Anna Keay

First female director of the Landmark Trust, the nation’s second largest historic buildings charity

So it looks like the Child With a Dove, Picasso's moving image of a small child clutching a bird, subject of a thousand postcards, is to go. What a tragedy. Or is it? What, exactly, is to be 'lost'? The painting is not actually to be destroyed (though you might be forgiven for thinking so) and is not, nor has ever been, in physical jeopardy.

Etan Smallman

Freelance journalist for national British newspapers

Thomas Keneally is still puzzled by the fervent way in which he is embraced by British readers and critics.

Laura Babb

Wedding, portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Camden, London - likes cheese, wine and the occasional power ballad

I am a mere four years into my journey as a photographer and just over two years into my journey as a professional photographer. In that time my style and aesthetic has developed. I have moved on and I can see my work becoming more my own. I am still learning and I hope I always will be.

Annie McMonagle

PR and blogger, London

In a nutshell, this is a book that resonates as it asks the unknowable question - how well can one person really know another? *Suspiciously looks over at boyfriend*

Michael Dugher

Labour MP for Barnsley East and Vice-Chair of the Labour party

But in an era of continued cynicism about politicians, whose reputations nose-dived further after the MPs' expenses scandal of the last parliament, and at a time of falling participation in our democracy, Russell's book has a bigger objective than just trying to show politicians in a 'human' light.

Bonnie Greer

American-born, London-based playwright, author and novelist

We know this: that all art is the product of the modern human brain with its beginnings, over 100,000 years ago, in Africa. There, our species Homo sapiens sapiens evolved before spreading out around the globe to become the most successful animal ever. Those who migrated to the icy lands of Europe encountered Neanderthal people who, having evolved there over such a long period, had probably developed fair skin. The dark skinned, fully modern migrants who interbred with them produced the first figurative art in Europe. They themselves, in turn, gradually became fairer as they adapted to life at higher latitudes. Those are the facts. This is fiction: 'Race'.

James Payne

Founder and creative director of PayneShurvell gallery, curator and writer

Well not exactly 'ban' (that was just to get your attention) but they are changing the rules as to what students are allowed to do on their premises. Sketchpads in the temporary exhibitions are no longer allowed.

Thomas Woodham Smith

Creative Director of Masterpiece London

TEFAF is 260 exhibitors, seemingly miles of corridors and countless objects, pictures and jewels to admire. But behind all of this sparkle lies a delightful human drama. It is the people that make this show happen, it is the daily flow of passing crowds and hurried meals and chance encounters that create a unique ambience.

Ruth Dawkins

Parent and writer

"The problem we face is that so far it's only scientists who are talking about climate change. And scientists aren't always the best communicators in ...

Dr Michael Petry

Artist, curator and author, director of MOCA London

Museum signage and catalogues usually inform viewers of relevant heterosexual relationship between artists, or their subjects; for example, of relationships between Picasso and his female lovers who he often painted. Why are museums not similarly candid about same-sex relationships?

Gareth Johnson

Australian living in London - obsessed with water polo

In recent times, Derry's international reputation has been defined by the sectarian conflict known as 'The Troubles'. It was here in this city that civil rights marches escalated into the street battles of the Bogside and the Bloody Sunday shootings.

Deborah C Dooley

Journalist and owner of a writer's' retreat. www.retreatsforyou.co.uk

We sat in the kitchen for our writerly discussion. He held a sheaf of A4 paper, covered in typescript while I was armed with my favourite pen and my kitchen reading glasses. I slid them onto my nose, squinting around the scratches and food smudges. Two mugs of tea and a plate of just baked flapjacks sat on the table between us.

Malcolm Cossons

Arts writer and editor. Dot to Dot is his first book for children

I'm not entirely sure where the idea for my forthcoming children's book Dot to Dot came from. Sadly, there is no bolt of lightning moment that I can define as when inspiration arrived.

Sumeet Grover

Writer, Coordinator of Global Poetry

On one hand, poetry of trauma offers the process of healing a psychologically wounded mind for those who have been subjected to mentally constricting and damaging behaviour from trusted relationships or even repeated exposure to violence. On the other hand, it needs caution if such poetry is widely promoted to a large audience, because in some of such works, the distinction between real and unreal can be diminished.

Lorenzo Belenguer

Arts writer, visual artist, curator.

A new exhibition by one of the leading Austrian photographers has just open at the ACF in Knightsbridge, London. It shows an excellent selection of in...

Frances Ruffelle

Tony Award winning actress and recording artist

You can't have an orgasm every time you walk on stage. This line from the script is sitting with me. I think Piaf did give the audience everything every time she walked onto the stage. To play her and to be in the character I must do the same.