Latest news with #DepartmentofCulture
RTÉ News
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Irish among artists taking part in Edinburgh festivals
Irish artists are among thousands from across the world who are packing their bags and heading off to Edinburgh in Scotland, for the annual internationally renowned arts festivals. From the international Fringe festival to headlining comedy events, opera performances, book fairs, and everything in between, Edinburgh has become a one name title that is a key date in the artistic calendar. This year, over 40,000 artists will appear in over 3,000 shows there, so there is noise, action, glamour, fun, networking and important career conversations to be had throughout the month. David Bolger is the artistic director of the acclaimed 'CoisCéim Dance theatre company, which is bringing its show 'DanceHall Blues' to the Scottish city. He said: "This will be our sixth year, our sixth production to bring to Edinburgh over the last 20 years." Agents on the look out for 'something special' He said the festival is attended by a wide range of audiences from enthusiastic fans, the most influential booking agents and touring producers, all on the look out for "something special" that they can develop beyond the Scottish festival. He said having a successful run at Edinburgh can have a "significant impact" on a performer's career. Around 1,500 festival directors and programmers from across the world will be in attendance, so Mr Bolger said it is "hugely important" to connect with international audiences, and the international media and producers to "hopefully gain some international touring opportunities". CoisCéim is one of eight shows which has been selected for the Irish showcase at the Fringe festival, which is being supported by 'Culture Ireland', the national body for promoting Irish arts internationally. The aim of the showcase is to offer international audiences a snapshot of the talent here. Associate Director at Culture Ireland Ciarán Walsh is the director of the showcasing. He said Culture Ireland is marking its 20th anniversary this year and described the organisation's role as promoting the arts by "providing travel supports for artists" from across all the art forms, not just theatre and dance, but also to support them to present at festivals, at galleries, at exhibitions, and film festivals. Budget increase for Culture Ireland Culture Ireland, which is funded by the Department of Culture, has had its largest budget allocation this year in its 20-year history, with €7.6 million last year in 2024, rising to €8 million this year. Mr Walsh said that like any other organisation "we would hope for more, but it will depend on how budget negotiations pan out". Mr Walsh outlined that Culture Ireland has supported over 800 projects to present in about 42 countries that reached live audiences of over five million, "so it's a win win for us, and a real tribute to the artists". For the artists themselves, it is a hectic but valuable month of performing and seeing other productions too. Venetia Bowe is an actor from Dublin who plays 'Joy' in playwright Dan Colley's show 'Lost Lear', which is one of the other eight shows selected for the showcase. 'Lost Lear' tells the story of a woman, Joy, who was an actor in her youth and performed in King Lear. She slips into dementia in her later years and has become obsessive about the Shakespearean play. It is one of the shows that has been selected to travel as part of the showcase. Ms Bowe has packed her bags ahead of taking to the stage for their first performance this coming Sunday. She said it is a hectic schedule where "one evening we might have a show at 9.30pm and then the following morning is 10am, so it'll be interesting to find a rhythm within it all". She is also looking forward to getting to see other shows, adding: "I can't wait to see others in action and to watch other performances". For Ms Bowe, this visit to Edinburgh has particular significance for her, and she explained that although she had been "several times," it was only ever "as a punter and I also worked in the box office". She added that she has "always dreamed of bringing a show there, so it's incredibly special coming now with a show and getting to be on the Traverse theatre stage is really amazing".
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Khaled Amin: Acting workshop enhances skills across arts sector
Specialised training for theatre professionals Dr Amin explained that the course, organised by the Theatre Department of the Department of Culture, brings together specialists in key areas of theater: directing, scenography, acting, and writing. He emphasised that such workshops contribute to the growth of individuals working across the broader arts sector, including theater, television, and cinema. Empowering young talent In statements to Sharjah 24 , Amin noted that the acting workshop plays a vital role in developing the skills of young theater professionals from diverse backgrounds. It also serves to train directors in effectively working with actors to bring out their best performances. Looking ahead to festival participation Expressing his delight at being selected to train this promising group, Amin hinted at the potential for this project to evolve beyond the workshop. He suggested it could lead to participation in various festivals—most notably, the Kalba Short Play Festival.
