Arts6 days agoItaly's strangest art town gets a second chanceOnce dismissed as a failed postmodern utopia, the Sicilian town of Gibellina is being transformed as Italy's first Capital of Contemporary Art – and inviting travellers to see it anew.6 days ago7 Jan 2026The 40 most exciting books coming up in 2026From big-name authors Colson Whitehead, George Saunders and Maggie O'Farrell to debuts and non-fiction, these are the titles you'll want to add to your reading pile this year.7 Jan 202624 Dec 2025The Salt Path and 2025's most scandalous booksIn 2025, personal stories proved popular and powerful – but several controversies raised questions about the future of the memoir genre.24 Dec 202521 Dec 2025The ancient monuments saluting the winter solsticeDozens of mysterious structures across the Northern Hemisphere – some nearly 5,000 years old – align precisely to frame the rising and setting Sun on midwinter's shortest day.21 Dec 202512 Dec 2025The 25 best books of 2025From a "richly atmospheric" novella to a "virtuosic" debut – this is the very best fiction of the year, as chosen by BBC journalists.12 Dec 20256 Dec 2025Seven of the greatest rivalries in art historyThere is an art to rivalry. Mastering its rules has, since ancient times, shaped cultural history over millennia.6 Dec 20253 Dec 2025The 'It Girl' style wars of Renaissance ItalyMore than five centuries ago, a small number of style icons used flamboyant, luxurious looks to give them influence and power during a turbulent period of Italian history.3 Dec 202529 Nov 2025This Indigenous winter scene is not what it seemsSatirical artist Wendy Red Star is debunking myths and upending cliches about First Nation and Native people. Now two exhibitions are featuring her work.29 Nov 202521 Nov 2025The 400-year mystery of Shakespeare's wife and sonOscar-tipped new film Hamnet imagines the home life of William and Agnes Shakespeare – and the "soul-crushing" loss of their child. It's a powerful story that fills in many blanks.21 Nov 2025...