The hottest Arts Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Working On?

Culture Study • 1000 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Lifestyle Traditions Social Communities
  1. Engaging in gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to witness small changes, like a plant budding, which can bring joy.
  2. Taking cuttings from plants can help you expand your garden without needing to buy new ones. It's a clever way to grow your collection.
  3. Working on a personal project or hobby can be a great distraction. It offers both relaxation and a sense of accomplishment as you see progress.

There's a universe in your phone & a universe in a tree

Blackbird Spyplane • 899 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Music Lifestyle Arts Nature
  1. There's a lot of depth and enjoyment in nature. Taking time to stare at a tree or ride a bike can be more fulfilling than staring at your phone.
  2. Wearing what makes you happy, even if it means repeating outfits, is important. It's all about feeling good in what you wear and letting go of what others think.
  3. Good public schools can really shape someone's life. Access to music and art in school can inspire kids to chase their dreams.

Leisure

Soaring Twenties • 162 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Leisure Arts Lifestyle Philosophy Creativity
  1. Leisure is important for a happy life. It's not just about doing nothing; it's a skill that can be learned and appreciated.
  2. Working for a living isn't the only way to find fulfillment. Many people would prefer to spend their time on hobbies and creative projects.
  3. Understanding and mastering leisure can help us slow down and enjoy life more intentionally, just like people in ancient times did.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 41

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Food Sports Lifestyle
  1. The Murdoch family's succession drama is really complex, with tons of legal details coming to light. It shows how family dynamics can get messy when money and power are involved.
  2. There's a subreddit called 'Dad For A Minute' where people can seek advice even if they don't have a father figure in their lives. It's a touching space for those looking for support.
  3. Many people are debating whether the NBA is making a mistake by focusing so much on three-point shots. It's an interesting discussion about how the game is changing.

Calling the Lonely Charts Club!

Chartbook • 801 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Relationships Society Politics
  1. There's a fun initiative where people can create personal ads looking for partners who share similar interests, especially in political economy and culture.
  2. The project encourages creativity in writing these ads, making them unique and tailored to individual preferences.
  3. People can submit their ads anonymously through a Google form, making it easier to express themselves.
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Can You Really Learn the Humanities in 52 Weeks?

The Honest Broker • 7480 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🚌 Education Humanities Literature Arts Culture Learning
  1. You can learn the humanities in a year by following a structured plan with about 250 pages of reading each week. This makes it manageable and not overwhelming.
  2. The course covers a wide range of topics, including literature, art, and music, allowing you to explore human culture broadly.
  3. It's flexible; you can do it at your own pace and even join a reading group if you want to learn with others.

The fabric Nightclub Book Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Nightlife Music Hospitality Design Arts
  1. The fabric nightclub in London is unique because it has maintained a strong focus on music and guest experience for many years. Many nightclubs chase nightlife trends and greed, but fabric stays true to its roots.
  2. The book about the nightclub captures its rich history and the passion of its community, including famous DJs and emerging artists. It highlights how important these connections are to the club's identity.
  3. Hospitality is essential for a great night out. At fabric, every detail, from security to coat checks, is handled carefully to create a welcoming experience where guests feel safe and taken care of.

On Cultural Relativism and some books I've recently read

Chris Arnade Walks the World • 1510 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Literature Philosophy Society Arts
  1. Cultural differences really shape how people behave and interact. Some cultures have strong values like respect and responsibility, which can lead to better experiences in daily life.
  2. Traveling can be a mix of good and bad experiences, but visiting different places teaches us a lot. Some regions may offer more enjoyable or meaningful interactions than others.
  3. Books can provide deep insights into culture and history. Reading helps us understand different perspectives and can be an enriching part of traveling.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS (cont.)

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 759 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Arts Media Entertainment
  1. Phantasm II is a sequel that captures the essence of the 1980s horror trend. It's a fun film with great action where the characters fight against a powerful evil entity.
  2. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a dark and brutal film that portrays the reality of serial murder without glamorizing it. It's a raw look at a killer's life and actions.
  3. Prince of Darkness blends horror and science fiction in a unique way. It explores deep themes while maintaining a creepy atmosphere, making it a standout John Carpenter film.

