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Graham Johnson is one of the most highly regarded art song specialists in the world, internationally known for his performances as well as for his innovative recital programming. His breadth of experience in the repertoire serves as a unique model for current and future generations of artists. In May 2024, the authors interviewed Johnson about his scholarship, and clear themes emerged throughout the conversation: the importance of curiosity and constant education, as well as the value and power of knowledge in the work of pianists, coaches, and performers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To survey United States (U.S.) pediatric hospital websites for information about fertility preservation (FP) for transgender patients. Secondarily, to identify hospital characteristics associated with higher likelihood of publishing transgender-specific FP content on websites. This cross-sectional study included all U.S. pediatric hospitals from Children's Hospital Association excluding specialty hospitals. From September-December 2023, 2 independent researchers surveyed websites for: geographic location, academic affiliation, religious affiliation, presence of general and transgender-specific FP information, and specialties of FP providers. Fisher's exact and Pearson's Chi-square tests were used. Of 177 websites surveyed, 41% (n = 73) published FP information, largely targeted to oncology patients (90%, n = 66). Only 8% (n = 15) of all websites mentioned FP for transgender youth. Based on website information, most fertility programs included a medical oncologist (80%, n = 53); fewer included a urologist (32%, n = 21), pediatric gynecologist (27%, n = 18) or reproductive endocrinologist (RE, 21%, n = 14). About half (n = 31) referred to affiliate REs. Presence of transgender-specific FP website content ranged from 0% to 5% in Southern divisions to 20% in New England (median = 10%). Secular (p <.001) and academic (p =.04) hospital websites were significantly more likely to include FP content. Our findings highlight a gap in access to FP information for transgender youth on U.S. pediatric hospital websites. Few websites identify FP teams that include an RE or pediatric gynecologist, who specialize in FP for patients with ovaries. Access to FP information is critical to transgender youth who may desire genetically related children later in life. Strategies to assure this information is widely available are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a digital environment, this study tested how setting (museum vs. street), reputation (established vs. unestablished), and style (abstract vs. representational) affected people's aesthetic perception of art. Art novices, quasi-experts, and experts were randomly assigned to rate paintings that varied in setting, reputation, and style. Although there was no significant main effect of setting, follow-up pairwise comparisons showed that novices gave higher aesthetic judgment to paintings in street settings. There was a significant interaction between reputation, style, and expertise, such that the greater the expertise, the greater the differences in ratings between established and unestablished paintings, and the smaller the differences between abstract and representational style paintings. Quasi-experts and experts gave higher ratings to established rather than unestablished paintings, and all groups preferred representational over abstract style; however, the expert preferences reversed with unestablished paintings. The study found that the effect of reputation and expertise persisted after controlling for painting familiarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research revealed that meaning in life is related positively to psychological engagement with art (i.e., aesthetic engagement), such as interest in art, knowledge about art, awe around art, and supernatural attributions for art experiences. We extended this work by considering the relevance of dispositions toward aesthetics (i.e., aesthetic dispositions), such as openness to experience, creativity in general and in art, and religious belief salience. Specifically, we proposed a conceptual model relating aesthetic dispositions, aesthetic engagement, and meaning in life. We tested hypotheses derived from the model with an online sample of N = 696 artists. Correlational results supported our hypotheses and replicated previous findings. Path analytic results showed that interest in art mediated associations between aesthetic dispositions and meaning in life. The results contribute to empirical work on aesthetic cognitivism, the philosophical stance that art can lead to understanding, by shedding light on factors associated with meaningful interactions with art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies suggest a multifaceted relationship between creativity and psychopathology, indicating that mild psychopathology might enhance creative