ArtsThe hidden meanings in a 16th-Century female sketchHow a rarely-seen drawing of the Three Graces by Raphael reveals the era's ideas about nudity, modesty, shame – and the artist's genius.A fresh examination of Surrealism, a century on Dismissed by some as unserious or silly, Surrealist art was in fact largely born out of the brutal trauma of living under fascism, as these five striking works reveal.12 Nov 2024CultureAI artwork of Alan Turing sells for $1mSotheby's says the Ai-Da Robot work "marks a moment in the history of modern and contemporary art".7 Nov 2024England Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See moreTheatreThe bear who was a private in the Polish armyA bear that served alongside Polish soldiers during World War Two has been made the subject of a play.See moreWatchA look inside Michelangelo's 'secret room'The BBC gets access to Michelangelo's 'secret hiding room' under the Medici Chapel in Florence.See moreEditor's picksThe AI art redefining creativityArtificial intelligence is being used to generate paintings, images and even sculptures, with some selling for thousands of dollars. Do we need to reframe our definition of art?21 Oct 2024FutureWhat’s behind Mona Lisa’s indescribable smile?Art critics explain why people see Mona Lisa’s smile in different ways.19 May 2023Art10 artworks that caused a scandalAs a Florida principal was forced to resign after students were shown Michelangelo's statue of David, Kelly Grovier takes a look at the history of censorship in the art world.27 Mar 2023CultureArt in ColoursThe rare blue the Maya inventedThe colour survives in the work of 17th Century Spanish colonial painters, a symbol of the wealth that ultimately doomed the Maya, writes Devon Van Houten Maldonado.The colour that means life and death23 Jul 2018CultureThe shady past of the colour pink19 Apr 2018CultureThe colour that comes from volcanoes27 Feb 2018CultureThe painting that revolutionised colour15 Feb 2018CultureThe insect that painted Europe red2 Feb 2018CultureTake me to the operaThe legendary soprano making a differenceDame Kiri Te Kanawa has enjoyed one of the longest careers in operatic history.See moreClassical musicThe most misunderstood Oscar winner everReleased 40 years ago this month, Miloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.28 Sep 2024CultureMysterious musical instrument disappearancesFrom a 17th-Century Italian violin stolen from Japan to Drake's lost Blackberry in Mexico, here are musical lost and found mysteries that rival Sir Paul McCartney's.19 Feb 2024CultureHow opera is aiming for net zeroMany opera companies are working towards full sustainability, and Glyndebourne is among those aiming to be a force for good, according to a new documentary.7 Aug 2023CultureHow opera can be 'open to everyone'Is the world of opera becoming more inclusive? A new documentary, featuring conductor Antonio Pappano, explores the mission to open up the art form to everyone.31 Jul 2023CultureThe nation that is the 'land of song'Opera star Bryn Terfel emerged from an extraordinary cultural heritage and a nation renowned for its love of singing. "It's the air that we breathe," he explains in a new documentary.8 Jun 2023CultureGen Z's latest surprising obsessionA radical new wave of artists are sweeping the previously elite world of classical music – with a little help from fashion. Daisy Woodward explores how classical got cool.14 Jan 2023CultureMore storiesJust nowPay-what-you-can theatre gives all a stage to shineSome people pay as little as 20p as a theatre group rewrites the script to make the arts accessible.Just nowWales25 mins agoChildren's theatre company shortlisted for awardsTravelling Light is recognised for its work with the community in Barton Hill.25 mins agoBristol29 mins agoPhoto of trio taken 35 years ago goes on showMark De-Lisser, Edmund Rudder and Marcellous Copeland say it is "surreal" to see the image on display.29 mins ago19 hrs agoSteps to take supermarket musical on tourA musical produced by the pop band Steps is to go on a UK tour including dates in Manchester.19 hrs agoManchester19 hrs ago'Proper piece of Bristol history' up for auctionThe "incredibly rare" token is one of 50 originally gifted to the Bristol Old Vic's first shareholders.19 hrs agoBristol1 day agoHow art saved actor from 'paralysing' depressionNitin Ganatra, known for playing Masood Ahmed in EastEnders, says painting helped his depression.1 day agoLondon2 days agoNew theatre and concert venue moves step closerThe advice for Swindon would be on the planned build for a larger new theatre in the town.2 days agoWiltshire2 days agoThe transgender bus driver in 1970s Belfast Wilma Creith underwent gender reassignment surgery back in 1980 but died just three days later. 2 days agoNorthern Ireland2 days agoLondon becomes Emerald City for Wicked premiereAriana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Jeff Goldbum were among those to brave the rainy weather for the premiere. 2 days agoCulture