Observer
4 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Summer activities in full swing at Khasab Sports Complex
KHASAB: The Department of Culture, Sports and Youth in Musandam is driving high-impact engagement this summer with a vibrant lineup of sports and cultural activities at the Khasab Sports Complex. Open to all age groups and genders, the programme aims to channel youth energy into skill-building, creativity and community participation. Under its 'Sports and Cultural Days' initiative, the department has launched a series of integrated workshops and training schools that span disciplines from football, volleyball, handball, swimming and first aid to public speaking, photography, 3D printing and traditional crafts like palm weaving (Saff). Certified coaches and cultural experts lead sessions across the complex's facilities, creating a space where physical fitness meets intellectual growth. Among the most attended sessions are mobile photography, Arabic calligraphy (Hurufiyat) and public speaking, drawing both citizens and residents in large numbers. 'Sports are more than games — they instil discipline and teamwork. Culture sparks imagination and growth', said Abdulrahman bin Ahmed al Mulla, Director of the Department. 'Through these programmes, we're investing in the holistic development of youth during their summer break', he added. Significantly, the initiative ensures equal participation for women, with separate facilities and female trainers, reinforcing inclusivity in both physical and creative pursuits. As attendance continues to rise, the Khasab Sports Complex stands out as a model for purposeful summer engagement, aligning with national goals to foster youth potential and community well-being. — ONA
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
CM Sai Residence to celebrates Hareli Festival today with traditional fervour and folk glory
Chhattisgarh is all set to celebrate its rich agrarian and cultural heritage with the vibrant Hareli festival at the Chief Minister's residence on July 24. Organised by the Department of Culture, the event will bring together traditional rituals, folk performances, and exhibitions that honour the state's farming roots and tribal traditions. CM Vishnu Deo Sai will lead the ceremonial worship of agricultural tools – a core element of the Hareli celebration. The residence has been beautifully decorated with Chhattisgarhi floral arches, torans, and rural handicrafts, evoking the spirit of the monsoon and harvest season. The celebration will feature captivating folk dances like Gedi and Raut Nacha, devotional recitations of the 'Savanahi Ramayan', and joyful Sawan swings. A special exhibition of traditional and modern farm tools will also be on display, showcasing Chhattisgarh's evolving agricultural landscape. Families and children will be treated to interactive sessions with folk games and local art displays, turning the festival into an engaging cultural experience. CM Sai emphasized Hareli as a celebration of harmony with nature, tradition, and rural life—highlighting the state government's commitment to preserving and promoting these values for future generations. The Hareli Mahotsav at the CM's residence aims to deepen public engagement with Chhattisgarh's rural identity, offering a blend of nostalgia, tradition, and modern awareness.
The Diplomat
15-07-2025
- The Diplomat
‘You Need a Man': How Sexual Harassment and Patriarchy Silence Women in Uzbekistan
When the law functions more as a threat than a safeguard, silence becomes a survival strategy. And in that silence, impunity flourishes. In May 2025, in the small village of Zarbdor in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region, a woman made a decision that would set off a cascade of personal and institutional consequences. Shoira*, a 40-year-old teacher at the local cultural center, filed a formal complaint with the district police against her superior, Vohidjon*, head of the district's Department of Culture, accusing him of repeated acts of harassment. Her statement outlined a disturbing pattern of humiliating and inappropriate behavior, including public remarks that, in her words, 'stripped away [her] dignity.' According to her testimony, Vohidjon directed degrading and sexually suggestive remarks at her, mocking her professional abilities and belittling her as a woman. Witnesses confirmed one particularly tense encounter, recalling that Shoira left visibly distressed. But instead of triggering an investigation into the allegations, the institutional response was chillingly inverted: it was the victim – not the alleged perpetrator – who was prosecuted. On May 29, 2025, Shoira was summoned to a meeting by Vohidjon. According to her account, the conversation turned inappropriate when she declined to serve as a presenter for upcoming official events. Vohidjon allegedly responded with sexually charged and demeaning language, saying, 'Shouldn't the talent your younger sisters have come from you first? Or were you born as an experiment between your parents?' Tired of her boss's repeated sexually suggestive comments, she finally decided to file a complaint with the district police department. 'I stayed silent until now because I was afraid that if I reported my boss's behavior to the authorities, everyone would blame me,' she said. 