
Banksy work removed from Venetian palazzo for repair
The removal from the wall of Palazzo San Pantalon was carried out in consultation with people close to the secretive British street artist, according to the Venice-based bank Banca Ifis' art program that promotes art and culture.
The artwork depicting a shipwrecked child holding a pink smoke bomb and wearing a lifejacket appeared along Rio di San Pantalon in Venice in May 2019, and was acknowledged by Banksy. Marked on online maps, it has become a tourist destination.
But six years of neglect had led to the deterioration of about a third of the work, the bank said.
The restoration is being overseen by Federico Borgogni, who previously removed dust and cleaned the surface before detaching a section of the palazzo's facade, Banca Ifis said in a statement. The bank is financing the project, but didn't release the cost of the operation.
The bank intends to display the work to the public as part of free cultural events organised by Ifis art once restoration is completed.
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The Advertiser
41 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
'Sabotage': Rebel Wilson sued by production company
Rebel Wilson is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the film's release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company - named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit - into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar. According to The Guardian, AI Film said in a statement: "These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb's timely release. It's a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it." Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said: "I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released … it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen." Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying: "Apparently I'm being sued in Australia. It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is 'F*** my life" with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work! (sic)." In 2024, Wilson was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Rebel Wilson is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the film's release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company - named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit - into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar. According to The Guardian, AI Film said in a statement: "These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb's timely release. It's a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it." Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said: "I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released … it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen." Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying: "Apparently I'm being sued in Australia. It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is 'F*** my life" with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work! (sic)." In 2024, Wilson was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Rebel Wilson is being sued by the production company behind her directorial debut. UK-based AI Film has filed the lawsuit in Australia, accusing the 44-year-old actress of deliberately sabotaging the film's release in order to devalue the movie and pressure AI Film and Australian company Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company - named as the second plaintiff in the lawsuit - into selling their stake to her company Camp Sugar. According to The Guardian, AI Film said in a statement: "These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb's timely release. It's a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it." Lead actress Charlotte MacInnes said: "I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released … it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen." Wilson responded to the lawsuit with a message on Instagram Stories saying: "Apparently I'm being sued in Australia. It makes no sense. As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called THE DEB for 5 years from a 3 page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I want nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen. To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film! "In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden after I exposed their dodgy behaviour. They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one. "I've moved on, now directing my 2nd movie and loving it. But regarding THE DEB all I can literally say is 'F*** my life" with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. Everyone who worked on the movie and who knows me KNOWS I put my blood, sweat and tears into this. Everyone knows I'm a 'truth teller' when it comes to vile people in the industry. I just want this movie to come out and for all the amazingly talented contributors to be recognised for their sensational work! (sic)." In 2024, Wilson was hit with a defamation lawsuit after accusing the producers of The Deb of stopping it from premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

Sky News AU
13 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Gwyneth Paltrow hired on 'temporary basis' to speak on behalf of company after CEO's viral cheating moment at Coldplay concert
Gwyneth Paltrow has appeared in a hilarious cameo speaking on behalf of Astronomer, with the company caught in a PR disaster after its CEO and his alleged mistress was busted cosying up at a Coldplay concert. Astronomer chief Andy Byron had his arms wrapped around the chest of fellow colleague Kristin Cabot at the British band's tour in Boston, Massachusetts on July 16. The alleged tryst was filmed by Coldplay fan Grace Springer and shared to TikTok where it has been seen close to 70 million times, with many news stories already written. Chris Martin, who is Paltrow's ex-husband and father to her two children, joked to the crowd that the couple were "either having an affair or just very shy" as thousands of other concert-goers laughed and cheered. On Saturday, Astronomer published a video to their LinkedIn page in which Paltrow appeared as a ''temporary spokesperson'' to answer some questions, marking a surprise PR move by the company as it continues to become entangled in a media storm. The actress, wearing a blue shirt, started her cameo by saying: ''Thank you for your interest in Astronomer. Hi, I'm Gwyneth Paltrow," as corporate music blissfully played in the background. ''I've been hired on a very temporary basis to speak on behalf of the 300 plus employees at Astronomer. ''Astronomer has got a lot of questions in the last few days, and they wanted me to answer the most common ones.'' The first question which appeared on the screen read: ''Q: OMG! What the actual f**k'' the text begins, before it abruptly cuts off with Paltrow reappearing. Paltrow then replies: ''Yes! Astronomer is the best place to run Apache Airflow.'' ''We've been thrilled to see so many people suddenly interested in data workflow automation," she continues applying light sarcasm. ''As for the other questions we've received…'' A second question then appears on the screen: ''How is your social media team holding..'' Paltrow responds: ''Yes! There is still space available at our Beyond Analytics event this September! ''And now, we'll return to doing what we do best... delivering game-changing results for our customers. Thank you for your interest in Astronomer.'' The post has garnered the attention of hundreds of LinkedIn users who headed to the comments to share their support and applaud the ''boss move'' by Astronomer's media team. ''Absolutely brilliant, Leo Zheng and team - just brilliant,'' one LinkedIn user commented. ''Phenomenal work, Leo Zheng,'' wrote another. ''Leo Zheng: mic drop,'' a third wrote. ''A clever way to reach your audience - unexpected, but memorable,'' a user critiqued the video. ''Though, to be honest, the question and answer felt like they were on entirely different airflows.'' The company previously said on LinkedIn that Mr Byron is under formal investigation over his alleged cheating scandal involving Astronomer's chief human resources officer. "Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability," it said. "The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly." Both Byron and Cabot have quit their jobs at the tech company following the scandal.


