Arts & Culture
Here we cover the latest and most uplifting exhibitions, creative movements, and imaginative design to keep you inspired throughout your day.
Belfast venues unite to eliminate single-use plastic cups
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Belfast is making history as the first city in Ireland and the UK to commit to eliminating single-use plastic cups in entertainment venues. This city-wide initiative, led by the Venue Sustainability Forum and supported by Visit Belfast, will see major and Read More...
Fearless hearts: more than 50 Taylor Swift songs are perfect for life-saving CPR
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a remarkable marriage of pop culture and medical science, Monash University's Victorian Heart Institute researchers revealed that over 50 Taylor Swift songs have the perfect beats per minute (bpm) for efficient chest compressions during CPR. This Fearless Read More...
Scientists document the secret language of sperm whales
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Sperm whales, the majestic titans of the ocean, have long captivated researchers with their complex vocalizations. Recent research revealed a stunning discovery: these marine creatures have a sophisticated communication system, similar to a "phonetic Read More...
Restitution of Asante Kingdom treasures: US museum returns stolen artifacts after 150 years
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a historic event, the Asante kingdom of Ghana welcomed the return of seven royal treasures seized by British colonial forces 150 years ago and kept at the Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles since the 1960s. This is a significant Read More...
Helping young people of color navigate the music industry with Carnegie Hall's The B-Side
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the iconic setting of Carnegie Hall, a remarkable initiative is taking shape, one that seeks to bridge the stark gap between the industry's diverse musical talent and its predominantly white leadership. The B-Side, a program specifically developed to Read More...
Are holiday tunes good for your health? Here’s what science says
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Love it or hate it, Christmas music is an inescapable part of the holiday season. For some, it’s a source of nostalgia and joy, while for others, hearing Jingle Bells for the hundredth time feels more like a test of patience. But what does science say about Read More...
New Jersey takes a stand: a landmark law against book bans in libraries
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New Jersey is making news as the latest state to prohibit book restrictions in public and school libraries. Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation on Monday, December 9Â that prohibits censorship while also protecting libraries from legal and criminal Read More...
Turning grief into hope with a video game that helps children cope with loss
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Children and young people are finding consolation for their deepest wounds in the most unlikely of places: a virtual island surrounded by tranquil digital seas. Apart of Me is a video game meant to help young people manage grief and is quietly changing how we Read More...
California introduces groundbreaking Southeast Asian curriculum in schools
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM California launched the nation's first Southeast Asian Studies Model Curriculum, allowing students to learn about the rich histories and accomplishments of Hmong, Vietnamese, and Cambodian Americans. While the lessons are not required, K-12 instructors Read More...
London Fashion Week will banish exotic animal skins by 2025
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM London Fashion Week established itself as a leader among the "big four" fashion weeks by becoming the first to prohibit the use of exotic animal skins. Beginning in 2025, designers exhibiting their collections on London's runways will be required to exclude Read More...