Cultural Freedom Under Pressure: Iran’s Tehran Art Month opened amid war and sanctions, but two graphic designers were arrested after allegedly meeting French diplomats about a cultural project—raising fresh fears for independent creatives. Heritage Finds: Türkiye’s Karahantepe site added a rare twist to Neolithic art with an 11,000-year-old stone sculpture of a human seated on a leopard. Sustainability in Craft: Jingdezhen’s porcelain “second life” brand turns landfill-bound broken ceramics into new tableware and decor, keeping the look nearly indistinguishable from fresh-fired pieces. Art That Faces Decay: Laguna Art Museum’s “The Tipping Point” leans into beauty and horror at once, using blown glass and installations to probe greed and collapse. Arts Leadership Change: South Africa’s National Arts Festival artistic director Rucera Seethal steps down after nearly seven years, moving into international diplomacy. Public Art as Community Glue: San Antonio’s public art program pairs a new video with Poet Laureate Eddie Vega and local filmmaker Sam Lerma, spotlighting neighborhood stories through art you can see 24/7. Major Craft Showcase: Venice’s Homo Faber Biennale returns Sept. 1–30 with 29 Indian artisans bringing contemporary craftsmanship to a global stage. Policy & Culture: India’s Kiren Rijiju says Ladakh will soon receive special constitutional provisions under Article 371 as an “exceptional case.” Local Arts Calendar: MOJA Arts Fest in Charleston kicks off Sept. 24 with a community opening celebration ahead of an eight-day run celebrating Black arts, culture, and heritage.