ArtsA 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.British Museum to receive most valuable gift everNearly 2,000 Chinese ceramics worth £1bn are to be donated to the institution by a charitable foundation.5 days agoLondonThe climate warnings in 19th-Century paintingsA new exhibition examines how artists began portraying the damage of industrialisation.9 Nov 2024Culture 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 stories13 mins 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.13 mins agoWiltshire9 hrs agoLondon becomes Emerald City for Wicked premiereAriana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Jeff Goldbum were among those to brave the rainy weather for the premiere. 9 hrs agoCulture1 day ago'Art helps me deal with my cancer diagnosis'Artwork created by patient Wendy Brookfield inspire an exhibition at a Shropshire hospice. 1 day agoShropshire1 day agoHistoric barracks to host 'living parade' The artwork is part of a project called Living Barracks which aims to find new uses for the site.1 day agoTyne1 day agoSilent auction marks art charity's 40th birthdayArtists with learning disabilities are donating their work to be sold in the silent auction.1 day agoSurrey1 day agoSearch for boys featured in Tate exhibition photosIngrid Pollard took pictures of pupils at Tulse Hill School in 1989, shortly before it closed.1 day agoEngland1 day agoRussian ballet star Vladimir Shklyarov dies at 39Shklyarov, a principal with the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre, is being remembered as an "extraordinary artist".1 day agoEurope2 days agoHomecoming for actor in Hippodrome's Mary PoppinsRhys Batten is returning to the Bristol stage he once acted on as a child.2 days agoBristol2 days agoArt Deco cinema to be reinvigorated with artNew artwork could see "drab and neglected" parts of Luton uplifted, a council says.2 days agoBeds, Herts & Bucks
