ArtsHow a 1990s Swan Lake changed dance foreverCelebrating the 30th anniversary of his legendary stage production, Matthew Bourne tells the BBC about the show that radically changed ballet with one "big idea".Colourful life of 100-year-old artist who's never used a paint brushShe will shortly turn 101 but still paints in her studio at her Swansea home every day.15 Dec 2024WalesArtists imagine a new utopia for Kenya's capitalCreatives in Nairobi unleash their imaginations in an effort to inspire a new future for the city.30 Nov 2024Africa Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See morePerforming artsEwan McGregor takes on first UK theatre role in 17 yearsThe star will appear in My Master Builder in London's West End next year.See moreWatchHow the surreal 'Dali Atomicus' was capturedIn 1948 a famous artist and an innovative portrait photographer attempted to create something unbelievable.See moreEditor's picksThe hidden meanings in a 16th-Century nude sketchHow a rarely-seen drawing of the Three Graces by Raphael reveals the era's ideas about nudity, modesty, shame – and the artist's genius.20 Nov 2024CultureThis iconic English painting is not what it seemsJohn Constable's The Hay Wain presents a bucolic view of England – but there's a dark side to the idealised rural image.10 May 2024CultureWhy urban sketching retreats are taking offMany travellers snap pictures during their trips, but others find that slowing down to illustrate a place helps them appreciate it in a more meaningful way.21 Nov 2024TravelArt in ColoursThe rare blue the Maya inventedThe colour survives in the work of 17th Century Spanish colonial painters, a symbol of the wealth that ultimately doomed the Maya, writes Devon Van Houten Maldonado.The colour that means life and death23 Jul 2018CultureThe shady past of the colour pink19 Apr 2018CultureThe colour that comes from volcanoes27 Feb 2018CultureThe painting that revolutionised colour15 Feb 2018CultureThe insect that painted Europe red2 Feb 2018CultureTake me to the operaThe legendary soprano making a differenceDame Kiri Te Kanawa has enjoyed one of the longest careers in operatic history.See moreClassical musicThe most misunderstood Oscar winner everReleased 40 years ago this month, Miloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.28 Sep 2024CultureMysterious musical instrument disappearancesFrom a 17th-Century Italian violin stolen from Japan to Drake's lost Blackberry in Mexico, here are musical lost and found mysteries that rival Sir Paul McCartney's.19 Feb 2024CultureHow opera is aiming for net zeroMany opera companies are working towards full sustainability, and Glyndebourne is among those aiming to be a force for good, according to a new documentary.7 Aug 2023CultureHow opera can be 'open to everyone'Is the world of opera becoming more inclusive? A new documentary, featuring conductor Antonio Pappano, explores the mission to open up the art form to everyone.31 Jul 2023CultureThe nation that is the 'land of song'Opera star Bryn Terfel emerged from an extraordinary cultural heritage and a nation renowned for its love of singing. "It's the air that we breathe," he explains in a new documentary.8 Jun 2023CultureGen Z's latest surprising obsessionA radical new wave of artists are sweeping the previously elite world of classical music – with a little help from fashion. Daisy Woodward explores how classical got cool.14 Jan 2023CultureMore stories16 hrs agoBringing CS Lewis's magic to the heart of east BelfastThe play will be performed in a church just a few miles from where the Narnia author grew up.16 hrs agoNorthern Ireland17 hrs agoIs this the tallest panto dame of them all? At 6ft 6in (1.98m) Alex Forman believes he is the tallest panto dame in the UK. 17 hrs agoEngland2 days agoDown's syndrome dance class celebrates anniversaryThe classes in Kent offer bespoke sessions designed for young adults with Down’s syndrome.2 days agoKent3 days agoThe 'extraordinary' Tudor ceiling hidden in towerThe painted ceiling is a "rare survival" due to how well it is preserved.3 days agoCumbria3 days ago44 crates - lost for decades - were unsealed. Inside was a fair dreamed up by art legendsCarnival attractions created by artists Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat and David Hockney are now on display in New York.3 days agoCulture5 days ago'Panto hasn't been my social life for 70 years? Oh yes it has'Ninety-year-old Pat Milton has been taking part in pantomimes since 1954.5 days agoHereford & Worcester5 days agoTroupes take to the streets for 195-year-old playPerformances of traditional folk play The White Boys take place in streets across the Isle of Man.5 days agoIsle of Man5 days agoCan you remember these 2024 culture moments?Beyoncé's award snub, Zendaya's method dressing, and an unfortunate payslip mix-up between actors - these are the year's most memorable moments.5 days agoCulture6 days ago12 of the most striking images of 2024From the awe-inspiring photo of a surfer in Tahiti to the iconic shot of US President-elect Trump after an assassination attempt, these are our picks for the most eye-catching images of the year.6 days agoCulture