behavior. Moreover, similar brain regions may be implicated in both creativity and psychosis. Although aberrant salience (AS) is often associated with psychotic disorders, it could also enhance creative capabilities. This study assesses salience alterations among healthy individuals, artists, and patients with psychosis to investigate its influence on creativity. Three groups were studied: 196 healthy controls, 50 artists from Florence Academy of Fine Arts, and 84 outpatients with a diagnosis of psychosis. They were assessed with the Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI). We compared ASI scores among the groups using ANOVA, followed by post‐hoc t‐tests, and adjusted the scores for age, gender, and education through ANCOVA. The ANOVA revealed significant differences in ASI scores among the groups, with artists displaying notably higher ASI scores than both controls and patients. ANCOVA confirmed that group membership was a significant factor influencing ASI scores, while age, gender, and education were not. Additionally, antipsychotic treatment did not significantly impact ASI scores among patients. Rather than an unequivocal marker of pathology, AS might also be interpreted as an anthropological asset, enhancing creative faculties alongside unique perceptual experiences. Education may help individuals in channeling their AS mechanisms through art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terms of connecting seemingly disparate strands of thought relating to modernism and modernity, Philobiblon's special issue edited by Amalia Cotoi and Alexandru Matei, "Modernism and Bruno Latour. For a Resumption of Modernity" (2023), made a resounding start. Yet Latour's relationism will always be at odds with the purity, stability and autonomy characterizing certain models of modernism, particularly the formalist modernism envisioned by Clement Greenberg. In this article, I will explore a flat ontology that resolves this problem, namely object-oriented ontology (OOO). It emphasizes the nonrelational autonomy of objects, in the same way as Greenberg's modernism emphasizes compositional elements such as line and colour over and above context, disregarding any social or political relations or associations the work might have. As I will suggest, OOO connects with modern art and modernism on multiple levels, testifying to modernism's ongoing relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Never has a movement been more contested and more conflicted than Symbolism. It is rife with reactionary elements and yet is often seen as the bridge, the necessary threshold, through which art needed to pass in order to arrive at modernism. Its artists, motifs and works were often enwrapped in a profound nostalgia and yet exhibited– indeed invented–some of the very hallmarks of visual modernism. Yet many of the Symbolist groups are tied to Neo-Romanticism, intergroup politics and nostalgia to a startling degree. Thus the study of Symbolism raises the very question of how we are to understand modernism in relation to nostalgia and to the pre-modern heritage. This essay explores pan-European Symbolism, connecting it to the neo-Romantic and nostalgic currents explored in this volume, then looks more closely at the specific manifestations in Vienna, offering comparisons and points of contact with other Symbolist groups, especially in Central Europe. I focus on Viennese symbolism, both the works of the Wiener Werkstätte as well as the works of the Symbolist Gustav Klimt. For all their stylistic modernity and often bohemian sensibilities, the varied artists within the Wiener Werkstätte form points of connection with neo-Romantics and what is termed "the Romantic." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the use of artistic cartography in the training of future art teachers. Topics discussed include the origins and history of artistic cartography, experimental cartographic representation media in contemporary art and art education, implementation of mapmaking as an artistic experience in art education, walking art and artistic cartographic creations in the classroom, and social and cultural artistic cartography.

The article discusses an action research project on the use of an artist representation tally system, based on the Culturally Responsive Curriculum Scorecard, as a tool of reflective practice in K-12 art education. It describes the implementation of the Daily Artwork Response assignment in high school visual art classes. It presents details of the ethnic backgrounds and gender identities of artists whose work are shared in the Daily Artwork Response assignments in Advanced Art class.

The author discusses her research examining the impact of vulnerability on the self-expressive artmaking process focused on mental health. The study experimented with self-expressive teaching methods including psychological safety, third hand intervention and scaffolding risk and evaluated their impact on sense of vulnerability and personal values.

