The 2025 Skoll World Forum: Mending a Fractured World
Amid rising global uncertainty and a rapidly shifting philanthropic landscape, the 2025 Skoll World Forum brought together changemakers from around the world in Oxford and online under the theme, “Together We Can Mend What is Broken.” From April 1–4, the forum served as a catalyst for ideas, urgent action, and transformative collaboration. By spotlighting pioneering social innovations and reimagining how philanthropy and development can adapt to today’s complex realities, the event offered a hopeful yet pragmatic roadmap for tackling systemic challenges and shaping more equitable futures.
Sista D and Fellow Artists Lead the Fight Against Child Rape in Zambia
On April 3, 2025, Lusaka's streets echoed with the voices of protesters demanding justice for the alarming rise in child rape cases. Among them were prominent musicians like Sista D, B’Flow, and Wezi Heartsound, who joined civil society groups to call for legal reforms to protect Zambia’s children from sexual violence.
International Artists Boycotting the United States: A Cultural Response to Trump’s Policies
In response to the authoritarian shifts under President Trump’s administration, several international artists have taken a stand by boycotting performances in the United States. Notable figures such as András Schiff, Christian Tetzlaff, and Jean-Guihen Queyras have canceled U.S. engagements, highlighting the global resistance against Trump’s controversial policies, including his overhaul of cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center.
Artistic censorship in Zimbabwe, a country in political turmoil
Zimbabwe remains a hostile space for artists challenging the government, with increasing censorship and harassment under President Mnangagwa. Despite constitutional guarantees, musicians like Winky D and comedians like Samantha Kureya face threats, abductions, and show cancellations for criticizing corruption and injustice.
Kevin Young's Departure and the Impact of Trump's Executive Order on the Smithsonian
On March 27, 2025, Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which seeks to reshape how federally funded cultural institutions like the Smithsonian present U.S. history.
Syria’s Arts Sector Pushes Forward
Arts dialogue highlights culture’s role in Syria’s future amid ministry debates and creative economy talks
"Defending American Arts, Culture, and Democracy"
Brookings Institution warns of rising threats to U.S. arts, linking censorship, defunding, and authoritarian tactics
"No Other Land" Wins Oscar Amid Debate
The Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land" fuels controversy over its political themes, highlighting Palestinian resistance and Israeli demolitions in the West Bank.
Arts and Free Speech Organizations Warn of a “Golden Age” of Propaganda and a “Starvation Age” for Culture
A cohort of national free speech and arts organizations expressed outrage at the Trump Administration’s recent efforts to establish ideological control over federally-funded cultural initiatives in the United States
Serbia’s Arts Community Joins Protests
Theatre workers join Serbia’s mass protests after the Novi Sad railway tragedy, demanding justice
Punk Band Faces Censorship Battle
Sukatani’s censored song sparks protests and debate on free speech, with police facing allegations of intimidation
Arts Censorship Sparks Heated Debate
Censorship of Palestinian symbols in Australian arts fuels major controversy and artistic freedom concerns.
Censorship Battle: Trump Media vs. Moraes
Trump Media and Rumble sue Brazilian Justice Moraes over censorship orders, citing free speech concerns
Trump's Kennedy Center Takeover Gives Censorship Fears
Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center raises censorship concerns in U.S. arts community.
Fareed Armaly Rejects Käthe Kollwitz Prize
Fareed Armaly rejects Käthe Kollwitz Prize, protesting Germany’s censorship, racism, and suppression of Palestinian voices
Government Ensures No Book Censorship in Bangladesh
Bangladesh: The government reaffirms commitment to free expression, dismissing claims of pre-publication book censorship