‘Hideous’: The controversy over Picasso’s most shocking painting

Les Demoiselles d’Avignon was met with horror, then revered. A century later, the piece was reinterpreted by US artist Henry Taylor, and Picasso’s masterwork remains contentious – why?

Arts in Motion

Art history

Whistler Mother is a US icon – here’s why the artist would’ve hated its success

The artworks that inspired eight Met Gala looks

Why this 16th-Century painting isn’t what it seems

These artworks are by women – men got the credit

How a little town became Japan’s unexpected art haven

Once polluted and suffering from depopulation, Naoshima has become Japan’s hottest contemporary art enclave – and there are signs that life there may be finally rebounding.

10 of the best books of 2026 so far

From a darkly comic tale of revenge to a beautiful contemplation on friendship, here are the year’s most acclaimed works of fiction so far.

Iznik: The Ottoman art that captivated Europe

Find out how the ornate ceramics known as Iznik tiles hold the key to a forgotten golden age of Turkish art.

The music that keeps animals calm

You can find many different playlists for dogs and cats online. However, not all styles of music are effective.

How the Psycho music score changed film forever

Alfred Hitchcock’s grisly horror might not have become a classic without composer Bernard Herrmann’s disturbing score.

Does Notre-Dame still sound the same?

Performers and visitors to the famous gothic cathedral in the midst of the River Seine may find some subtle differences to the way sound bounces around its walls.

How music saved a cellist’s life in Auschwitz

After being sent to the Nazi death camp in 1943, Anita Lasker survived by playing in its women’s orchestra. In 1996, she spoke to the BBC about her ordeal.

The most misunderstood Oscar winner ever

Miloš Forman’s best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film’s critics could be missing the point.

A look back at operatic legend Maria Callas’ life

Greek-American soprano Maria Callas, hailed as one of the greatest singers in operatic history, remains an icon for young performers today.

Cave markings dismissed for years confirmed as Britain’s oldest prehistoric art

Mystery remains around the meaning behind the art more than 17,000 years later.

Public art walk to transform Honeybourne Line

Six sculptures will tell outline the history of Cheltenham along the former railway line.

Loan for £2.4m theatre refurb ‘a lot of lolly’

Opposition councillors say they want to see the figures that justify the spend at a pier.

Rosamund Pike calls out audience member for texting during show

‘You know who you are,’ declared the actress, at the end of her West End performance in Inter Alia.

Director praises Kylie as ‘hardest working woman’

Coventry’s Debbie Isitt says the singer, subject of a Netflix documentary, “never stops” working.

Take a tour to see behind the scenes of a theatre

Hull Truck Theatre and the Albemarle Music Centre will be hosting the family day next month.

Community can vote for art to be installed in park

Two finalists have been announced for a public art competition for a town’s new community garden.

Quentin Blake mural revealed at new arts centre

The Quentin Blake Illustration Centre in Clerkenwell opens to the public on Friday.

Artist helps actor David Bradley fall in love with painting

David Bradley has been learning to paint since meeting artist Lynne Gougeon in a Leamington gallery.

The Australian helping to return stolen English church artefacts

Items found for sale online had originally been stolen from a Hertfordshire and a Norfolk church.

Pirate radio musical ‘shows depth of local talent’

Vikki Stone says she is “incredibly proud” to have worked with local talent from the East.

Atonement to get world stage premiere in Chichester

Ian McEwan’s novel has also been made into an Oscar-winning 2007 film starring Keira Knightley.

Open-air pool pavilion and social housing among best buildings winners

The 10 projects will compete for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland award.

‘Choreographers are the new DJs’: The art of the viral dance routine

Videos of fans copying the moves to hits from artists like Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress are going viral.

Big Geekend letting people share their passions

People who turn up in fancy dress will get free admission to the event.