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
What: Online Course
Where: www.classcentral.com
How Much: FREE
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.
5 — London Symphony Orchestra Concerts
What: Concerts from archives
Where: London Symphony Orchestra YouTube Channel
When: every Thursday and Sunday
How Much: FREE
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 here and watch here
6 — PAQ on YouTube
What: YouTube Channel
Where: PAQ YouTube Channel
How Much: FREE
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
7 — RELENTLESS PODCAST
What: Podcast
Where: SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, RadioPublic, and NPR One
How Much: FREE
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
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