Tuesday Thread: What Games Are You Playing?

Culture Study • 1654 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Entertainment Games Media Literature
  1. There's a new series where people share about their work lives and how they manage their time. It will help others learn how different professionals organize their days.
  2. The focus is on understanding how people protect their time and handle tasks like emails. This can give useful insights for managing one's own work.
  3. Participants will do their interviews using Google Docs, making it easy for everyone to share and read their experiences.

18 Paying Pitch Calls & a Chance to Write About Budget Travel

The Sub Club Newsletter • 158 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Writing Arts Lifestyle Entertainment
  1. Editors are looking for fresh New Year's stories and pitches, especially in January. You can share unique takes on resolutions or fun ways to celebrate the holiday.
  2. Now is a good time to pitch 'Best Of' lists for 2024. If you have creative ideas that aren't typical, editors would be interested in those topics.
  3. There are 18 new paid writing opportunities available from various publications. Writers can explore topics in travel, culture, and more for potential income.

What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 2231 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Community Entertainment Arts Discussion
  1. People are feeling overwhelmed by negative news and events. It's tough to stay positive when everything seems so heavy and scary.
  2. Discussing feelings and finding community can help ease the weight of these emotions. Connecting with others can bring comfort during hard times.
  3. There will be an advice session focused on culture and community. Sharing experiences can be an antidote to the negativity.

The finer things in life

Austin Kleon • 6614 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Entertainment Sports Media Lifestyle
  1. Being in a state of flow is key to happiness, as it helps us focus fully on what we love doing. This idea connects both athletes and artists, showing how engagement with our passions can bring joy.
  2. The Olympics brings out strong emotions in us, as we witness athletes pushing their limits. However, there’s a contrast between the real-life experiences of these athletes and the commercial push for technology and AI.
  3. Creative work often requires us to not overthink. Many athletes express that letting go of thoughts is what helps them perform better, which can also apply to how we approach creativity in our everyday lives.

Ketanji Brown Jackson Goes Broadway

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6913 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Theater Entertainment Society Humor
  1. Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Supreme Court Justice to perform on Broadway. This was a special and historic moment for both her and the theater.
  2. She made a surprise appearance in a fun musical called '& Juliet,' which offers a twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet story. It's a modern and playful take that focuses on female empowerment.
  3. The musical is described as a campy satire, blending humor with social themes. It aims to challenge traditional narratives, making it memorable and possibly polarizing for audiences.

‘Emilia Pérez’ and the Curse of Oscar Bait

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1358 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Awards Media Entertainment Arts
  1. The film 'Emilia Pérez' is a strong Oscar contender, despite losing money at the box office. Many viewers may feel left out because it wasn't made with them in mind.
  2. Oscar bait films are designed to catch the attention of Academy voters, who often favor serious dramas and social commentary. This leads to films that resonate more with industry insiders than with general audiences.
  3. Past Oscar winners like 'Moonlight' and 'Nomadland' show a pattern of how the awards often favor poignant stories, even if they don't perform well commercially.

The State of the Culture, 2024

The Honest Broker • 121016 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Arts Technology Social Issues Addiction
  1. The entertainment industry is facing challenges like Disney in crisis, Paramount laying off employees, and a decline in TV shows, showing a shift towards a post-entertainment culture.
  2. The culture is transitioning towards a focus on distraction and addiction, with tech platforms using stimuli to create addictive cycles, impacting people's brains and happiness levels.
  3. As our culture evolves into a dopamine-driven society, it becomes essential to be mindful of our consumption habits, unplug from technology at times, and appreciate the real world around us.

What I'm reading about the tech right and Trump, a gonzo Iron-Age movie with dialogue in proto-Latin, my all-time favorite album now on streaming

Read Max • 1290 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Arts Literature Film Music
  1. There are lots of interesting articles out there about tech leaders like Trump, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg. They cover some pretty serious topics.
  2. A fun Italian movie set in the Iron Age is being recommended. It's cheesy and entertaining, perfect for a light watch.
  3. One of the all-time favorite albums of the author is now available to stream online. It's exciting to have it accessible again.