Perth Now
19 hours ago
- Perth Now
Big change for Sydney's NYE fireworks
Revellers taking in Sydney's legendary New Year's Eve fireworks show could soon have to shell out $50 to access a prime viewing spot in a major shake-up to how tourists and locals experience the beloved event. North Sydney councillors will decide next week whether to implement 'ticketed access' to Blues Point, a popular vantage point that fronts Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. The council area boasts three renowned vantage points for the show, namely Bradfield Park, Lavender Bay and Blues Point, with thousands of punters descending on the spots on December 31 to take in the party. But a new report, which will be debated at the council's Monday night meeting, recommends councillors establish an introductory $50 ticket price for Blues Point to recoup costs associated with New Year's Eve. 'The current budget for NYE is $1,086,000,' the report states. 'To introduce ticketing at Blues Point only, additional costs of approximately $95,000 would be incurred including contract staff, equipment, and additional communications support. This would result in a total cost of $1,181,000. Sydney's NYE fireworks shows draws in huge crowd numbers across the CBD and North Sydney. NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone Credit: News Corp Australia 'If 8000 tickets were sold to access Blues Point at $50 per ticket, this would generate $400,000 in revenue, reducing council's net expenditure to manage NYE crowds to circa $781,000.' At the moment, access to all three sites is free. Council costs for the event include providing toilets and bins and crowd and traffic management. Bradfield Park sits just below the northern end of the Harbour Bridge, close to Kirribilli House, while Lavender Bay sits between the park and Blues Point. The report acknowledges introducing tickets could cause some consternation in the community. 'Ticketing for an event which has been free of charge could see large numbers of non-ticket holders arriving at the sites, potentially manifesting in unsettled behaviour near entry gates, dissatisfaction voiced to staff on the ground or complaints to council's customer service centre,' the report states. North Sydney Council takes in the densely populated parts of Sydney immediately north of the Harbour. Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia 'This can be managed by regular, targeted communications in the lead-up to the event, along with well-planned operations and thorough briefing of staff prior to the event.' The countdown and fireworks is a hugely popular draw for both Sydneysiders and tourists from across the world. British tourist Ben Scammell, speaking after the 2023-24 show, told NewsWire that he was overawed and did not have words for the spectacle he witnessed. 'That was just … I don't have words for it,' he told said. 'It made the whole coming to Australia so much worth it … it was the pinnacle. 'That moment will last my whole lifetime.' The first batch of fireworks to mark the start of a new year explodes over Sydney Harbour at 9pm, with a second batch at midnight. Earlybird fireworks devotees grab the best spots early in the day. NewsWire/ Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia Hundreds of thousands of people cram into the CBD and North Sydney to witness the show. The report to North Sydney Council outlines three options for the 2025-26 event. Option 1 involves ticketing across all three spots to achieve 'full cost recovery'. Option 2 involves 'partial cost recovery', with ticketing limited to Blues Point, and Option 3 involves continuing with 'free managed access'. The report recommends the councillors trial option 2. 'Subject to community consultation and feedback following NYE 2025-26, council could then decide whether to change the ticket price for future NYE managed access, expand or maintain the number of ticketed locations or return to free-access options for all managed sites,' the report states. NewsWire reached out to North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker for comment, but she didn't respond by the time this article was published.