Britain
What we learned from The World Transformed 2019
Power in the grassroots — Earlier this month, the annual arts and politics festival returned for its biggest – and most radically transformative – year yet.
Written by: Ben Smoke
The lost freedom of East London’s strip pubs
The disappearing city — Strip pubs are an integral part of East London’s past – but shifting attitudes and rising rents are eating away at their freedoms, and casting doubt over their future.
Written by: Jessica Furseth
Adventurers choose their favourite Europe nature spots
In partnership with Keen — Daniel Neilson, James Forrest and Alan Hinkes reveal the areas that are closest to their hearts – and why it’s so important that we keep them protected.
Written by: Huck
The story behind London’s most radical design studio
Paddington Printshop — From anti-landlord housing struggles, to socialist activism: the Paddington Printshop designed the aesthetic of rebellion in the 20th century.
Written by: Jacob Charles Wilson
Birmingham’s independent art scene is fighting for its life
Another casualty — Digbeth, which lies just west of HS2’s Phase One development site, faces an existential threat in the face of rising rents, changing demographics and government cuts.
Written by: Luke Charnley
The alternative death centre helping you go out in style
Knocking them dead — From leopard print coffins to environmentally friendly ceremonies, Arka is the women-led funeral home changing the way we deal with the death process.
Written by: Niloufar Haidari
A portrait of life in the Merseyside docklands
Working class kinship — Taken over a period of six years, Ken Grant’s intimate series on the landfill at Bidston Moss explores unity and defiance among the River Mersey’s hinterland.
Written by: Huck
How to survive as an independent festival in 2019
Can it still be done? — With more and more festivals crowding the cultural calendar, it’s hard to survive, let alone stand out. But among the noise, a number of DIY events are carving out their own distinct space – thriving in the process.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray
A treasure trove of amateur gig posters from the ’90s
To Evelyn — Evelyn Short was a local legend in the village of Dinnington, known for her treasured archive of gig posters. A new book explores the sheer scale of her archive – while also telling a wider tale of community and fame.
Written by: Jacob Charles Wilson
What #AlexFromGlasto shows us about race in the UK
Black and white — After being plucked from the crowd at Glastonbury to rap alongside Dave, the teen became a national treasure – but would it have happened if he was black?
Written by: Jeffrey Boakye