Manchester International Festival announces new creative director

Pete Davidson has rejoined Instagram! The 28-year-old comedian returned to the popular social media platform on Feb. 16. The Saturday Night Live star made the big comeback amid the latest drama he’s been facing from girlfriend Kim Kardashian‘s ex, Kanye West.

Britney Spears may be channeling Elle Woods in the future as she has been invited to testify in front of Congress. While the 40-year-old uses posts light-hearted videos of her dancing, she opened up about a much more serious matter on Instagram on Wednesday, Feb. 16. She shared a letter she had received from Congress members Charlie Crist and Eric Swalwell in December inviting her to speak out on her conservatorship and how she broke free from it.

Cynthia Littleton Business EditorWarner Bros. has asserted that it still rules Middle-earth when it comes to film rights to “The Lord of the Rings.”The studio has publicly stated its control over film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy trilogy amid rumblings in the industry that a clutch of “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” rights are being shopped by longtime owner, the Saul Zaentz Co.The Zaentz Co.

Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley have broken up and the former A-list pair are calling off their engagement, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. The three-time most valuable player of the NFL, 38, and the actress, 30, were engaged for just over a year before reports circulated that the two had called it quits. "It was an amicable split; it just wasn't working," a source told People magazine.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is finally here. «We're so excited,» leading lady Rachel Brosnahan told ET's Rachel Smith in January of the series' long-awaited return. «I just hope that we are able to capture even a little bit of how it felt for us to come back after so long away.

A new boutique three-day camping festival has announced the first wave of artists for its debut at Scone Palace.

Pat Saperstein Deputy EditorLongtime film distribution executive Melvin “Duffy” Stanley Maron died Jan. 13 in Atlanta.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans EditorThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the launch of the new interview series, “Seen.” Nick Barili, an Argentinean-American journalist, director, writer and producer, sits down for one-on-one conversations with some of the most influential artists and filmmakers with Latin-American and Spanish roots. The first season of the web series will include Academy members John Leguizamo, Eva Longoria and Oscar-nominee Edward James Olmos (“Stand and Deliver”), as they discuss their personal journeys, culture and breaking down barriers in filmmaking.Leguizamo will lead the first episode as he explores his beloved New York City and maneuvering through the industry over his long career, also covering the topics of colorism and tokenism.

Residents in Westhoughton are to be included in plans for a piece of ‘public art’ at a controversial new housing estate.

serious attempts on Thanksgiving to save his marriage with Kim Kardashian, and the next minute he's doing photoshoots on first dates with Julia Fox. Interestingly, their romance has appeared to take things up a notch, as the actress is "packing up" her old life to be with Ye. And of course, this is all happening in tandem Kardashian’s supposed relationship with SNL alum Pete Davidson getting serious.

Rangnick's magic touch

Judy Murray OBE and the team behind her ITV show encouraging girls into sport visited Manchester as part of its mission to encourage girls into sport.

After huge success on its first outing in 2020, HOME’s biennial Manchester Open Exhibition is back and bigger than before.

Robbie Williams is set to auction off three pieces of artwork created by Banksy, valued at over £10million.The three iconic pieces include Kissing Coppers, Banksy’s iconic portrayal of two British policemen in a passionate embrace, Vandalised Oils (Choppers) and Girl With Balloon.“I believe they are some of his best paintings and I love how closely linked they are to the street pieces. As a collector of Banksy’s work, you become part of a broader cultural movement,” said Williams.The artworks will be sold March 2 as part of Sotheby’s The Now Evening Auction.

EXCLUSIVE: Jane Campion will have some new hardware on her mantel come March. The Power of the Dog writer-director and Oscar-winning The Piano scribe is set to receive the Art Directors Guild’s 2022 Cinematic Imagery Award.

The dad of a convicted rapist took to Facebook to launch into a rant after his son was found guilty.

An historic cotton warehouse has been utterly transformed to become the new design-led Leven Hotel in Manchester boasting stunning views of the city from its 42 boutique bedrooms.

Edinburgh has beaten Glasgow and Aberdeen to be named the trendiest Scottish city.

