V&A East Storehouse Lets Visitors Touch Art

The newly opened East Storehouse at the V&A enables guests to request and physically interact with items from its collection, challenging conventional museum practices. This effort aligns with a growing movement among cultural organizations that prioritize genuine experiences. In the U.S., independent cinemas flourish by providing shared viewing experiences that streaming services cannot match. Meanwhile, Mexico's performance in the World Cup has boosted the popularity of mariachi music, leading to a rise in live shows. For a decade, Wales's Green Man festival has been training refugees for job opportunities, showcasing how festivals can function as community support systems. An essay in AJ Chronicles explores these thriving cultural trends and their shared characteristics.