Lorde's cancelled Israel concert leads to lawsuit and more arts stories you might have missed
In this week's Art Post Outpost, two New Zealanders are being sued under Israel's contentious anti-boycott law
Here at CBC Arts, you won't just find our original content — we also bring you the best art posts from across the entire CBC network.
These are the week's can't-miss stories:
Israelis sue New Zealanders over cancelled Lorde concert (CBC News)
"An Israeli legal rights group said Wednesday it is suing two New Zealanders for allegedly convincing the pop singer Lorde to cancel her performance in Israel in what appears to be the first lawsuit filed under a contentious Israeli anti-boycott law. The 2011 law opens the door to civil lawsuits against anyone calling for a boycott against Israel, including of lands it has occupied, if that call could knowingly lead to a boycott. The group, Shurat HaDin, claims the New Zealanders — one Jewish and one Palestinian — knew that their letter could trigger a boycott, making them open to a suit under the law. The group, which filed the lawsuit in a Jerusalem court on Tuesday, is suing on behalf of three Israeli would-be concertgoers for about $13,000 US in damages."
Music execs and fans tell Grammys leader: 'We are stepping up to demand your resignation' (CBC News)
"More than a dozen music industry executives and thousands of music fans are calling for Recording Academy chief Neil Portnow to step down following his widely criticized comments about women needing to 'step up' at this year's male-dominated Grammy Awards gala. 'The statement you made this week about women in music needing to "step up" was spectacularly wrong and insulting and, at its core, oblivious to the vast body of work created by and with women. Your attempt to backpedal only emphasizes your refusal to recognize us and our achievements,' reads an open letter signed by more than a dozen executives from various sectors of the industry. 'We do not await your welcome into the fraternity. We do not have to sing louder, jump higher or be nicer to prove ourselves. Today we are stepping up and stepping in to demand your resignation.'"
Meet the Canada Reads 2018 contenders (CBC Books)
"What do a tornado hunter, an actor, a fashion icon, a TV host and a singer have in common? They're the panellists for Canada Reads 2018. Over four days, the five defenders will bring their diverse perspectives to this year's theme: One Book to Open Your Eyes. The contenders and their chosen books are: Mozhdah Jamalzadah, defending The Boat People by Sharon Bala; Tahmoh Penikett, defending American War by Omar El Akkad; Greg Johnson, defending Precious Cargo by Craig Davidson; Jeanne Beker, defending Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto; and Jully Black, defending The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline."
6 Black Canadian writers to watch in 2018 (CBC Books)
Get your Black History Month reading list started right! "Here are six individuals who not only represent Black Canadian writers on the rise, they reflect the changing face of Canadian literature."
Do women need to 'step up'? Grammy leader's comment sparks debate on gender (CBC News)
"Backstage comments from the Recording Academy's president inflamed critics, who saw this year's awards show is further proof that a pervasive gender imbalance exists in the industry. Suggesting that women aren't "stepping up" in the music industry frustrates Aerin Fogel, organizer of Toronto-based feminist arts celebration Venus Fest. She said she is not surprised by the reaction from the executives. 'In a way what he's (saying) represents the larger issues in the music industry — and in most industries,'Fogel said. 'There are real inherent challenges for women to be moving through these structures in the same way as men.'"
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