The 'Na Ponta dos Pes' ballet project, initiated by Tuany Nascimento in the Alemão favela complex in Rio de Janeiro, aims to provide a safe space for young girls to dance and study amidst the violence and poverty of their community. Despite the challenges, including a recent shootout that forced the temporary closure of the ballet school, Tuany remains determined to build a community center to offer a secure environment for her students. The project not only teaches dance but also instills discipline and hope, helping to break the cycle of hardship in the favelas.

Battersea Power Station in London has reopened after a £9 billion redevelopment, transforming the historic site into a mixed-use complex. Originally designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, the station now features residential, commercial, leisure, and office spaces. The renovation, led by WilkinsonEyre and supported by specialists like Lucas and ASWS, included restoring the iconic chimneys, adding natural light sources, and preserving the building's industrial character. The project aims to create a long-term legacy while maintaining the station's historical integrity.

Brazilian dancer Tuany Nascimento founded the Na Ponta dos Pés ballet school in Rio de Janeiro's Complexo do Alemão favela. Following the release of the documentary 'Ballet & Bullets: Dancing Out of the Favela,' a successful crowdfunding campaign raised funds to build a community center. The center, under construction, serves as a sanctuary amid increasing police violence sanctioned by right-wing authorities. Tuany and her students actively participate in the construction, symbolizing resistance and empowerment. The project is supported by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

Brazilian dancer Tuany Nascimento founded the Na Ponta dos Pés ballet school in Rio de Janeiro's Complexo do Alemão favela. Following the release of the documentary 'Ballet & Bullets: Dancing Out of the Favela,' a successful crowdfunding campaign raised funds to build a community center. The construction, seen as a symbol of resistance against police violence, is progressing with active participation from the community. The initiative underscores the power of community and cultural expression in challenging times.

The article explores how Manuel Liñán, a seasoned flamenco dancer and choreographer, challenges the conservative norms of flamenco culture by incorporating elements traditionally reserved for women. Through the documentary 'Flamenco Queer,' filmmakers Ana González and Frederick Bernas highlight Liñán's journey and his impact on the art form. Liñán's innovative approach and personal story reflect a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and adaptability in the arts.

The Grand, a new development project in Los Angeles designed by Frank Gehry, aims to revitalize the downtown area with its ambitious architectural features. The project includes a 45-story residential complex, the Conrad Hotel, and extensive retail and restaurant spaces. Key elements include an open plaza, underground parking, and a design that integrates with the surrounding environment. Despite construction challenges and delays due to the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, the project is set to open in July, marking a significant milestone for downtown LA's transformation.

In Mexico City's Santa Martha Acatitla prison, the hip-hop collective Fuera de Control won a battle-of-the-bands competition called Rolando Rolas, which aims to rehabilitate inmates through music. The event, inspired by Armando Vega-Gil and Laura Esquivel, provided a platform for prisoners to express hope and seek a better future. Despite the harsh realities of prison life, including gang control and overcrowding, the competition brought a moment of joy and a chance for inmates to spread positive messages through their music.

The first Antarctic Biennale, held from March 17 to 28, brought together artists and interdisciplinary thinkers aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, a polar research ship. The event aimed to explore the intersection of art and science, with notable works including Joaquín Fargas's 'Glaciator' robot, Tomás Saraceno's 'Aerocene' flying sculpture, and Paul Rosero Contreras's 'Arriba!' installation. The Biennale highlighted the impact of climate change on Antarctica and fostered international collaboration among participants from 20 countries. The works created during the expedition will be exhibited at the Venice Biennale and other museums worldwide.

Forensic Architecture, based at Goldsmiths University in London, uses spatial analysis and digital modeling to investigate human rights abuses. In 2022, they reported on violence against the Yanomami indigenous group and illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest under the Bolsonaro administration. Research coordinator Omar Ferwati discussed the Amazon project, explaining how architectural skills are repurposed to analyze crimes against humanity. The team used remote sensing to track deforestation and violence, linking it to Bolsonaro's policies. The article also touches on the importance of forensic investigations in the era of fake news and criticizes architect Bjarke Ingels for meeting with Bolsonaro.

