The hottest Arts Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

My Favorite Essay

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 97 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📚 Literature Arts
  1. Writing can be a fun game, even if it's for a boring assignment. Making it playful, like sneaking in surprises, can make the experience enjoyable.
  2. Language has power and can shape our world, so it's important to choose words thoughtfully. Crafting sentences with care can be satisfying and fun.
  3. Even if you find a class boring, you can still absorb valuable lessons. Sometimes, what seems dull on the surface can hold deeper meanings that stick with you.

News of This World and the Next

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 794 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. There is a lot happening in the world, but it's hard to keep up with all the news and events.
  2. People's reasons for faith or conversion can vary, and accepting others' beliefs is important.
  3. Academic trends like referencing recent literature or signing open letters may not always be meaningful or impactful.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 26

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Russia has fined Google an insane amount of money, more than all the money in the world combined. This shows how serious they are about controlling tech companies.
  2. There’s a deep connection between the anime 'Perfect Blue' and the film 'Requiem for a Dream,' offering a unique history worth exploring. Both works have intriguing themes that many people appreciate.
  3. Crows have strong memories and can hold grudges, sometimes even mistaking others for their enemies. This behavior highlights how intelligent and complex these birds are.
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Fridge poems

Austin Kleon • 739 implied HN points • 05 Apr 22
📚 Literature Arts
  1. Fridge poems are special poems that we feel connected to and want to display in our homes. They represent what matters to us and can remind us of important thoughts or feelings.
  2. The refrigerator holds a unique place in our homes as a space to celebrate memories and creativity, often decorated with personal items like drawings and photos. It’s like a public gallery for our family's stories.
  3. Steel refrigerators that aren’t magnetic can take away this personal touch, making it harder to showcase meaningful things. Choosing a magnetic fridge allows us to keep that tradition alive and foster connections through art and words.

Leisure

Soaring Twenties • 162 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  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 Urban Arts Establishment Is in Trouble

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Access to culture from home, accelerated by the pandemic, is impacting in-person arts attendance and the urban arts establishment.
  2. In-person arts attendance is declining, particularly among older, White audiences, while digital arts engagement is rising, especially among younger and diverse groups.
  3. The decline in traditional arts attendance poses challenges for cities economically, culturally, and in maintaining urban identities.

I’m still here

Austin Kleon • 719 implied HN points • 03 Dec 21
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Stephen Sondheim was an influential composer, and many people are sharing his great works after his passing. Watching the documentary 'Six by Sondheim' is a good way to appreciate his talent.
  2. Using soft lead pencils, like the Blackwing, makes writing more fun because they need regular sharpening. Sondheim loved using them for this reason.
  3. Books like Louise Erdrich's 'The Sentence' are enjoyable and worth reading, along with new releases like 'The Art of Activism' that provide fresh perspectives.

From al-Qaeda to the Human Potential Movement to Terrorgram

Default Wisdom • 48 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. DX started exploring online debates about race and biodiversity at a young age, which shows how people's interests can develop from a young age.
  2. He became an independent researcher, indicating a shift from casual browsing to serious study on complex topics.
  3. The journey from discussing race relations to engaging with various movements highlights the evolving nature of online communities and their impact on personal beliefs.

Fourth of July Sale! 🎆

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 61 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. There's a Fourth of July sale offering 30% off annual subscriptions, making it a great time for new subscribers to get a deal.
  2. The writer plans to take a break for the holiday but leaves readers with an interesting story about a local place called Vera's White Sands restaurant, which has a unique charm.
  3. Despite changes over the years, the nostalgic vibe of magical places seems hard to find, highlighting the importance of cherishing such unique spots while they still exist.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 40

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  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.

2024 for the Wins

Situation Normal • 147 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Celebrating small wins is important. It helps you recognize progress and feel good about your achievements.
  2. Facing personal challenges, like mental health, can lead to growth. Getting support can make a big difference.
  3. Trying new things and keeping promises, like going on trips, can bring joy. These experiences enrich your life.

Poetry Writing and Me

Soaring Twenties • 170 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Arts
  1. Poetry writing can feel strange and uncertain, especially without clear feedback. It's common to question if one is really a poet after vague responses to their work.
  2. Enjoying poetry as a reader can inspire someone to try writing it. Taking a class can help improve skills, but a supportive environment is crucial.
  3. Listening to talented poets can spark motivation to create. Sometimes, personal artistic pursuits like music or poetry can fill a gap and connect with others.