In the 1960s, Fred Rogers created Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (MRN), a television shows for children. Although Rogers may not have been aware that his series carried the potential for a public health model, such an observation becomes apparent in contemporary terms. This transdisciplinary narrative explores MRN through the lens of holistic "health & wellness." Several themes come in perspective as they relate to health as defined by the World Health Organization for present and future communities. Targeting a young population, Rogers focuses on emotional nurturing and health with safety for all and within a happy and healthy community--themes that are the core of public health. Through the "health & wellness" lens, the footprints for a child's behavioral and social model are evident; a model particularly relevant to present and future generations with emotional growth, health, and community spirit as essential. In MRN, children are learning through the visual and audio arts, self-esteem, caring, and positive behaviors for personal and social health. Through this lens, besides the footprints to an educational model, another evidence manifests itself, which is the timeless impact of the content of Rogers' life lessons that are constantly adjusting to the next audience of this age group by updating its format in parallel with an advancing technology, which supports the validity of MRN' potential for a holistic public health model toward complete physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being, and as previously proposed by the World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication, which commonly occurs after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Most patients experience mild to moderate OHSS and can be managed safely in an outpatient setting with regular monitoring from their fertility treatment centre. However, severe OHSS has traditionally been managed on an inpatient basis to ensure regular monitoring and bloods can be performed to ensure there is no deterioration in the patient's condition. The mainstay of treatment remains supportive care even in severe cases of OHSS. This spotlight article aims to show that, with correct patient selection, most patients can be managed safely and effectively in an outpatient setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Society & Social Work is the property of Journal of Society and Social Work and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Tijdschrift voor Geschiedenis is the property of Amsterdam University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The need for cognitive and leadership skills requires the exploration of creative implementation models that ensure training and emphasise the value of individuals as the main asset within organisations. This research aims to introduce and validate a disruptive didactic innovation, which fosters the development of these skills through experiential communication via "Skills&Art". The methodology used is Design Research, an emerging approach in educational research that encompasses developing and implementing a new or improved model, validating techniques, tools or models and determining conditions that facilitate successful implementation. The research was conducted in both classroom and museum settings. It consisted of a four-phase activity focused on crafting a speech that linked a skill with an artwork. A qualitative study of the speeches and a Likert self-assessment questionnaire were performed. The results demonstrate that the proposed disruptive didactic innovation Skills&Art is effective and efficient, and its self-assessed learning promotes innovation, creativity, initiative, problemsolving and analytical thinking. The novelty and contribution of this study lie in implementing these thinking skills within a single activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) became a significant new disease complex in the 1980s. The wide range of associated pathologies came from pathological observation of living and dead patients. The opportunistic infections and cancers, systemic wasting syndromes and direct HIV-induced damage to most organs are well described, but new syndromes will probably emerge. The major change in HIV clinical pathology happened after 1996 when effective anti-HIV chemotherapy became available and AIDS ceased to be a death sentence. Complications of the new therapies will continue to present, requiring vigilance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the connection between Shakespeare and Italian artist Giulio Romano, suggesting that Shakespeare may have been influenced by Romano's work through Vasari's Lives of the Artists. The author argues that Shakespeare's plays exhibit mannerist characteristics, challenging traditional notions of art and reality. The essay also discusses the neoplatonic themes in Shakespeare's works and their connection to the Palazzo Te in Italy, which features paintings that depict neoplatonic ideas. The text further examines the character of Prospero in "The Tempest" and suggests that his role as an artist reflects Romano's mannerist style. Understanding Prospero's character requires considering his pagan, neoplatonic worldview and his dual nature as both a godlike figure and a flawed human. [Extracted from the article]

Over the centuries, changes in technology and education have transformed people's attitudes towards the arts, making them more accessible. Bohemianism and modern art in the 18th century challenged the elitist perception of the arts, democratizing access. Digital tools and online resources have further opened doors to creating and experiencing visual and performing arts. However, despite this accessibility, society is increasingly moving away from the arts due to a focus on technology, capitalism, individualism, materialism, and instant gratification, leading to rising mental health issues. Engaging in the arts, which connect us to the physical world through our senses, can counteract these issues by promoting self-fulfilled artistic experiences. The 20th and 21st centuries have brought new ideologies to the arts, emphasizing discovery and inquiry. Yet, these values can sometimes be overshadowed by past knowledge. Striking a balance between traditional prestige and modern