The Noor Riyadh festival transformed Saudi Arabia's capital into an expansive gallery with over 120 installations from 100 artists. Curated by Hervé Mikaeloff, Dorothy Di Stefano, and Jumana Ghouth, the festival featured notable works like Charles Sandison's 'The Garden of Light' and Grimanesa Amorós's 'Amplexus.' Neville Wakefield emphasized the importance of engaging the local audience, while Mohammed Alhamdan's 'Walking Lights' provided an interactive experience. Monumental installations by Arne Quinze and Christopher Bauder also captivated visitors. The festival highlighted the evolving cultural landscape in Saudi Arabia, promoting public art as a way forward.

The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Saudi Arabia, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, was completed in 2017. The project leader, Fabian Hecker, described the campus's honeycomb grid structure and its environmental features, such as a system for diverting sand, a white façade made of glass fiber reinforced concrete, and energy-efficient elements like solar panels and a photovoltaic power station. The design's adaptability and response to the challenges of heat, light, and sand in the Riyadh plateau were highlighted. KAPSARC's sustainable construction practices earned it LEED platinum status, marking a first for a Zaha Hadid Architects project.

CopenHill in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a unique waste-to-energy plant that converts 400,000 tons of waste into clean energy while featuring a ski slope on its roof. Designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and landscaped by SLA, the facility integrates urban recreation with sustainable energy production. It includes a park, hiking trail, cafes, and the world's tallest climbing wall. The plant is designed to produce zero toxic emissions and features a vertical garden façade and a rooftop park, enhancing the urban ecosystem and minimizing environmental impact.

Copenhill in Copenhagen is an innovative urban hybrid combining a power plant with recreational facilities like a ski slope, hiking trails, and cafes. Designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and landscaped by SLA, the facility transforms city waste into energy for 100,000 homes while maintaining zero toxic emissions. The building features a vertical garden and a rooftop park, enhancing the urban ecosystem and providing public green space.

The article highlights seven hotels around the world where guests can unplug and unwind. These include Miraval Austin in Texas, Eastwind Hotel & Bar in New York, KAI Sengokuhara in Japan, Heckfield Place in Hampshire, Habitas in Tulum, Annandale in New Zealand, and The Casina in Tuscany. Each hotel offers unique amenities and settings designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, from luxurious spa treatments and scenic hikes to private villas and secluded beaches.

In Rio de Janeiro's Complexo do Alemão, Tuany Nascimento's Na Ponta dos Pés ballet project offers hope to young girls amidst the violence of drug trafficking and police raids. The article highlights the dangers faced by the community, exacerbated by Brazil's political climate under President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, known for his far-right views and support for authoritarian measures. Despite these challenges, the project aims to create a safe space for the dancers, with community support and a JustGiving campaign to build a dedicated center.

Sheffield Doc/Fest 2018 showcased a diverse range of cinematic experiences, including the innovative live performance 'Nature’s Nickelodeons' by Amy Cutler. The festival emphasized the importance of live cinema in attracting audiences to independent film venues amidst the rise of streaming services. Splice Festival, focusing on audiovisual performances, highlighted the growing recognition of VJs and the integration of visual storytelling with music. The convergence of film, music, and visual art is supported by organizations like Live Cinema UK and AVNode, fostering a vibrant community and expanding the boundaries of traditional cinema.

Argentina's Programa Siria, which grants humanitarian visas to Syrian refugees, has successfully helped individuals like Tony Kassab integrate into Argentine society. The program, supported by various organizations including UNHCR and the White Helmets, emphasizes language classes and volunteer assistance to aid refugees in adapting to their new environment. Argentina's approach, which includes community sponsorship and support from international bodies, serves as a model for global refugee resettlement efforts. The initiative aims to provide refugees with the same rights and opportunities as Argentines, fostering a sense of belonging and self-reliance.

