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Arts

Colour illustration of witches and warlocks dancing in a ruined church (Credit: Getty Images)

Why this Robert Burns poem is a 'masterpiece'

On Burns Night this week – and 235 years after Tam O'Shanter was published – Scots everywhere may well be treated to a masterwork with a unique appeal.

A close up of Charlie Chaplin smiling and holding a flower in City Lights (Credit: Alamy)

The story behind cinema's greatest ever final shot

Charlie Chaplin's silent comedy, City Lights, is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made – and its final moments are key to its reputation.

An empty tiled piazza in Gibellina, Sicily, bordered by low stone walls and palm trees (Credit: Getty Images)

Inside Italy's forgotten art town

Sicily's forgotten town of Gibellina was envisioned as an art utopia. Four decades later, it's painting a new future as Italy's first Capital of Contemporary Art.

Feature

Black and white image of Agatha Christie smiling at the camera (Credit: Getty Images)

A rare interview with the elusive Agatha Christie

Her murder mysteries have captivated audiences for more than a century, but, 50 years after her death, she remains an enigma. A BBC profile from 1955 reveals some of her secrets. See more

Arts in Motion

In a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See more

Around the world

A Quiet Evening by Thomas Kinkade (Credit: The Kinkade Family Foundation)

The dark side of the US's most divisive painter

Beloved by many, despised by others, Thomas Kinkade's quaint rustic scenes and his wholesome image belied a tortured story that contrasts with his "sugary" artworks.

Triptych of JMW Turner, Self Portrait, John Constable by Ramsay Richard Reinagle and Artemisia's Judith Slaying Holofernes (Credit: Courtesy of Tate/ National Portrait Gallery London/ Getty Images)

Seven of the greatest rivalries in art history

There is an art to rivalry. Mastering its rules has, since ancient times, shaped cultural history over millennia.

An interior of a soft carpet, fluffy chairs and curtains in the shade of 'Cloud Dancer' (Credit: Pantone)

Eight paint colours that can transform your home

As Pantone announces its colour of 2026, here's more on the reasoning behind the choice – and what other trending shades can help you achieve greater domestic bliss.

Art history

The ancient monuments saluting the winter solstice

Dozens 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.

The 'It Girl' style wars of Renaissance Italy

The centuries-old origins of the witch's hat

How a Klimt became the most expensive modern artwork

What ancient women really thought about sex

Watch

A cheat's guide to... Impressionism

Everything you need to know about Impressionism but were too afraid to ask. See more

Classical music

Margot the dog listens attentively as a TV behind her can be seen playing a classical piece (Credit: Serenity Strull)

The music that keeps animals calm

You can find many different playlists for dogs and cats online. However, not all styles of music are effective.

Janet Leigh screaming in the shower in Psycho (Credit: Alamy)

How the Psycho music score changed film forever

Alfred Hitchcock's grisly horror might not have become a classic without composer Bernard Herrmann's disturbing score.

A view of the inside of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris with people seated inside the nave during a mass (Credit: Getty Images)

Does Notre-Dame still sound the same?

Performers and visitors to the famous gothic cathedral in the midst of the River Seine may find some subtle differences to the way sound bounces around its walls.

Anita Lasker-Wallfisch holding a photograph of herself when she was younger playing the cello (Credit: Getty Images)

How music saved a cellist's life in Auschwitz

After being sent to the Nazi death camp in 1943, Anita Lasker survived by playing in its women's orchestra. In 1996, she spoke to the BBC about her ordeal.

Tom Hulce and cast in a scene of Amadeus (Credit: Alamy)

The most misunderstood Oscar winner ever

Miloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.

Callas at 100: 'This is the stuff legends are made of'

A look back at operatic legend Maria Callas' life

Greek-American soprano Maria Callas, hailed as one of the greatest singers in operatic history, remains an icon for young performers today.

The show goes on for neurodivergent theatre group

The All Stars Theatre Company is also appealing for help after losing some technical support. 16 hrs ago 21 hrs ago

An art exhibition with two large pieces, one is a circle made from layers and layers of dozens of medication blister packs, the other, in the background is a multi-coloured textile work with the words 'Love the body you're in'

'Brutally honest' artworks explore depression

'Art Heals' is on display in Corsham until the end of February. 21 hrs ago 21 hrs ago

A view of blue paint swirls from Van Gogh's starry night

Immerse yourself in Van Gogh's work

World-first exhibition launched as Van Gogh's work comes alive at Winchester Science Centre. 21 hrs ago 21 hrs ago

A group of dancers, in a dance pose, all in lilac colours. Two are standing up and the rest are kneeling down on the floor, mostly with one arm raised above their heads.

Dancers praised for reaching World Cup finals

Some 27 pupils from a dance school in Northamptonshire will perform across 31 categories in Dublin. 21 hrs ago 1 day ago

The entrance to Trinity Market - an early 20th Century market hall building with an arched entrance and two matching windows. It is painted cream with red brick details. A round black clock face doubles as a sign with the letters "T M" printed on it. Another sign reads "Trinity Market". To the right, a large blue bell advertises the Blue Bell pub.

City market to become a contemporary art hub

Hull's Trinity Market will team up with Feral Art School for a year to stage art installations. 1 day ago 3 days ago

A woman with brown-red hair smiles into the camera. She is wearing a blue denim jacket covered in fabric patches and a black and white dress. She is sitting at a table with a sketch book. Decorative artwork and lamps are visible in the background.

New life for Victorian gentleman's club

The former Barbican Hotel is now home to creative and digital artists and businesses. 3 days ago 3 days ago

Belinda Downing is standing next to her artwork. She is wearing a grey jumper and is looking directly at the camera with her arms crossed.

Fine art student's work gets a national viewing

The University of Suffolk's Belinda Downing is one of 82 successful applicants from 4,000 entries. 3 days ago 3 days ago

A male actor is wearing Victorian nightgown performing as a character on stage with another male actor in a Victorian teacher's costume and a cane in his hand standing by a chalk board.

Theatre school launches course amid funding issues

The short foundation course opens a year after Bristol Old Vic suspended its undergraduate course. 3 days ago 3 days ago

Jaydon, a fifteen-year-old black ballet dancer, stretches at a studio barre, extending one leg onto the rail and reaching forward with an outstretched arm, while standing on a wooden floor beside a mirrored wall. He is wearing peach-coloured ballet shoes which are a bit grubby on the bottom, black leggings and a skin-tight white top.

'I barely see any ballet dancers that look like me'

Jaydon, who lives in Chandlers Ford, believes there is a shortage of black ballet dancers. 3 days ago ...

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