experimentation is crucial. Making art experiences accessible to all, fosters sensitivity, interpretation, critical thinking, feeling, and expression--essential qualities in the current generation. For instance, Michael D. Higgins has highlighted the role of creativity in fostering an engaged and innovative society. In one of his addresses, he mentioned "the Arts have clear economic potential but, even more important, they are vital indicators of the spirit of the times as well as being enablers of positive change" (Higgins, 2012). The art of our time reflects our current self-perception and creative language, shaping our cultural identity. Individual creative expression today can define tomorrow's national cultural identity. The arts continue to evolve as a mirror of our society's values and beliefs. All this will be explored through two artistic projects, one focusing on music composition and performance, while the other focusing on visual art. Both projects have a strong element of community practice, which give the opportunity for further investigation into hands-on workshops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professor Richard Fawcett, a renowned expert in Scottish medieval church architecture, passed away on October 31, 2023. Throughout his life, Richard had a deep passion for architecture and a keen eye for detail. He dedicated his career to the study and preservation of historic buildings, working for organizations such as Historic Scotland and the University of St Andrews. Richard's contributions include his magnum opus, "The Architecture of the Scottish Medieval Church, 1100–1560," and his work on the Corpus of Scottish Medieval Parish Churches. He will be remembered for his knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication to his field. [Extracted from the article]

Art-based interventions can serve as a complementary and alternative method in managing various illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of art-based interventions on symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). This study was conducted between September and December 2022, involving 72 midwifery students with PMS (37 in the experimental group [EG] and 35 in the control group [CG]). Art-based interventions were applied to the EG weekly for 8 weeks, while the students in the CG continued with their usual coping habits. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form and the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS). At the end of 8 weeks, both the EG and the CG were reassessed with the PMSS. The students who participated in the study were similar in terms of sociodemographic, obstetric, and medical characteristics (P > .05). Analysis of the difference between pre- and posttest measurements revealed that the PMSS scores of the EG significantly decreased (P = .000), whereas the PMSS scores of the CG did not improve (P = .000). The findings of the study demonstrate that art-based interventions had a therapeutic effect on PMS symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this essay, the authors consider the recent discrimination law decision of the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in relation to the 'Ladies Lounge', an artwork by Kirsha Kaechele at the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart. The article first considers the question of whether there was unlawful direct discrimination before turning to the application of defences (referred to as 'exceptions' in the relevant legislation, the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (Tas)). The authors highlight the particular tensions that arise at the interface of law and art, particularly when the art seeks to create discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Logos: A Journal, of Religion, Philosophy Comparative Cultural Studies & Art (08687692) is the property of Logos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article provides a guide for art teachers on engaging English learners through a visual arts culture fair. It identifies the needs and assets common to English learners in classrooms where English is spoken. Strategies to help English learners participate in the fair include making a word wall, asking students to connect their artmaking to family histories and cultural traditions, and choice-based arrangement for creating mini art projects such as drawings, collage, painting and posters.

The author explores the importance of artmaking in expressing the trauma and feelings of loss and pain associated with disability experiences an analyzes her experiences from the theoretical perspective of disability studies (DS). She examines the role of DS in looking at her artworks as autoethnographies. She discusses the relationship between trauma, disability and visual representation of trauma and considers her artworks as subjective renderings of life situations or events.

The article explores the integration of three-dimensional (3D) printing, visual arts, social studies and drama with historical inquiry into silenced stories of school segregation as a potential pedagogical approach in art teacher education. Topics discussed include educational value of employing tableaux, significance of 3D printing for design thinking and artistic learning, use of theatre scriptwriting to understand histories, and visualization techniques to forge personal connections.

