Oxcars 2009 - Free Culture for Everyone!
Oct 29th, 2009 by apartmentblogger
Internet has changed the world. We download music, post videos on youtube and read e-books online. Unfortunately, royalty management organisations and cultural lobbies are threatening this form of cultural exchange, “in the name of the artists”. But now, the artists say NO. Culture shouldn’t have a price, everybody needs to be able to have access to information, and nobody should hold a monopoly. Ladies and gentlemen, for the second year running, Barcelona proudly presents: The Oxcars 2009.
Starting from 29th October, Barcelona will become the world capital of shared and free culture for an entire week. The Sala Apollo will be the venue for this extraordinary event, with an award ceremony and all kinds of events. Let’s take a look to see what’s on the program.
Who doesn’t know film directors Ridley Scott (Bladerunner, Alien) and Tony Scott (Topgun, Beverly Hills cop)? Together with independent studio A8 they created the project Purefold, short episodes to which everybody has free access. But of course there will also be attention paid to the smaller fish. Do you know Malviviendo? No? These 4 youngsters couldn’t find a decent job after their studies. And instead of settling for less, they decided to realise their own series with a budget of 40 euro per episode. And let me tell you a secret: This year, ‘Malviviendo’ wins the oxcar in the category ‘Unforgettable series’!
Even literature is represented. Alberto Vázquez-Figueroa, a Spanish writer from Tenerife, will present his novels from now on in 3 formats. A fancy hardcover edition, a paperback, which will be cheaper, and a free version that you can download on internet. This shows a very positive signal towards the idea of free culture, if you ask us; this deserves an Oxcar!
Of course there’s also music! The Original Jazz Orchestra worked together with some local composers to create a more personal style. But don’t worry, that will not exclude the traditional bigband performances such as Duke Ellington.
Another highlight is the special tribute that will be paid to Merce Cunningham (1919 – 2009), a dancer and choreographer from the United States. Everybody is invited to use or reproduce his project ‘Loops’ in other works, which made him a pioneer for the good cause.
Support this philosophy of a free culture for everyone and stand up for your rights. Join us at the Oxcars awards 2009, or participate in the forums that will be organized the week after. A perfect excuse for a trip to Spain, and to get the most out of your holiday, rent the best Apartments in Barcelona.
One of the symbols in this world that is irrevocably connected with royalty and wealth is the fabulous Château de Versailles near Paris. Under its former inhabitants are Louis XIV (The Sun King), the marquis de Lafayette and Marie-Antoinette. Come explore this place where history lingers in every small corner.
Louis XIII acquired the place in the 17th century, and it became the home of the royal family. After the French Revolution, their furniture and art collection was confiscated and the palace turned into a museum. Over the next centuries the purpose of Versailles changed various times, nowadays it is a museum but still serves some political functions.
There are about 700 rooms and more then 2000 windows in the Palace of Versailles. That doesn’t include the enormous gardens, the Estate of Marie Antoinette, the Grand Canal and the Swiss lake. Altogether, you’ll need a full day to see it all. Most famous is the Hall of Mirrors, which was used every day by Louis XIV to walk from his bedroom to the chapel. It was here that the treaty was signed that ended World War I and the room is still used for official receptions and visits. Put on your sunglasses before entering in the Queen’s Chamber or the amount of shining gold will blind you. On the left of the bed, there is the hidden door (which is pretty hard to find thanks to all that excessive decoration) through which Marie Antoinette escaped after rioters invaded the palace.
The laying out of the gardens should have been an enormous work, since all this area used to be forest. Take a map before you go since it’s about 800 ha. Most enchanting are the groves, especially the Rocaille Grove. The water pours down in a cascade, over shells that came from the coasts of Africa. Under Louis XIV it was used as an open-air ballroom.
The Estate of Marie- Antoinette reveals her private life. Here, she lived how she wanted and visitors were only allowed upon invitation. Except for the majestic marble staircase, the interior is rather sober.
From 20th of October until 7th of February there is a special exhibition about Louis XIV, with the purpose of discovering the man behind the myth. We remember him as the Sun King, and this exhibition brings together works appreciated by the king (Paintings, jewellery, sculpture…) in an attempt to discover more about his personality. He was an enthusiastic lover of art and this temporary exhibition is the first in its kind.
Are you fascinated by the tragic life of Marie-Antoinette? Would you like to stroll through the impressive halls and rooms, the same ones where the royals used to walk? Visit Versailles on your trip to Trip to Paris, and where better to stay then in your own little palace? Book the best Apartments in Paris and enjoy a royal stay.
