Save The Libraries

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

The Trump Administration recently released its proposed federal budget for FY2018. The Institute of Museum of Library Services (IMLS), the independent agency that administers the bulk of federal library funding under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), is included in the list of independent agencies whose budgets the proposal recommends eliminating. You can help save library funding by calling your Members of Congress and telling them that you support the Library Services and Technology Act, which provides funding to every state for public libraries. Five minutes of your time could help preserve over $210 million in library funding now at risk.

The percentage of the Federal Budget that goes for libraries.

 

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Support Venice

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn has created an enormous pair of hands emerging from the Grand Canal in Venice. The surreal installation, titled “Support”, was built to raise awareness about climate change and rising waters that threat Venice and cities worldwide. The impressive work is part of the 2017 Venice Biennale.

 

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House of European History

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

After ten years of planning, and a €55 million investment, The House of European History has finally opened in Brussels, Belgium. The new museum hopes to provide visitors with an overview of the history of Europe since the French Revolution and the development of the European Union.

Situated in the former Eastman Building, in Parc Léopold, the museum displays include maps, paintings, sculptures, photos, films, costumes, artifacts, and interactive multimedia exhibits. The facility will be open daily and also offer educational workshops and conferences.

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The Future of Travel

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

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WallFacer Project

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Today the second incarnation of the Coney Walls Project at Brooklyn’s celebrated Coney Island boardwalk is officially opening for the summer season. The popular outdoor exhibition features murals by some of the world’s most famous street artists. The show, which is curated by Joseph Sitt and Jeffrey Deitch, has colorful works by the likes of Ron English, Daze, London Police, D*Face, RETNA, Miss van, Crash, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, and many more. The project is open daily between noon and 10PM, and can be found by the renowned Nathan’s restaurant.

 

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Into The Unknown

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Along with the usual summer blockbuster sci-fi flicks, this year we can immerse ourselves in the entire historical genre. London’s Barbican Centre is presenting Into The Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction, a huge exhibition, which will take over the entire Brutalist building, exploring sci-fi through literature, film, television, art, comics, design, and speculative thinking.

The show, running from June 3 through September 1, 2017, incorporates original manuscripts, film props and models, vintage sci-fi art work, film screenings, musical performances, rare books and comics, and much more.

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Stress-Free Travel (not)

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Whether you’re traveling for fun or work, travel is never stress-free. This hilarious graphic from the British travel website Just The Flight illustrates just how frustrating travel can be.

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American Writers Museum Opens

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

On May 16th, the long-awaited American Writers Museum will open in the heart of Chicago’s tourist district. Located at 108 North Michigan Avenue, not far from the world famous Art Institute and Millennium Park, the museum features multimedia installations, permanent and special exhibitions, a children’s literature gallery, a “word waterfall”, historic books, and author readings.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with tickets ranging from $12 for adults to free admission for children under 12.

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Goodbye, Columbus

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

My experience of Christopher Columbus’ hometown of Genoa, Italy is tainted by the memories of a cold, windy and rainy autumn day and a night spent in a drafty, unheated pensione. I hopped a train the next morning and crossed the Alps into Switzerland, where the first major snowfall of the season erased all thoughts of dreary Genoa. But seeing this wonderful short film titled Genoa—More Than This by Russian cinematographer and filmmaker Alex Soloviev has me reconsidering the ancient port city.

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Travel Periodically

Posted on May 9, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

In 2014 Airbnb tried to launch a print travel magazine aimed primarily at their rental hosts, but only one issue of Pineapple ever made it to press. Now everyone’s favorite accommodation platform is partnering with Hearst Publishing to produce a new travel periodical.

Airbnbmag is scheduled to hit the newsstands on May 23rd. The magazine is once again targeted at Airbnb hosts, but this time the company wants to also attract Airbnb guests and travelers in general. With Airbnb rentals in 65,000 cities in 191 countries, it’s hard to see how they can fail.

The premiere issue, which will be priced at $3.99 US, will spotlight Cuba, Australia, Bali, London, Seattle, and Austin, Texas. Each issue will have four sections: “The Local” which offers advice on restaurants, shopping, and attractions from a resident’s perspective; “Stay” which will feature Airbnb rentals; “Roam” covering travel destinations; and “Belong” which aims to encourage more authentic and culturally sensitive travel.

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