'In this area, everyone knows each other, and I've seen time and again how, in cases like this, society tends to blame the woman. That's why his final, degrading remarks pushed me over the edge. Even though I knew I might lose, I found the courage to file a complaint.' But on June 20, the Zarbdor District Court found Shoira guilty of defamation under Article 40 of Uzbekistan's Administrative Code and fined her 1.5 million Uzbek soms ($118). According to court documents: 'The actions of [Shoira] meet the criteria outlined in Article 40 of the Administrative Code – knowingly disseminating false, defamatory information about another person.' Her allegations were deemed 'false and dishonorable,' and the case was closed without a single formal inquiry into Vohidjon's conduct. The man she accused faced no scrutiny. The legal system she turned to for protection instead turned on her – weaponized to punish rather than protect. In a subsequent interview, Shoira detailed the personal cost of speaking out. Her boss, aware that she was divorced, routinely told her, 'You need a man – it's necessary for your health.' These were not isolated remarks, but part of a sustained pattern of sexual harassment. 'I had to feed my family,' she said. 'I stayed quiet because I knew speaking out could cost me my job. I didn't know my rights – just that no one would believe me over someone like him.' The fallout of her decision rippled outward. 'The day after my court hearing, one of my close relatives, who also works at the cultural center, received an official warning letter threatening dismissal,' Shoira said. 'When I read that letter, I broke down. It was clear they were being punished because of me.' This tactic – punishing not just the whistleblower but those around her – serves as a stark warning to anyone considering resistance. The case of Shoira is not isolated. The general silence when it comes to allegations of sexual harassment is not due to a lack of awareness – it is a reflection of fear, learned helplessness, and deeply entrenched social stigma. Victims often face social ostracization and legal retaliation, while perpetrators, especially those in positions of power, walk free. Uzbekistan has introduced a number of legal reforms in recent years aimed at protecting women's rights, including the 2019 law 'On Protection of Women from Harassment and Violence' and new criminal provisions addressing domestic abuse. In May 2025, U.N. Women opened a country office in Tashkent, declaring it a 'new era for gender equality.' But while the language of reform is increasingly present in political rhetoric, meaningful enforcement remains elusive. Laws exist on paper but rarely translate into real protections – especially for women outside of major urban centers. Judicial statistics from 2023 reveal a bleak picture. According to the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan, 2,638 criminal cases and 10,091 administrative offenses related to violence and pressure against women were reviewed that year. Under Article 59-2 of the Administrative Code (domestic violence), 4,343 individuals were held administratively accountable – 2,344 fined, and 1,999 sentenced to administrative detention. Under Article 126-1 of the Criminal Code (domestic violence), only 134 individuals were convicted. Of those, just 51 received prison sentences. The figures highlight both the scope of the problem and the glaring gaps in enforcement. Irina Matvienko, a prominent women's rights advocate, sees the problem as deeply structural. 'The legal system is androcentric,' she explained in a post on Telegram. 'It assumes guilt must be proven with physical evidence or a confession – both exceedingly rare in harassment cases. These incidents happen in private, lack of witnesses. It becomes her word against his – and the court almost always sides with him.' According to Matvienko, addressing this systemic imbalance may require a radical rethinking of evidentiary standards. 'If we want real justice, the burden of proof must shift when credible accusations are made – especially when multiple victims or patterns of abuse are present.' Critics often raise concerns about false accusations. But Matvienko challenges the disproportionate fear this generates. 'Men worry they might be falsely accused once. But women live every day with the fear of being harassed, dismissed, or disbelieved. From childhood, they're taught: don't walk alone at night, don't be alone with men, don't dress a certain way. It's a suffocating double standard and it's unjust.' The injustice experienced by Shoira speaks to the lived reality of countless Uzbek women who endure harassment at work, in schools, on the street, and at home. Few come forward. When the law functions more as a threat than a safeguard, silence becomes a survival strategy. And in that silence, impunity flourishes. There are signs, however tentative, that change may be on the horizon. The establishment of the U.N. Women office and growing public conversations about gender inequality are steps in the right direction. But legal reform alone is not enough. True change demands institutional accountability, cultural transformation, and a justice system that believes women and protects them. Until then, justice in Uzbekistan remains aspirational – a promise yet to be fulfilled. But even within silence, resistance simmers. Women like Shoira, who speak out at great personal risk, are beginning to erode the structures built to silence them. Their voices, once buried by shame and fear, may yet reshape not just the conversation, but the system itself. *Editor's Note: As as there is a risk of severe public criticism and backlash, especially against women, for speaking up in such cases, The Diplomat is only printing the first names of those involved.