From A Care-Less To A Care-Full Future

Creative Destruction • 26 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Design Fashion Gaming
  1. Products made with care and love stand out in a world filled with mediocre options. People appreciate the effort put into creating something beautiful and meaningful.
  2. There is a growing movement against mass-produced, cookie-cutter items. Many are seeking unique and thoughtful creations that offer a sense of connection.
  3. With so much low-quality content and design around us, high-quality work feels refreshing. It reminds us that better things are possible and worth pursuing.

Culture Study Classifieds, Heart of Winter Style

Culture Study • 2372 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Community Arts Film Podcasts
  1. The classifieds section connects readers from all over the world, allowing them to share services and create groups like book clubs.
  2. People can post about services they offer, skills they want to share for free, or projects they're proud of to gain support and praise.
  3. This space encourages readers to find recommendations, make new friends, or even trade items, creating a supportive community online.

The West Is Still Alive in Nevada

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Traditions Identity Geography Lifestyle
  1. Nevada has a unique spirit that sets it apart from other Western states. It's a place where the old Wild West vibe still exists, especially in small towns.
  2. The state is known for its tough and desolate landscapes, which can test the limits of those who venture there. Many who seek fortune may find both success and hardship.
  3. Visiting places like Elko can be an adventure filled with unexpected experiences, from lively bars to the harsh realities of the desert life.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 40

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Social Events Nature Parenting
  1. Casual parties can be fun! In the past, people would invite friends over last minute and not worry about getting dressed up.
  2. Beavers can also be great helpers. Their dams saved a Czech government a lot of money because they help manage water flow.
  3. Reading to kids is more than just fun. It can improve breathing and create special moments between parents and children.

sunday vibe check

bad cattitude • 95 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Memes Pop culture Social media Arts Entertainment
  1. Memes are a fun way to express positivity and humor in our daily lives. They can lift our spirits and make us smile.
  2. Taking a moment to check in on how we feel is important for our mental health. Being aware of our moods can help us handle the day better.
  3. Enjoying the little things on a Sunday can set a nice tone for the week ahead. Relaxation and good vibes can really recharge us.

Open Mic Day: Tells Us About Your Favorite Movies, Music, Books, Etc. of 2024

The Honest Broker • 5818 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Music Literature Television Gaming Arts
  1. Share your favorite movies, music, books, and more from 2024. Everyone loves to hear new recommendations!
  2. It's important to have fun and take a break from serious topics sometimes. Sharing our creative finds can lift our spirits.
  3. When sharing, try not to promote your own projects this time. This is about celebrating what others have created.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Reviewing Alan Furst's Novel "Dark Star"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 307 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
📚 Literature Fiction Reviews History Arts Culture
  1. Alan Furst's novel 'Dark Star' is praised as one of the best books about Europe in the 1930s. It captures the tense atmosphere of that time better than many historical accounts.
  2. The story revolves around a character named Andre Szara, who navigates the dangers of living under oppressive regimes while trying to survive and help others.
  3. The novel highlights the moral ambiguities of the era, where allies and enemies were often blurred, making readers think about the complexities of political choices.

The unexpected luxury of my local library

Jeff Giesea • 678 implied HN points • 01 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literacy Community Arts Education Public spaces
  1. Local libraries can be really nice places to relax and read, with comfy seating and a peaceful atmosphere. If you haven't been to your library in a while, it's worth checking out!
  2. Libraries are better than coffee shops for working or studying because they are quiet and free. You can enjoy a calm space without having to buy overpriced drinks.
  3. Getting a library card can save you a lot of money. You can borrow books for free and explore new titles without spending anything.

Can the philistine supremacy be stopped?

The Common Reader • 2232 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Education Social Issues History
  1. Schools are changing curriculums in ways that some believe exclude important classics, like Shakespeare and ancient texts. This might limit students' exposure to foundational literature.
  2. There is a push to replace traditional cultural experiences, like theater and museums, with more relatable activities for students. Critics argue that this could reduce opportunities for learning and growth.
  3. Knowledge from literature and history plays a big role in helping students from all backgrounds move up in society. It's important to ensure all students have access to enriching educational experiences.