Argentina's new visa rules under the 'Programa Siria' have facilitated the resettlement of Syrian refugees, with 320 Syrians currently living in the country. The program, which grants humanitarian visas to those affected by the Syrian conflict, has been praised for its innovative approach and community sponsorship model. Key figures like Tony Kassab have successfully integrated into Argentine society, thanks to support from family sponsors and local volunteers. The initiative, supported by UNHCR and other international organizations, aims to provide refugees with the same rights and opportunities as Argentines, and serves as a model for global refugee resettlement efforts.

The first Antarctic Biennale, held from March 17 to 28, brought together artists and interdisciplinary thinkers aboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, a polar research ship. The event aimed to explore the intersection of art and science, featuring innovative installations like Joaquín Fargas's Glaciator robot, Tomás Saraceno's Aerocene sculpture, and Paul Rosero Contreras's Arriba! installation. The Biennale highlighted the impact of climate change on Antarctica and fostered international collaboration among participants from 20 countries. Works from the expedition will be exhibited at the Venice Biennale and other museums worldwide.

Inmates at Punta de Rieles, a progressive open prison near Montevideo, Uruguay, engage in various entrepreneurial activities, including carpentry, brick-making, and running shops. The prison aims to mimic the outside world to ease inmates' transition back to society. With a focus on rehabilitation, the prison supports inmate-run businesses and offers micro-credit loans. The prison's director, Luis Parodi, emphasizes creating a humane environment to reduce re-offending rates. Despite Uruguay's overall prison system facing criticism for poor conditions, Punta de Rieles stands out as a model for reform.

London's audiophile music fans are experiencing a resurgence in vinyl music culture, with venues like Spiritland, Brilliant Corners, and Gearbox Records leading the way in providing high-quality sound systems for deep listening experiences. These spaces are countering the trend of low-quality digital music consumption and are becoming social hubs for music enthusiasts. Events like Classic Album Sundays offer immersive, distraction-free listening sessions, while Gearbox Records combines vinyl releases with analogue recording techniques. The movement is influenced by David Mancuso's philosophy of deep listening and is supported by a significant increase in vinyl sales.

Argentina, traditionally a nation that celebrates immigration, has experienced a significant policy shift with President Mauricio Macri issuing a decree that makes it easier to deport immigrants and restrict their entry, citing crime concerns. This move, which closely follows similar immigration restrictions by the Trump administration, has sparked a heated debate and drawn comparisons to President Trump's 'America First' approach. The decree has alarmed immigrants like Arfang Diedhiou, a Senegalese immigrant and business owner in Buenos Aires.

In London, listening clubs like Spiritland and Lucky Cloud prioritize high-quality audio experiences, inspired by David Mancuso's 1970s New York parties. Spiritland, led by Paul Noble, features a state-of-the-art sound system designed by Living Voice, valued at nearly half a million dollars, aiming to emotionally connect listeners to music.

Daniel Lofredo Rota discovered a significant archive of master tapes from the Caife record company, founded by his grandfather Carlos Rota, while clearing out his grandfather's apartment in Quito, Ecuador. The tapes, preserved for 45 years, represent a crucial part of Ecuador's musical history. Lofredo Rota is committed to digitizing and sharing this cultural treasure.

Hugo Suarez Fiat, a lawyer and mechanic, discovered two 1930s cinema projectors in 2003, sparking his passion for collecting cinema artifacts. This led to the creation of Caliwood, Colombia's first cinematography museum in Cali, which opened in 2008. The museum houses over 600 exhibits, including vintage projectors, posters, and a mini cinema. It pays tribute to local filmmakers like Andres Caicedo and features unique items such as a Yashica Super 600 camera and a Multilith Cameragraph 1450. Suarez, assisted by projectionist Santiago Cardenas, continues to expand the collection, driven by their shared love for cinema.

The article discusses the aftermath of the Time Warp festival in Buenos Aires, where five people died from drug use, leading to a temporary ban on electronic music events. The ban, initiated by city judge Roberto Gallardo, faced opposition from various stakeholders, including the mayor and nightclub owners. The article highlights issues of corruption, inadequate safety measures, and the impact on Buenos Aires' vibrant electronic music scene. It also covers the broader implications for the city's nightlife and the ongoing judicial and political battles surrounding the regulation of such events.

Argentina's pro-business administration under President Mauricio Macri will cease funding Telesur, a regional television network initiated by Venezuela in 2005, due to concerns over lack of pluralism and exclusion from financial decisions. Telesur, supported by several leftist governments, was created by former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez to provide a socialist counter-narrative to mainstream media. Relations between Argentina and Venezuela have soured since Macri's center-right government took office, contrasting with the strong ties maintained by his predecessor, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

In Rio de Janeiro's Morro do Adeus favela, the 'Na Ponta dos Pés' ballet project, founded by Tuany Nascimento, offers young girls a chance to escape the cycle of crime and violence through dance. Despite the challenges posed by the area's history of narco-trafficking and the controversial Police Pacification Unit's presence, the project provides discipline, focus, and hope. With a recent grant, Nascimento plans to build a new community center to further support the children's development and aspirations.

In Argentina, a fictitious African-Argentine candidate named Omar Obaca, created by advertising company NAH! Contenidos, has become an internet sensation, drawing over seven million views for satirizing Argentine and American politics. The character has sparked debate over racial portrayals in a society with European ties. While some African-Argentines see it as a positive representation, activists criticize it for perpetuating stereotypes. The campaign's timing coincides with the end of 12 years of Kirchnerism, as the country anticipates national elections with Daniel Scioli as the front-runner, endorsed by the outgoing president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

In Argentina, a fictitious African-Argentine candidate named Omar Obaca, created by advertising company NAH! Contenidos, has become an internet sensation with over seven million views for satirizing Argentine and American politics. The character, which draws parallels with President Obama, has sparked debate over racial portrayals in a society that values its European ties. The satirical campaign includes absurd policy proposals and comments on the use of racial identity in political marketing.

Inmates at the Unidad 31 women's penitentiary in Buenos Aires are participating in photography workshops facilitated by YoNoFui, a social organization that provides support and education. The workshops teach life skills and offer self-expression through pinhole photography, a process that encourages a more critical and thoughtful approach to image-making. The project, founded by Maria Medrano, also includes courses in poetry, journalism, and other crafts, aiming to support women during and after their incarceration. An exhibition of the photos is set to open at the Haroldo Conti memorial cultural centre in Buenos Aires, and the project's work is also featured in the online book 'Luz en la Piel'.

In the Unidad 31 women's penitentiary outside Buenos Aires, inmates participate in photography workshops facilitated by YoNoFui, a social organization that provides support and education. The workshops teach life skills and offer self-expression through pinhole photography, a process that encourages a more critical and reflective approach to image-making. The photos, characterized by surreal blurriness, depict various aspects of prison life and convey the solitude and reality of the inmates' experiences. YoNoFui, founded by Maria Medrano, also offers courses in other disciplines and aims to be self-financed through the sale of goods produced in workshops. An exhibition of the photos will open on 18 July 2015 at the Haroldo Conti memorial cultural centre, and the project is also featured in the online book 'Luz en la Piel'.

Over a year after Uruguay legalized marijuana sales, the market still faces challenges with an underfunded and understaffed regulatory body, IRCCA, and continued police harassment of growers. The pharmacy sales plan is behind schedule, with skepticism among users about purchasing marijuana from pharmacies. Despite these issues, the street trade in low-grade weed has decreased, and a government tender for supplying pharmacies is nearing completion. The National Drugs Council is working on educating law enforcement about the legalization law.

