted lessons. Maybe this is your call to step up your Instagram game and impress everyone with your quarantine snaps. Or maybe you just want to gain a new skill or pick up a new hobby that you enjoy. Whatever your motives are, these courses are a definite grab! Find them here.
The London Symphony Orchestra is now streaming concerts on its YouTube channel every Thursday and Sunday. Turn your speakers on, dress up (maybe), pour yourself some wine and transform your living room into the perfect location for a cultural night-in! The concerts from the Orchestra’s archive are certain not to disappoint. And next time someone dares to ask “What’s new?”, you are sure to have a great story to tell after this unique experience. Find more info hereand watch here
PAQ is no secret anymore, and chances are you’re probably familiar with it. So if you are, here is a reminder to go check out the fantastic videos made by the quartet composed of Danny Lomas, Dexter Black, Shaquille Keith, and Elias Riadi. And the occasional guest/judge. If you’re not familiar with PAQ, this is your call to become so. In each week’s episode, the four boys take on a different fashion challenge. From dressing in head-to-toe off the runway womenswear to thrifting with a $50 budget, their videos are certain to give you inspiration and a good chuckle, all wrapped up in a sexy British accent. Find their videos here
Relentless is a podcast produced and reported by Maddy Russell-Shapiro. She describes it as "a documentary podcast about the pursuit of far-fetched ideas and unusual aspirations." Episodes are generally 20-25 minutes in length and released weekly. The driving force behind these narrative stories is genuine curiosity. The tone is upbeat, intellectual, and occasionally whimsical. Seasons 1 and 2 are already out, whereas Season 3 will be released soon. Find more info here
8 — Bon Appetit on Youtube
What: Youtube Channel (Cooking) Where: Youtube and Online Publication How Much: FREE
If you’re not familiar with Bon Appetit, well, where have you been? The cooking channel with the most fantastic chefs has been a sensation for quite some time and most certainly deserves a spot on this list. With recipes covering all levels and the most fun crew ever, the channel offers top-notch entertainment thanks to its unique challenges, fun approach, and incredible production quality. From Brad’s “It’s Alive” to Claire’s “Gourmet Makes” and to Molly’s “Molly Tries”, Bon Appetit is certain to take you on the most fun and delicious adventures. Head here to watch their fantastic videos!
9 — MoMA’s Free Online Courses
What: Online Courses Where: Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/moma) How Much: FREE (or €44 if you want a certificate)
Although this article has already suggested way more courses than anyone in this world has the time and energy to take, here at B&A we’re all about options. And we’re also all about including the best of the best, which is why MoMa’s online courses could not be missing from our selection. So, yeah, amazing news! The MoMA is currently offering free online courses on art, photography, and fashion. The courses, which are all beginner level, include “What Is Contemporary Art?”, “Modern Art and Ideas, Fashion as Design”, “Seeing Through Photographs”, and “In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting”. If there is a time for you to take courses on fun topics that you truly enjoy, now is it, so make a list of your favorites and immerse yourself in the world of knowledge and personal growth.
10 — DIGITAL VERSION OF KENNEDY ISSUE 10
What: Digital Magazine Where: ISSUU How Much: FREE
Remember when we interviewed Chris Kontos, the man behind Kennedy Magazine? Well if you don’t, I am here to refresh your memory. And I am also here to tell you not to miss out on the opportunity of reading Kennedy Issue 10 online for free (Yes, FREE!). If you’re looking to read beautifully conducted interviews and stunning editorials, head to Issuu to read the stunning magazine dedicated to Greece. The photographs will make you travel to the country’s islands and the ever-charming Athens, and you are guaranteed to take a short trip to the Meditteranean through the pages. Read it here
11 — #stayathome Open Films
What: Youtube Channel (Cinema) Where: Youtube How Much: FREE
Another Youtube channel to keep you company during these times is #stayathome Open Films is an initiative by White Horse/Folch aimed at making independent content, both fiction and documentary, accessible to everyone. If you’re looking to discover some interesting content that is often overshadowed by more commercial productions, this is the place for you! (Suggested by my dear friend and muse, Daphne). Watch here
12 — Dezeen Virtual Design Festival
What: Online Design Festival Where: WWW.DEZEEN.COM How Much: Depends When: April 15th onwards
Running from 15 April to 30 June, Virtual Design Festival is the world’s first online design festival, which will bring the architecture and design world together and explore how they can adapt and respond to extraordinary circumstances. You can find the rolling program of online talks, lectures, movies, and product launches online. Find more info here.