Shakespeare Schedule 2025

The Common Reader • 1275 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Arts Education History
  1. There is a schedule for reading Shakespeare's plays throughout 2025. Each play will be discussed on a Sunday at 7 PM UK time over Zoom.
  2. The schedule includes various famous plays like 'Richard III', 'Midsummer Night’s Dream', and 'Macbeth'.
  3. Participants will receive a Zoom link the day before each meeting to join the discussion.

Best Books, Movies, and Music of the year

Read Max • 922 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Books Movies Music Arts Entertainment
  1. The roundup highlights standout books, movies, and music from the past year. It's a great way to discover new favorites.
  2. There are fun and unique awards like 'Best alternate histories' and 'Best song my son loved.' These categories make it more engaging.
  3. Readers are encouraged to interact by sharing recommendations or asking for specific suggestions. It's a community-focused approach.

When DOGE was HUAC: The rise and fall of the Federal Theatre Project

The Octavian Report • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Arts Political History U.S. History Cultural criticism
  1. The Federal Theatre Project was a government-sponsored initiative in the 1930s that put many artists to work and helped them reach a wide audience. It showed how important theater can be for culture and democracy.
  2. The project faced backlash from political figures, leading to its closure by the House Un-American Activities Committee. This highlights how arts and politics can clash, especially in times of social change.
  3. The value of theater lies in its ability to bring people together and challenge their ideas. It’s essential for a healthy society, but it often struggles to receive the funding it needs.

Oh, hail no!

Austin Kleon • 5615 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Literature Comics Media Music
  1. Standard Ebooks offers free and well-designed versions of classic books that are in the public domain. You can read great works without paying a dime.
  2. Working with your hands, like drawing or crafting, is really good for your brain. It's a nice way to relax and be creative.
  3. There’s a great community around Lynda Barry’s Comics Room that supports artists. It's a place where creativity and collaboration can really thrive.

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 1859 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Television Film Media Entertainment Arts
  1. Watching shows can be a great way to escape tough emotions like grief. It allows us to get lost in stories that can be comforting.
  2. Having a show that moves quickly, like _The Diplomat_, can make it easy to binge-watch when feeling low. It provides a distraction from daily stress.
  3. Strong performances by actors, like Alison Janney's in _The Diplomat_, can enhance the viewing experience and make the story even more engaging.

The Class Tier List

Knowingless • 1256 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Sociology Trends Identity Arts Aesthetics
  1. People judge class based on wealth and aesthetic taste. For example, some activities may be rich but seen as low-class in taste, while others might be poor yet viewed as classy.
  2. A survey was conducted to rank various items by class, but it was only a small snapshot of one specific culture. The responses were mostly from young American men.
  3. The context of class rankings can vary and lead to surprising results, illustrating that people's perceptions of class are influenced by trends and cultural views.

Jesus Models and Luigi-Scolds

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Media Arts Trends Society
  1. In Utah, there’s a growing trend of hiring lookalikes of Jesus for family portraits and events. These models often face high expectations from those who hire them.
  2. The 'Luigi-Scolds' online don't aim to change minds; they just like to criticize. Their approach is more about expressing their views rather than persuading others.
  3. Podcasts are becoming a popular medium for discussing hip-hop battles, especially between big names like Kendrick Lamar and Drake. They bring a new angle to how fans engage with music.

Kielbasa, Victorian houses, cursed names

Disaffected Newsletter • 1139 implied HN points • 15 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Arts History Identity Society Tradition Humor
  1. Life is more luxurious than we often realize, even in simple things like heating up food. Someone else handles all the hard work for us.
  2. The emotional reaction to political figures can feel feminine, expressing a deep fear and vulnerability. It's interesting to think about how these feelings affect people's views.
  3. Modern queer culture seems to have lost some of its wit and charm, replaced by a more superficial version. There's a longing for the character and humor of the past.

Are The Publicists On Strike Too

Hung Up • 7763 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Celebrity Lifestyle Media Arts
  1. The entertainment industry has been affected by strikes of writers and actors, leading to a standstill in major studios and streamers.
  2. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis faced backlash for supporting a friend accused of sexual assault, handling the situation poorly.
  3. Drew Barrymore is navigating the return of her talk show amidst industry strikes, choosing to go without a publicist and potentially risking controversy.