No. 48 – Artistic

places, in the literal sense of the word, are places full to overflowing with works of artistic interest and the culture of creativity. Places where human accomplishment in art is particularly celebrated. Places we enter, with high expectations and, in the best-case scenario, leave with even more surprising thoughts, perspectives and inspiration. We are talking about the numerous concert halls, theatres, museums, studios and cultural centres spread across the whole globe which look as disparate as the cultural environment where they are located and which they represent. Art is a means of expressing a distinct culture and free thoughts, and like architecture, it is at once individual yet universal, and has been an innate human need since time immemorial. All over the world and in every epoch, people have used art, music, literature, images or performance to come to terms with their own being, their culture and their environment in sensory, spiritual or intellectual terms. Art offers people access to knowledge or happiness, it opens up experiences of grief or consolation and creates feelings of pleasure or community. Loosely based on Descartes: because of art, I think, empathise or doubt, therefore I am a human being among other humans. Art sharpens the senses, sensitises the intellect and can generate understanding, humanity and compassion beyond the bounds of a person’s own culture. Artistic places often create special, interpersonal bridges which few could have anticipated. Perhaps this explains why art and artistic centres are particularly endangered during crises and need to be protected and rebuilt repeatedly. All the more reason to celebrate these special, artistic places in this issue. We definitely need more of them!