In Mexico City, inmates at the Reclusorio Oriente penitentiary participate in 'La Voz Penitenciaría,' a national singing competition aimed at reintegrating prisoners into society through the arts. The event, organized by Mexico’s federal prison service, is in its third year and includes participants from 26 states. Inmates share personal stories of how music and cultural activities help them cope with prison life and work towards rehabilitation. The article also discusses the overcrowded conditions in Mexican prisons and the potential impact of upcoming legal reforms on the justice system.

Rio de Janeiro, celebrating its 450th anniversary, is portrayed as a city divided between the affluent areas and the impoverished favelas. The article recounts the city's history from its founding to the present day, highlighting the stark social and economic disparities. It discusses the lavish celebrations by city officials contrasted with the struggles of the favela residents. The preparations for the 2016 Olympics and the World Cup are shown as exacerbating these divisions. The article also delves into the city's dark history of slavery and its lasting impact on society. It concludes with accounts of ongoing violence and the efforts of community projects to provide alternatives to crime and poverty for the youth.

Rio de Janeiro, celebrating its 450th anniversary, remains starkly divided between affluent areas and impoverished favelas. The city's history, from its colonial past to modern-day challenges, highlights ongoing social inequality and systemic issues. Celebrations are juxtaposed with criticism of government corruption, economic decline, and inadequate social policies. The article features personal stories from residents, historical insights, and commentary on the impact of major events like the Olympics and World Cup on the city's socio-economic landscape.

Chile's northern region, with its ideal conditions for stargazing, is becoming a global hub for astronomical research and astro-tourism. Major projects like the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) are set to revolutionize space observation. The country is also advancing in informatics and instrument production, with significant contributions from local universities and international collaborations. However, light pollution from mining and urban development poses a threat to the pristine skies. Government efforts to regulate light emissions are ongoing but face practical challenges.

Tens of thousands of Argentines marched in Buenos Aires to honor Alberto Nisman, the prosecutor whose death has intensified scrutiny of President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's administration. The silent march, organized by prosecutors and attended by opposition figures and Nisman's former wife, reflected widespread discontent with the government's handling of the investigation into Nisman's death and the broader crisis stemming from his accusations against the president. Demonstrators called for justice and expressed frustration with perceived government interference.

The mysterious death of Alberto Nisman, a prosecutor who accused President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of conspiring with Iran to cover up a bombing, has led to widespread speculation in Argentina. Theories range from government involvement to international espionage, reflecting the nation's deep obsession with the case. Public discourse is dominated by fear and uncertainty, with even psychotherapists noting the pervasive anxiety among their clients.

The ex-wife of Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman revealed that she received a magazine with a photo of Nisman marked with a bullet hole the day before his death. Nisman, who was investigating a 1994 bombing and was set to accuse President Cristina Kirchner of a cover-up, was found dead the next day. The case has sparked a political scandal, with revelations of a draft warrant for Kirchner's arrest and allegations of government interference. The situation has highlighted tensions between the Kirchner administration and the media, as well as concerns about the relationship between the executive and judiciary in Argentina.

In northern Argentina, Virginia Bauso is promoting solar energy to combat poverty and climate change. Her innovative technologies, like a solar-powered cooking kiosk, have transformed rural communities, making them nearly 100% solar-functional. The film 'Seizing Solar Power' documents the impact of solar energy on agriculture, education, health, and business, contrasting it with isolated communities yet to adopt these tools. Bauso's work represents a grassroots revolution towards energy independence, highlighting the potential of solar power in remote areas.

The Rivers of Europe (RIVE) project, a cultural initiative aimed at promoting integration through art, music, and dance, traveled along the Danube River from Linz, Austria, to Ruse, Bulgaria. Organized by Pro Progressione and supported by a European Union grant, the project featured a floating exhibition and performance space with international artists. The initiative highlighted the multicultural nature of the Danube, with performances and workshops held in 18 locations. Key figures include Barna Petranyi, who spearheaded the project, and Elena Martino, an Italian dancer who participated in the performances.