Mayra Flores and Cristal González Ávila honor their roots through poetry. Flores brings the stories of her East San José community. Her self-published debut, Flores, bridges generations towards change. Ávila, a daughter of farmworkers in Watsonville, has written and acted for the stage for the last 15 years. Her stories explore domestic violence and housing injustice, and recent playwriting credits include La Cortina de la Lechuga and Luz: Senior Stories, commissioned by Teatro Vision.
On a quiet street in central Kyiv, where monuments are wrapped in sandbags and shrapnel shields, the Khanenko Museum has opened an exhibition about Africa. Its title, Africa Direct, is a statement and a method: a call to approach the continent not through inherited filters (Soviet, colonial, or western) but through direct engagement with its histories, philosophies and living cultures.
This summer, however, the 12-day war in June between Israel and Iran shook the city and its cultural life. The conflict and lingering fears of its recurrence have battered the country's already crumbling economy, driving up inflation. Art sales slowed as collectors tightened their purse strings, while rising costs, nearly daily electricity outages and water shortages added new pressures.
I went to Kharkiv and spent a few days with Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. I saw how extremely difficult their lives are from my interactions with them, but their resolve is also incredibly strong. I met many Ukrainians, from high-ranking military leaders to drone operators, and understood the depth of their resilience during this challenging time.
Owning space—whether for housing, business, or agriculture—is critical for communities' resistance and long-term stability, shaping their communal purpose and future.
The unfolding saga highlights the intersection of sporting events and national identity, demonstrating how historical and cultural narratives can influence contemporary politics and international relations.
"As the global art market faces challenges, London Gallery Weekend seeks innovative ways to invigorate engagement and excitement, especially with new galleries opening to coincide with the events."
The iconic mushroom-shaped roof shifts in character: embracing the playful spirit of the library while grounding it in the Elusive beauty of the local landscape.