Culture briefing: Arts research and UK participation figures
Recent releases examine cultural engagement in England alongside research on artistic interventions in health care.
Culture
Art, film, theatre, ideas and the stories that shape how we live.
How Dragons Took Shape Across the Ancient World
From water deities in the East to hoarding beasts in Western folklore, draconic myths reflect humanity’s deepest natural fears and observations.
From Chaturanga to the Supercomputer: A History of Chess
Across fifteen centuries, an ancient Indian military simulation travelled across continents and adapted to new cultures before entering an era of digital dominance.
Vikings: separating myth from history
Archaeology and early texts reveal Norse societies defined by intricate trade, statecraft and seamanship rather than the opera-born image of horned marauders.
From Earth to Stone: The Rapid Evolution of Medieval Castles
Born of feudal fragmentation, castles shifted from quick timber mottes into layered stone fortresses before gunpowder rendered them obsolete.
Culture briefing: NEA Big Read and Philadelphia meeting
The National Endowment for the Arts announced a sports reading programme and scheduled a public meeting in Pennsylvania.