[57] Pokemon: Fad That Never Fades

Life in Color • 98 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Pokemon is one of the most successful media franchises in history, with a value of over $90 billion.
  2. The success of Pokemon can be attributed to its creator Satoshi Tajiri's innovative monster-catching concept and strategic partnerships for global expansion.
  3. The Pokemon universe's focus on collecting, social engagement, and continuous innovation through new products has helped it create a lasting and iconic cultural impact.

Experiments and Endeavors

polymathematics • 39 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Doing many small experiments can keep you feeling fresh and inspired. It helps you explore new ideas and stay in touch with what’s happening around you.
  2. Long-term projects help you build skills and create something meaningful. They bring joy and a sense of purpose to your work.
  3. It's important to let your small experiments naturally grow into bigger projects. This should feel organic, like you couldn't help but keep working on them.

sunday vibe check

bad cattitude • 95 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  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.

Arts & Letters #3

Wooly's Post Repository • 39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The author highlights the existence of a social class above liberal/leftist/woke ideologies.
  2. There is a discussion on the complexities and repellant aspects of the Professional-Managerial Class (PMC).
  3. The gap between status and role within the liberal/left/woke PMC is explored, showcasing a contrast in power and personal life.

Restaging

Covidian Æsthetics • 10 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Restaging is about rebuilding the framework of a situation after it has collapsed, focusing on creating movement and flexibility rather than fixing beliefs or truths.
  2. It uses specific techniques to introduce changes within a scenario, allowing for new possibilities without invalidating what's already present.
  3. The process involves both micro-level techniques that create immediate shifts and macro-level stages that reconstruct the entire structure, aiming to help individuals regain their sense of orientation.

Dear Subscribers

Dada Drummer Almanach • 110 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. A new program called Dada Drummer Platinum™ is starting, giving paid subscribers special access to music recommendations. This is meant to help encourage more people to support the newsletter financially.
  2. Despite a growing readership, the number of paid subscribers has not increased in the past year. The author is trying to figure out how to boost those paid subscriptions.
  3. The author values free access to articles on public advocacy and wants to keep them available to everyone. They are cautious about what content to place behind a paywall.

What if there was a bar where you could bring your laptop?

Skunk Ledger • 102 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Imagine a bar where you can work on your laptop but with quirky rules, like wearing a dunce cap. It would be a fun twist to regular bar outings.
  2. Think of a communal space with creative features, like a giant blackboard for tabs and a punch bowl for conversation. It encourages social interaction and creativity.
  3. Picture a nostalgic vibe from the early 2010s that inspires unique ideas and projects. It captures a time when people were exploring new trends and connections.

Your Mid-Week Experiment

The Experiment • 39 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Researching misinformation can lead to increased belief in fake news
  2. Democrats trust different news sources than Republicans
  3. Be cautious about turning women's trauma into girl-boss redemption stories

VFYW: Wasted Away

The Weekly Dish • 26 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. There was no winner for the last contest, which is unusual. It shows how challenging the contest can be for participants.
  2. A lot of subscribers are engaging with the content, with new subscriptions stemming from interesting shared stories. This highlights the community's fascination with the entries.
  3. This week’s contest is easier than the last, making it more accessible for everyone to guess. Participants are already sharing their thoughts on the photo, creating excitement.

Curator

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 26 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. A sense of political 'center' might be a myth; it may have never existed in the first place. Nostalgia for this center can cloud our understanding of how politics actually function.
  2. Mary Gaitskill argues that modern writing has lost the art of describing the physical world, which is crucial for storytelling. She believes fiction should connect deeply with life, rather than rely on superficial themes.
  3. John Stuart Mill may have been more open to socialist ideas than traditionally thought. His perspective combines individual freedom with a gentler, communal approach, suggesting a unique way to balance personal and collective well-being.

Repairing Ourselves.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 53 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Poetry helps us connect with our deepest feelings and can aid in personal healing. It shows us that we can rebuild ourselves through words and creativity.
  2. Water symbolizes life and healing, teaching us the importance of being adaptable and working harmoniously with our environment.
  3. Kintsugi is a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, reminding us that our scars and flaws can be beautiful and part of our unique story.

Racebending—What It Is and Why It Should End

Journal of Free Black Thought • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Racebending changes the original race or ethnicity of characters, and it's important to recognize that every ethnicity is valuable. We should respect these identities.
  2. It matters that we see ourselves in media. Changing a character's race often ignores the cultural significance of who they are and can hurt how stories are told.
  3. Instead of racebending, we should strive for real diversity by telling authentic stories that honor different cultures and giving everyone a chance to share their narratives.

Against "talent"

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Talent is often used as an excuse for not trying something new. People might say they lack talent instead of acknowledging that skills come from hard work and practice.
  2. No one is born an expert in anything, including tech or music. Mastery in any field requires time and effort, and everyone struggles at first.
  3. Using the term 'talent' can discourage people from pursuing their interests. If someone thinks they need a special gift to succeed, they might not even try, but anyone can learn with determination.

