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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

A photo of Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer eating ramen against a bookshelf.

In favor of smallness

Four years of editing the Washington Square News’ arts coverage have convinced me my task was trifling, but meaningful.
Nicolas Pedrero-Setzer, Arts Editor May 5, 2023

Consider this my coda. I have edited the Washington Square News’ arts desk since early 2020 in varying capacities. At times distant, other times immersed, generally distracted,...

An illustration of books, albums, and a single D.V.D. case, placed on an all-red backdrop with a pattern of small, white, hand-drawn hearts.

Staff Recs: Schmaltzy art that’s worth it

WSN’s arts editors spotlight schmaltzy arts-related content to cling to this Valentine’s Day.

What do we mean when we speak of schmaltz? Perhaps a little etymological digging might help answer our question. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (which you should use...

Neil Diamond, singer of Sweet Caroline (via facebook).

Staff Recs: Best Songs to Blast at Parties

You aren’t partying right until you’ve heard the Arts Desk’s playlist.
Arts Desk April 11, 2019

If you’re worried about what to queue up at your next party, now you can stop fretting. The Arts Desk, otherwise known as WSN’s self-certified party animals, is here to give...

Cover art for "Season of Migration to the North" by Tayeb Salih. (via Facebook)

Staff Recs: Books We Should Have Read in High School

If you hated your high school humanities classes, the Arts Desk is here to give recs so that you can redo your education the right way.

“Romeo and Juliet.” “The Catcher in the Rye.” Ernest Hemingway. Jane Austen. Classic titles and names that filled our high school syllabi and glazed our eyes over. But...

Advertisements for Glow (via facebook.com)

Best Female-Led Comedy Series

Instead of letting you rewatch “Frasier” or “The Office,” the Arts Desk is here to give some TV show recs for shows with female leads that are just as funny and worthy of binge watching.
Guru Ramanathan, Alex Cullina, Claire Fishman, Arts Desk February 15, 2019

The landscape of TV has changed a lot in the past decade and one central aspect is how much more of a favorable environment it has become for women — though of course, there...

Carly Rae Jepsen's "Emotion" will warm your spirits in the cold months. (via wikimedia commons)

Staff Recs: Best Albums for Winter

The key to surviving crazy temperature drops and impromptu blizzards? Music recs from the critically acclaimed weekly series from WSN’s Arts Desk!

Winter holidays are over and the semester has begun in a full flurry. While everyone adjusts to the new semester and bitter cold, a good way to settle into this transition is with...

WSN Arts Desk's Best of 2013

WSN Arts Desk’s Best of 2013

January 5, 2014
WSN's Arts Staff picks the best in movies, television and music.