Madonna to Fund Youth Art Project to Celebrate her 66th Birthday

Madonna performs during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, February 5, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/FILE PHOTO
Madonna performs during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, February 5, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/FILE PHOTO
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Madonna to Fund Youth Art Project to Celebrate her 66th Birthday

Madonna performs during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, February 5, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/FILE PHOTO
Madonna performs during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, US, February 5, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/FILE PHOTO

Madonna will fund an artistic project involving youths, she announced during her 66th birthday celebrations in Pompeii.
While touring the Pompeii archeological park Friday with its director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the American pop star met a group of teenagers involved in “Sogno di Volare,” or “Dream of Flying."
As part of the project now in its fourth year, hundreds of young artists perform re-adapted comedies by Aristophanes, starting from Pompeii’s amphitheater, Teatro Grande, and then touring other Italian theaters. Madonna announced she would fund “Dream of Flying" for one year — about 250,000 euros ($275,000), The Associated Press reported.
“This project generously supported by Madonna is strategic for Pompeii, because it is directed to the people who live in this marvelous and complex territory, in particular youths,” said Zuchtriegel. He noted that many of the kids involved live in poor southern towns where rates of school dropout and unemployment are higher.

Zuchtriegel announced that the show financed by Madonna’s foundation will be on stage at Pompeii’s Teatro Grande in May 2025.



Fire Breaks Out at London's Somerset House, Home to Priceless Works by Van Gogh, Cezanne

Smoke can be seen pouring from the roof of Somerset House in central London - Reuters
Smoke can be seen pouring from the roof of Somerset House in central London - Reuters
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Fire Breaks Out at London's Somerset House, Home to Priceless Works by Van Gogh, Cezanne

Smoke can be seen pouring from the roof of Somerset House in central London - Reuters
Smoke can be seen pouring from the roof of Somerset House in central London - Reuters

A fire broke out Saturday at Somerset House, a large arts venue on the River Thames in central London.

Smoke billowed from the building and flames could be seen coming from the roof as firefighters on tall ladders showered it with water.

The cause of the fire was not yet known, the London Fire Brigade said. Fifteen engines and about 100 firefighters were deployed.

Somerset House said all staff and the public were safe and the site was closed. The venue had been scheduled to host a breakdancing event.

The neoclassical building, which is nearly 250 years old, houses the Courtauld Gallery that features works by Van Gogh, Manet and Cezanne.