Southbank Centre Receives Grade II Listed Status
London's Southbank Centre has been awarded Grade II listed status by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, granting it statutory heritage protection. This designation covers key components of the complex, including the Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Purcell Room, and introduces strict consent controls for any alterations. The Southbank Centre is seeking £30 million from the government for infrastructure upgrades as it celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
South African Studio Launches Game on Artifact Reclamation
Nyamakop, a South African game studio, has launched _Relooted_, a video game that allows players to assume the role of vigilantes reclaiming looted African artifacts from Western museums. Set in a near-future Johannesburg, players control Nomali, who, frustrated by the recent actions of Western institutions to hide African collections, embarks on missions to recover real artifacts such as the Bangwa Queen and the Ngadji drum. The game highlights the ongoing issue of cultural heritage and restitution, with experts estimating that between 90 and 95 percent of African artifacts are held in Western institutions.
UK cultural groups condemn Serco for removing inmate artworks
UK cultural organizations have criticized Serco for removing artworks commissioned for court custody suites, arguing that this decision undermines rehabilitation efforts for detainees. The artworks, created by prisoners at HMP Doncaster, were intended to improve the environment of often stark and poorly lit court cells. A report indicated that while some Serco-operated courts initially displayed the artworks, they were subsequently taken down following instructions from Serco management.
