Visual Arts
China is bringing arts to the  booming middle class.  "This change reflects not just the growth of a demographic able to afford art but also a change in attitudes. ... Those who belong to the 'balinghou,' or post-'80s generation, are accustomed to spending hundreds of dollars on entertainment, holidays abroad and luxury purchases."
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-china-art-culture-20130602,0,5617663.story

Music

The USDA (That's Right, The USDA) Makes It Easier For Musicians To Carry Instruments On Planes "Since a major amendment to the century-old [Lacey Act] was passed in 2008, vintage instruments as well as newer ones made from old stockpiles of exotic woods have come under increased scrutiny by customs officials when musicians enter or re-enter the U.S. with those instruments." Los Angeles Times 06/01/13

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Theatre

Under Serious Threat, Belarus Free Theatre Performs In Secret (And In Exile) "Plays take place in private homes, street cafes and forests. The audience are told the venue only shortly beforehand, by text message, and sometimes assemble under a pretence, like a fake wedding." BBC 05/31/13

 

Dance

 The Ballets Russes' Invention Of Modernity "That freedom of movement -- the idea that movement comes from within the body and is expressed through the entire body, not just hands and feet, was very influential." NPR 05/30/13

 

Literature

William Demby, 90, Writer of Experimental Novels "Mr. Demby was interested in boundaries -- between people, and between the present and the past -- and he liked crossing them. His marriage in 1953 to an Italian actress and writer, Lucia Drudi, made news in Rome. (He spent many years writing English-language subtitles for films by Federico Fellini, Roberto Rossellini and other Italian directors.)" The New York Times