This paper seeks to determine whether approximations can be found between tourists' destination image and van Gogh's The Starry Night which may suggest this artwork's influence on visitors' image of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where it was painted. A novel approach, comparing a semiotic analysis of the artwork with a content analysis of visitors' answers to a survey (N=205), is used to identify approximations and divergences between artwork and image. Results suggest the work's semiotic content has little influence on destination image, which rather mirrors a stereotyped image of Provence. Notwithstanding, van Gogh's figure is central to Saint-Rémy's image, and is mentioned by over half of the respondents. This leads to the conclusion that there is indeed an influence of art on destination image, despite this being more due to a superficial image of the artist and his work than to The Starry Night's semiotic content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effects of engaging in artistic and sporting activities on children's levels of digital addiction, aggression, and psychological resilience. This cross-sectional study encompasses children aged 11–12 who are regularly engaged and not engaged in artistic or sporting education. The study involved 623 children. Data collection utilized the "Digital Addiction Scale," "Child and Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale," and "Reactive and Proactive Aggression Scale." The study found statistically significant effects of engaging in sporting and artistic activities on digital addiction, psychological resilience, and reactive aggression (p < 0.05). Compared to the group with no activity, children engaged in artistic activities scored −4.38 units lower on the digital addiction scale, while those engaged in sports scored −4.23 units lower. Similarly, compared to the group with no activity, children engaged in artistic activities scored 3.32 units higher on the psychological resilience scale, and those engaged in sports scored 3.30 units higher. As children's psychological resilience scores increased, their scores for digital addiction and aggression decreased. Participation in such activities can help children acquire healthy coping skills, strengthen their emotional regulation abilities, and reduce problems associated with anger. Therefore, encouraging children to engage in these activities is crucial for contributing to their overall well-being and promoting a balanced lifestyle. Nurses can educate families about the importance of sports and artistic activities for the healthy development of children. Moreover, diversifying the activities offered to children in schools and youth centers and encouraging these activities can help promote healthy lifestyles and reduce digital addiction. • Sports and arts activities reduce digital addiction and aggression in children. • Participation in sports and arts is associated with higher psychological resilience. • Nurses should guide parents to encourage children's participation in sports and arts activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the importance of restoring trust in patient-provider relationships by incorporating humanistic approaches in healthcare education, such as using literature, theater, and the arts. It argues that these methods can enhance understanding of patients' experiences and foster empathy, which are essential in rebuilding trust that may have been lost due to systemic pressures, sociocultural conflicts, or past healthcare crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Copyright of Croatian Journal of Ethnology & Folklore Research / Narodna Umjetnost is the property of Institute of Ethnology & Folklore Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health is the property of Canadian Periodical for Community Studies Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Qualitative Forschung (ZQF) is the property of Verlag Barbara Budrich GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research aims at analyzing the effects that the Murals of Mogao Caves had on the concept of the Greek Revival style of architecture- a fusion of the eastern and the western art. In its attempts to provide an answer to the question, the study concentrates on the evaluation of the structural, aesthetic, and thematic properties of the Mogao murals that might have influenced the formation of the Greek Revival architectural style in the 18th and 19th centuries. Employing methods derived from the various disciplines, the research started with the identification of the crucial examples of the murals in Mogao Cave, for examples, the "Flying Sky" and "Xuanzang Westbound," and the Greek Revivial building such as the British Museum, and the Constantinople Cultural Centre. Using Panasonic 3D scanner E2022, detailed images of the murals are taken; the structural analysis is performed by SolidWorks 2006. To complement this analysis, statistical comparisons are made using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS ver. 17). 0 for geometrical perspective, colour combination and line placement. Overall, the analysis shows a strong resemblance between the element of construction, coloration, and distinctive line in the Mogao murals and the Greek Revival styles. More particularly, the research establishes that while adopting the premise of symmetry, geometric figures and integrating colours in balance as attributes of the Greek revival architecture, the architecture reflects visual and structural dependency on the Mogao Cave murals. This research adds another piece to the puzzle of studying cultural exchanges along the Silk Road and can be considered as offering new insights into the Chinese art that played a major role in shaping European architecture. The research findings may prove useful to scholars and practitioners concerned with cross-cultural impact on art and building design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great significance to dig deep into the charm and modeling value of Han and Tang Dynasty pottery figurines to promote the innovation of contemporary ceramic art. Therefore, on the basis of collecting domestic and foreign literature, Panasonic HD microscope 72x, 400K type (Toshiba, Japan, observation range of 0.5~5 times, presentation form: 3D) and infrared scanner 50~200°C, 2392 type (Guangdong, Guangdong, temperature range: 0~400 degrees Celsius)are used Terracotta Warriors and Horses were measured and analyzed for their colors and shapes, materials and craftsmanship for their production, and cultural heritage from the Han and Tang dynasties. The results showed that the materials of the Han and Tang terracotta figurines were kaolin, quartz, long white stone powder, etc., and the painted dyes were earth red (Fe2O3) and stone blue (CuCO3 · Cu(OH)2), Pb3O4, Cu2(OH)3Cl), goethite (FeOOH) and carbon black, etc.; In terms of shape, triangles and ovals are the basic components, and the overall design is streamlined; The Han and Tang terracotta figurines fully integrate the connotations of Western culture, Central Asian culture and local Confucian culture, and have both the rough artistic characteristics of the Han Dynasty and the soft beauty of the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, the sculpture of Han and Tang Dynasty terracotta figurines has the role of promoting and promoting the creation of modern pottery, and can realize the development of innovative culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses an exhibition at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art featuring the work of artist Jacqueline Poncelet. Poncelet's retrospective exhibition showcases her diverse practice over fifty years, highlighting her use of various mediums and themes such as jazz music, weaving, ceramics, and sculpture. The exhibition explores the continuity and evolution of Poncelet's work, emphasizing her unique approach to pattern-making and exploration of consciousness through art. The article provides insights into Poncelet's artistic journey and the influences that have shaped her creative process. [Extracted from the article]

