Olivia Deng

Arts Writer

Olivia Deng is an arts and culture writer who also covers politics and social movements. Her work has appeared in DigBoston, Boston Magazine, The Atlantic, Boston Art Review and more. She is also an illustrator and painter.

Recently published

Artist-in-residence Eden Rayz plays the cello during a rehearsal of a composition similar to a Buddhist death meditation at Bigelow Chapel in Mount Auburn Cemetery. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

A musician's invitation to meditate on death at Mount Auburn Cemetery

Artist-in-residence Eden Rayz created a musical instrument from decommissioned organ pipes from the cemetery's Bigelow Chapel. She will perform a musical death meditation called “Nothingness is Impossible” on March 23.

Arts & Culture

Mar 21, 2024

Protesters outside The Sinclair in Cambridge ahead of a Harvard Chabad concert raising funds to support the rebuilding of Israel. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Sinclair staff boycott music venue over fundraising concert for Israel

A group of around 150 people, including Sinclair workers and supporters, gathered outside of the venue Tuesday to protest Israeli singer-songwriter Ishay Ribo’s concert that raised funds for Israel. The...

Arts & Culture

Feb 29, 2024

Mikki Yamashiro, Jim Kopp and Aria Alaska's art will appear at Shoe Bone's opening exhibit. (Courtesy Frankie Symonds)

Outsider art is in at the new Shoe Bones gallery in Salem

Shoe Bones will open its doors at 28 Boston St. in Salem on Feb. 11 with the goal of providing a space for outsider, queer and nontraditional artists to showcase...

Arts & Culture

Feb 10, 2023

The warehouse building where Charlestown Rehearsal Studios is located. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Charlestown Rehearsal Studios has an uncertain future and unclear past

Charlestown Rehearsal Studios tenants are worried they will be next in a long line of musicians evicted from their practice spaces as developers buy the buildings to convert into lab,...

Arts & Culture

Jan 25, 2023

Binx designed all of the looks for The Runway Witch on Oct. 9 in Somerville. (Courtesy Michael Buckley)

A witchy fashion show takes to the runway in the spirit of transformation

Designer and performer Binx says that drag provides an opportunity to carve out her own style and transform herself into a larger-than-life character. Her latest fashion show is this weekend...

Arts & Culture

Oct 7, 2022

Industry Night at Garage B at Charles River Speedway. (Olivia Deng for WBUR)

Industry nights offer service workers an opportunity to connect

These opportunities offer a chance to unwind, sell art and see live music for a group of individuals who are often in the position of serving crowds at events similar...

Arts & Culture

Sep 14, 2022

Musicians recording at Pink Noise Studios. (Courtesy Dan Thorn)

Somerville's Pink Noise Studios closes its doors

Established by audio engineer and musician Dan Thorn, the studio has recorded an estimated 50 bands and musicians, served as a practice space for around 15 bands and hosted approximately...

Arts & Culture

Mar 28, 2022

A mixing board sits on top of a piano in one of the studios at the Brighton Sound Museum. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Brighton rehearsal space Sound Museum relocating to make way for life science campus

San Diego-based developer IQHQ purchased 155 N. Beacon St. for $50 million in March 2021 and plans to demolish the building and replace it with a campus totaling about 409,395...

Arts & Culture

Feb 1, 2022

Post-punk band True Faith. (Courtesy Chris Ma)

Listen: Post-Punk Band True Faith Finds Inspiration For New Record At Medical School

“Leucovorin Rescue b/w What Is Owed” is atmospheric and fused with deep emotions, but also energetic, pulling from the pressures of medical school and the pandemic.

Local Coverage

Jun 4, 2021

Left to right, the members of the band SEED: Jack Whelan, Lux Lucidi, Chelsea Ellsworth and Tony Tibbetts. (Courtesy Hope Antonellis)

Experimental Metal Band SEED Is Creating Space For Trans And Queer People

Ethereal and reflective, but intense and heavy with rage, the Boston band’s debut album “Dun Pageant” (out now) is fused with personal experiences that they hope offers comfort during the...

Local Coverage

Mar 5, 2021