A student who described himself as a 'sex god' has been found guilty of raping two women and sexually assaulting another.

coronavirus pandemic.The relief fund will now cover additional unforeseeable events, including natural disasters, “the lasting effects of COVID-19”, and potential future pandemics.“These venues and promoters contribute in immeasurable ways to the vibrancy of the nation’s diverse communities and economy,” said Lisa Gedgaudas, co-chair of the NIVF ERF committee and program manager, Cultural Affairs Arts & Venues with the city of Denver.“While NIVF’s ERF is limited in resources compared to the federal funding we have seen, it is our social responsibility to have this program in place to help represent our independent contributors that are hardest hit and facing severe and catastrophic emergencies beyond their control.The National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), a 501(c)(3) organization, would like to announce the relaunch of its Emergency Relief Fund. pic.twitter.com/lPq8IHuN4B— NIVA | #SaveOurStages (@nivassoc) January 20, 2022“From pandemics to fire and floods, the new evolution of the ERF program stands in preparation for a stronger recovery in the face of various climate emergencies that may continue to impact independent venues in our communities over time.”The ERF has awarded a total of $3,170,000 to entities in 40 states, made up of $2,800,000 to 148 independent venues and $370,000 to 18 independent promoters, using funds sources from thousands of individuals around the country as well as corporate and institutional partners.More detailed information about the fund, including a link for those that wish to apply or donate, can be found at the NIVF’s Emergency Relief Fund website.

John Hopewell Chief International CorrespondentNew York-based Visit Films has swooped on world sales rights to “Robe of Gems” (“Manto de Gemas”) which will world premiere in main competition at next’s month’s Berlinale.Produced by some of the best known producers on the art film and crossover scene in Mexico and Argentina, “Robe of Gems” marks the directorial debut feature of  Natalia López Gallardo who has edited some of the most acclaimed and challenging films coming out of Latin America in the last decade, such as Lisandro Alonso’s “Jauja,” starring Viggo Mortensen,  and Carlos Reygadas’ “Post Tenebras Lux” and Amat Escalante’s “Heli,” the latter two both best director award winners at the Cannes Festival.

DC Films/Warner Bros. sent out a Bat signal today, releasing two new posters to tout the March release of the latest film version of the Caped Crusader.

Advocates for the creative economy — from the head of a performing arts center to a venue owner, an actor and an Actors’ Equity exec — lobbied Congress today to shore up the industry before it’s too late amid an ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Andre Leon Talley, a beloved figure in the fashion world has reportedly died at age 73, according to TMZ. The former creative director for Vogue, judge on America’s Next Top Model, and singular voice in fashion was a true force to be reckoned with in the industry, pushing boundaries and always bringing a certain joie de vivre to his work.

The Long Blondes features in Kate Jackson’s new art installation.The installation, which is taking place at Leicester’s LCB Depot, is called ‘Built For Sound’ and features a new loop sound by the band.It was recored by Paul Mazzitelli at R10 Leicester and is the group’s first new work since they broke up back in 2008.Speaking about the project, Jackson, who was the group’s front woman, said: “I first had the idea for Built For Sound during the second lockdown. We spent a lot of time at home watching old reruns of Top of The Pops and I became fascinated with the architectural stage sets and neon lights built slightly differently for each episode.“I kept thinking about the stage without performers and how abstract these sets would seem, like works of art in themselves.”“At the time there were of course no live performances happening anywhere and I had a lot of friends (musicians, crew, agents and promoters) who were out of work and struggling because of the pandemic,” Jackson continued.“As we didn’t know when live performance would return, this is a space built in a gallery for filmed performance rather than live performances.

The NEP Group announced today the appointment of entertainment industry veteran Barbara Ford Grant to President of its newly formed NEP Prysm Stages business unit. 

Jenny Hval has shared a new single from her new album today (January 18). Listen to ‘Year Of Love’ below.The single follows on from the album’s first single release, ‘Jupiter’. Hval’s new album, ‘Classic Objects’, will be released on March 11. You can pre-order the album here.Speaking about the Paul Simon-inspired new single, Hval said it was inspired by a true story of a marriage proposal that happened in front of her while she was performing.She explained: “For me, this experience was very troubling.

The Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA), which celebrates excellence in the art of Set Decoration for Film, announced its nominees. The Decor/Design categories are highlighting feature-length films of the 2021 season, which were  voted  on by the members of the SDSA.

One of the UK's foremost business experts, Lord Myners, has passed away at the age of 73.

EXCLUSIVE: The Hopper Art Trust has signed a partnership with the Louder Than Pop arts and entertainment company to create “Dennis Hopper: Widescreen,” a digital immersive experience that will tour eight cities next year, starting in Los Angeles.

A renowned artist from Ayr will help promote Dumfries House's prestigious art collection after landing a new role.

EXCLUSIVE: Deadline has the first trailer and teaser scene from Patrick Longstreth’s documentary Iron Family, which is set to make its world premiere at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival.