Lauren Chiou

Lauren Chiou (she/her) is the Artsweek editor for the 2025-2026 school year. Chiou was the Artsweek editor for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, and Assistant Artsweek editor for the 2022-2023 school year. She can be reached at artsweek@dailynexus.com.

May 23, 2024

The Daily Nexus Mini Crosswords 5/23

By Lauren Chiou, Suryaansh Dongre

The Daily Nexus Mini Crosswords 5/23

May 23, 2024

Steve Aoki, BLXST, Disco Lines and Briston Maroney headline successful 44th Extravaganza music festival

By Lauren Chiou, Kendra Martinez

On May 19, the Associated Students Program Board held the annual Extravaganza music festival at UC Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium.

April 25, 2024

“Down Bad,” or just bad? “The Tortured Poets Department” disappoints

By Lauren Chiou

Cathartic, raw and tortured indeed — Taylor Swift is brutally honest in her 11th studio album, and not in a good way.

April 18, 2024

UCSB women in media

By Lauren Chiou, Stella Mullin

During Women’s History Month in March 2024, the Daily Nexus spoke with women from multiple campus organizations about their experience in the media industry.

March 7, 2024

The results are in: The Daily Nexus’ official Academy Awards predictions

By Lauren Chiou

Artsweek Editor and Nexus Awards Analyst Lauren Chiou’s predictions for the upcoming Academy Awards, which take place in Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on March 10.

February 25, 2024

SBIFF 2024: Paul Giamatti receives Cinema Vanguard Award

By Lauren Chiou

Giamatti is a force in the film world — known for his success as both a character actor and leading man.

February 15, 2024

UCSB love stories

By Pricila Flores, Lauren Chiou, Stella Mullin

The Daily Nexus conducted a social media form calling out for UC Santa Barbara couples that met on campus and are still together. Here are their stories.

February 15, 2024

SBIFF 2024: Bradley Cooper honored with Outstanding Performer of the Year Award

By Lauren Chiou

Cooper received the award for his role as Leonard Bernstein in Netflix’s 2023 “Maestro,” which he directed and co-wrote as well.

January 18, 2024

Editor favorites: Top 10 films of 2023

By Lauren Chiou

Co-Artsweek Editor Lauren Chiou’s favorite watches of 2023, just in time for awards season.

January 16, 2024

SBIFF 2024: Ryan Gosling receives Kirk Douglas Award

By Lauren Chiou, Lucy Dixon

On Jan. 13, actor Ryan Gosling received the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film.

November 30, 2023

Conversations with a 20-something: @liam.oce on content creation and virality

By Lauren Chiou

Fifth-year Liam Ereneta has captured the hearts of 20-somethings through his viral TikTok video series, "This week in 20-something-hood."

November 13, 2023

“For the Girls:” Kristin Chenoweth on fire (literally)

By Lauren Chiou

American actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth graced The Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara with a stunning cabaret-style show titled “For the Girls” on Nov. 5, 2023.

November 9, 2023

“1989 (Taylor’s Version):” Swift never goes out of style

By Lauren Chiou

Exactly nine years after the original release of "1989" in 2014, Taylor Swift did the same thing. Except this time, the album belongs to her. It’s “Taylor’s Version.”

October 31, 2023

In Photos: I.V. Halloween

By Shiuan Cheng, Lauren Chiou

Gauchos grouped together and turned Del Playa into a costume show on Oct. 21, walking the pavement decked in tutus and jumpsuits.

October 25, 2023

Movies and shows to watch for Hispanic Heritage Month

By Lauren Chiou

While National Hispanic Heritage Month is almost over, representation is worth celebrating year-round. Here are 10 movies and shows that you should watch to honor Hispanic heritage and culture!

September 1, 2023

Guide to the Isla Vista band scene

By Lauren Chiou, Stella Mullin

With dozens of student-created bands, concerts and events dedicated to music, Santa Barbara is a music hub of its own. Here is Artsweek’s official guide to the I.V. music scene.