VFYW: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Window

The Weekly Dish • 17 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The search in this week's contest is tough, with many sleuths guessing various cities but landing on China numerous times. It's been a challenging spot to pinpoint!
  2. Participants shared their insights and personal stories about past travels, which adds a fun connection to their guesses. Everyone seems to have a story to tell.
  3. The raccoon dog was mentioned, highlighting how many interesting animals inhabit urban areas in China, which adds a unique twist to the whole search.

Commentary on The Constitution

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Many people stay in bad relationships because of societal pressure or a sense of duty, which can hold them back from finding better, healthier connections.
  2. When partying or dancing, a person's energy can affect the whole group's mood. Positive, relaxed vibes can make everyone feel safe and have fun.
  3. Predators tend to target those who seem weak or alone in social settings, so it's important to recognize your own strength and stay aware of your surroundings.

Rolling Stone etc

The Carousel • 14 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. A writer from Rolling Stone made a fair article about the LA scene, featuring some local artists. It shows that even mainstream media can highlight diverse voices.
  2. There are new videos that celebrate America, including creative projects and AI experiments. These videos add a modern twist to traditional celebrations.
  3. There are links to articles and media discussing reasons to appreciate America, especially around the Fourth of July. It encourages people to reflect on national pride.

From A Care-Less To A Care-Full Future

Creative Destruction • 26 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  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.

Can Australia Get Any Dumber?

Cosy Moments • 36 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Australia's universities are cutting language and humanities courses for financial reasons. This makes it harder for students to learn about different cultures.
  2. The Vice-Chancellor's past actions at other universities show a trend of prioritizing profit over education in languages and humanities. This raises concerns about the future of cultural diversity in academia.
  3. Celebrating cultural diversity while cutting language courses is hypocritical. This inconsistency highlights a broader issue of ignoring the value of diverse cultural and artistic expressions.

The Psychedelic Movement Today?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The psychedelic movement has seen a lot of interest and investment, but there are concerns about its direction. Despite many companies and research projects, some feel it's at an uncertain crossroads.
  2. Psychedelics are being normalized through scientific research aimed at showing their mental health benefits. This approach tries to fit psychedelics into a medical model for wider acceptance.
  3. Some important aspects of psychedelics, like their unpredictable effects and deeper cultural meanings, are being overlooked. The focus has shifted to more business-like interests and self-improvement, which may dilute the movement's original intentions.

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

The Octavian Report • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  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.

Expansion hack: Ejihon Detective Agency

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The game Ejihon Detective Agency can now be played as a standalone Saturn game, which wasn't the case before. This brings more accessibility for players who want to try it.
  2. There are unique demo discs called Game-Ware, which are more like magazines with game demos. They include mini-games and ads, making them more interactive than standard magazines.
  3. The Saturn versions of Ejihon support extra features, like multiplayer and karaoke modes. This makes playing the game with friends more fun compared to the original arcade version.

Oops!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. A missing video link was acknowledged and the link was added afterward.
  2. A profile image, a name, and a date appear with the post to show who is associated and when it was published.
  3. The page includes sharing and navigation elements like 'Share' and 'Previous/Next', indicating it's part of a web-post interface.

Moscow is like the Endless Horde of Chingis Khan - Vasily Ushakov, 1830

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 8 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. Moscow has a unique charm that reflects the vast landscapes of Russia, making it feel like a city that spread across a beautiful, endless plain.
  2. The city is known for its sprawling streets and welcoming atmosphere, where traveling from one part to another can feel like a small adventure.
  3. Moscow's streets and names carry historical significance, often echoing its past under Tatar rule, which adds to its rich cultural identity.

Washington, January 18-23

Gray Mirror • 23 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. The author is traveling to Washington and planning something significant while there. It's a bold move that they feel is crazy.
  2. There is a focus on rewarding subscribers, and the author encourages people to subscribe and check out their book.
  3. Recent podcasts featuring different guests are highlighted, inviting listeners to explore those discussions.

The Spirit of the Empire and the Manufacturing of Tyrant-Slaves

Tessa Fights Robots • 24 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts
  1. We are not slaves, but instead are loved and supported by our ancestors. It’s important to remember that we’re meant for joy, not just pain.
  2. The pain from our ancestors can lead people to suppress their true selves. Many parents, trying to protect their children, unintentionally continue this cycle by promoting fear of pursuing dreams.
  3. True freedom starts from within. We must choose not to engage with negative patterns in our lives and embrace our natural state of being free and joyful.