The study analyzes the promotion of culture and art in the city of Cárdenas, Tabasco, from a qualitative perspective. To this end, human development, considered as the level of integral well-being of a population, and culture, conceived as the various expressions of the person related to their beliefs, traditions and ways of life, were taken as a reference. The research reveals a rich cultural tradition in the municipality since the 1970s. However, there is currently a marked discontent among artistic collectives due to the lack of municipal support for their activities. Cultural infrastructure is in precarious conditions, underutilized or in disuse, mainly due to lack of investment, resulting in a lack of satisfaction of the demand for cultural and artistic services. The recently created "José Valeriano y Maldonado" Cultural Center is perceived as the only viable option, although insufficient for artistic-cultural activities. The participants recognize the management efforts of the work team of this venue, but point out that it does not cover all the needs of the sector. This situation forces artists and promoters to constantly look for alternative spaces to continue their work of promotion and artistic exhibition in the municipality. The study contributes to reflection on the theory of human development and its relationship with the economy and social welfare. In addition, it opens the door to future research on municipal public policies in cultural matters, an area often underestimated in local administrations. The findings underscore the importance of reassessing the role of culture and art in local development, as well as the need for greater investment and institutional support to strengthen the cultural sector in Cárdenas, Tabasco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I explore how art can help Asian immigrants in Ontario understand the public spaces and the community of Toronto. Using Shusterman's Pragmatist Aesthetics as a theoretical framework, this study asks: How does navigating and responding to issues of equity, inclusion, and environmental resiliency foster residents' understanding? The study is based on field research that involved a series of improvised art and performance activities in Toronto's outdoor public spaces from February 2022 to May 2022. I argue that art can enable individuals to recognize and challenge the inequity in public places and develop relational understandings and practices that can inform public policy and inspire further research and action. The findings reveal that participants' social interactions through artmaking in public spaces enhanced their personal growth, learning, and creativity, connecting their everyday lives with formal education. This article highlights the impact of diasporic experiences in shaping the process of placemaking within these spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on self-portrait influenced by Frida Kahlo's work, depicting the author with her cats, exploring themes of disability, trauma, and folklore. Topics include detailed artistic elements of the self-portrait, the symbolic connections between women and cats in folklore; and the personal significance of the depicted imagery.

In the modern era, London's streetscape changes with great rapidity as buildings are demolished and replaced. Carel Weight's painting, Holborn Circus, 1947, records that fallow period between bombsite and rebuilding that often lasted for years after the war, but now is often only a matter of weeks. Weight had not long returned from ten months in Europe as an official war artist when he painted the scene around Holborn Circus from a friend's studio flat. It is an image of a London past: almost nothing in this painting still exists, and the streetscape has changed more than once since the 1940s. While there is nothing especially innovative about the painting, it addresses our nostalgia for what was and is no more through the vision of an artist tempered by experience of war-ravaged Italian cities. This article situates Weight's painting in the context of other depictions of London after the war and describes the fundamental changes to the area wrought by widespread demolition and reconstruction in the post-war era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results remain mixed regarding the effects of incubation tasks on divergent thinking, a type of creativity, generally assessed via the Unusual Uses Task (UUT). Using a within-subjects design, we compared 64 participants' performance on the UUT, after four different incubation tasks: copy a simple painting, copy a complex painting, 0-back-task, and rest. We hypothesized that an arts-related activity during incubation (here: copy a painting) would boost subsequent creativity. Five different creativity scores were computed from the raw UUT data, and we provide a step-by-step guide for how to compute these: fluency, flexibility, originality, subjective creativity, and usefulness. Creativity was only modulated by sex; women outperformed men on creative fluency. No other variables, nor the incubations, modulated any of participants' creativity scores. A within-group comparison showed that the unusual uses of our all-Iranian participants were more useful than unique, echoing previous work suggesting differences between Eastern and Western conceptions of creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]