“In our country, we don’t just measure progress by the height of our buildings, the size of our airports, or the impact of our investments. Art has always been at the heart of Emirati society.” These were the opening remarks by UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaeba at the unveiling of Past Forward: Contemporary Art from the Emirates, a one-of-a-kind exhibition of Emirati artwork, at a reception on May 21st at the Meridian International Center.

He is quick on his feet and can wriggle for Britain.  Before he could talk, he had generated a million words.  He is a fashion icon who triggered an unlikely rush on smocked sailor suits.  He is the future George VII, and he will be one year old on Tuesday.

The French Embassy celebrated Bastille Day in Seoul on Monday with a slew of French and South Korean businesses, while reflecting on its growing diplomatic and cultural relations with Korea.  Bastille Day, or “La Fete Nationale,” is France’s National Day and celebrates the storming of the Bastille fortress on July 14, 1789. 

With Narendra Modi saddled in the Prime Minister’s Office strongly and effectively, the nation is moving towards evolving and utilising its status as a soft power.  India’s achievements in areas like films, education and broadcasting are expected to help enable this quest of the Modi government. 

The jetliner is much more than a machine used to get from one spot to another.  It can represent hope, modernity and a country's power. And when things go wrong, that once mighty plane can bring about deep national disgrace.

President Serge Sarigisian completed a weeklong tour of South America, visiting Argenita, Uruguay and Chile. While in Argentina, he took part in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Armenian Genocide Museum in Buenos Aires. 

Social cohesion and economic transformation are at the heart of the Arts and Culture Ministry. Briefing media ahead of his Budget Vote Speech on Thursday, Minister Nathi Mthethwa briefly outlined the role of arts, culture and heritage in the economic and social transformation of the country. He said his speech will be rooted in the National Development Plan (NDP), particularly on issues of economic and social transformation.

What is the point of making music? If orchestras offer an exalted answer, the military offers a pragmatic, functional one. In practice, however, there may not be as much difference between the two as it first appears. Both kit the players out in distinctive uniforms; both have traditions that can be off-putting to first-time audiences; both are focusing on education and outreach.