Arts

25 articles

Diverse community members enjoying outdoor art exhibits and live music, with a backdrop of modern and historic architecture, showcasing arts' impact.
Culture

Local arts and culture boost community well-being and quality of life.

In Illinois, the creative economy directly employs 6.

Elise Marrow·June 28, 2026
A lively city street at dusk, adorned with diverse independent art installations and pop-up performances, reflecting a thriving grassroots arts scene.
Culture

BSR Weekly Arts Roundup Highlights Cultural Innovations

Last week's BSR Arts and Culture Roundup featured a record 15 new independent art installations and pop-up performances across the city, far outnumbering events at established museums and theaters.

Elise Marrow·June 24, 2026
Diverse hands contributing story fragments to a glowing abstract city representing Albuquerque's 'Stories of Us' initiative.
Culture

Albuquerque Arts Director Retires, Leaving 'Stories of Us' Legacy

After investing $1.5 million in city funds and earning national recognition for its innovative approach, Albuquerque's 'Stories of Us' initiative now faces an uncertain future. Its champion, Arts & Cu

Elise Marrow·June 23, 2026
A lively urban arts and culture district at dusk, showcasing diverse community members engaging with outdoor performances and art installations.
Culture

Cities boost arts and culture with 2026 investment plans

Montgomery County's Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District just secured a 10-year extension from the Maryland Department of Commerce, effective July 1 and lasting through 2036.

Elise Marrow·June 16, 2026
Diverse dancers performing with intense emotion and energy in a gritty, historic New York City streetscape, symbolizing the city's vibrant dance history.
Lifestyle

Book traces how dance shaped New York City's history

Eleven years ago, author Rennie McDougall moved to New York, finding the city's romanticized 'movie version' of dance had already dissolved into a far grittier reality, according to The New Yorker .

Jonah Kline·June 4, 2026
Diverse individuals participating in art, music, and dance, showcasing the positive impact of cultural activities on mental wellness and community connection.
Experiences

What are the therapeutic benefits of cultural activities for mental wellness?

In 2019, the World Health Organization, an institution typically at the forefront of global health crises and vaccine initiatives, began testing arts interventions to advance specific health goals suc

Elise Marrow·May 27, 2026
Diverse attendees enjoying an intimate outdoor arts festival in a scenic Northern California setting with art installations and a stage.
Culture

Top 3 Emerging Cultural Arts Festivals to Experience in 2026

At Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping, a new festival called Analog Reunion offers an intimate Northern California experience, a stark contrast to sprawling desert events like El Cosmico.

Elise Marrow·May 20, 2026
A diverse audience of avatars experiencing a virtual concert in a futuristic, immersive VR environment with holographic stage effects.
Experiences

How Virtual Reality Is Reshaping Arts and Entertainment

For just $6.99 a year, fans can now access virtual concerts featuring artists like Megan Thee Stallion and T-Pain, experiencing intimate performances with only 200 other attendees at a time, according

Elise Marrow·May 18, 2026
Cape Town's vibrant street art and architecture, with Table Mountain in the background, symbolizing its rich cultural scene.
Culture

Cape Town ranks fifth in Time Out's Best Cities for Culture

Cape Town, long celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, just landed a fifth-place global ranking for arts and culture from Time Out Worldwide .

Theo Ashford·May 16, 2026
Diverse individuals enjoying arts and cultural activities, demonstrating the link between cultural engagement, slower biological aging, and overall well-being.
Culture

Arts and culture engagement slows biological aging as effectively as exercise

Engaging in arts activities at least once a week was linked to aging 4% more slowly, a benefit comparable to exercising at least once a week, according to medicalxpress .

Theo Ashford·May 14, 2026
A dynamic city square filled with diverse people enjoying art, music, and performances, symbolizing a vibrant cultural center.
Culture

Top Cultural Centers in the US for 2024

Santa Fe, NM, a city of just over 80,000, just snagged the #1 spot for arts vibrancy among medium communities in 2024.

Theo Ashford·May 13, 2026
Diverse individuals engaging with art in a gallery, showcasing contemplation, wonder, and connection.
Experiences

What Are the Psychological Benefits of Cultural Experiences?

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) began testing arts interventions to advance specific health goals, including mental health and suicide prevention.

Elise Marrow·May 13, 2026
Diverse group of people enjoying various art activities, demonstrating the positive impact of arts engagement on well-being and aging.
Culture

Weekly arts engagement slows biological aging by one year

Engaging in arts activities at least once a week was linked to aging 4% more slowly, a benefit comparable to regular exercise, according to medicalxpress .

Elise Marrow·May 13, 2026
Diverse group of older adults joyfully participating in an art class at a community center, demonstrating the positive impact of arts on aging.
Culture

Arts programs slow aging, boost community engagement

People who engaged in arts activities at least once a week appeared to age 4% more slowly than those who rarely participated, a biological effect comparable to regular exercise, according to Medical X

Elise Marrow·May 12, 2026
Daejeon's envisioned Culture and Arts Belt at dusk, showcasing a blend of modern and traditional architecture with lively public spaces.
Culture

Daejeon mayor plans new culture and arts belt by 2026

Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo has unveiled a sweeping multi-trillion won plan to establish a new 'Culture and Arts Belt' across the city, aiming to build multiple new facilities and revitalize existing c

Elise Marrow·May 11, 2026
Diverse cultural landmarks in Palm Beach County illuminated by May sunlight, symbolizing the MOSAIC 2026 initiative's accessibility and savings.
Culture

Palm Beach County MOSAIC 2026 Initiative Unlocks Cultural Savings in May

This May, visitors can get 50% off general admission to the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, just one of a record number of deals offered by cultural organizations across Palm Beach County.

Elise Marrow·May 7, 2026
Diverse community members working together on a colorful mural in a sunlit town square, symbolizing unity and shared purpose.
Culture

Local arts initiatives build community resilience

A strong sense of cultural identity significantly lowers the risk of substance misuse and other behavioral health challenges, especially in non-urban settings, according to Pawnee Behavioral Health .

Theo Ashford·May 3, 2026
The historic Ebell of Los Angeles building illuminated at dusk, with subtle visual cues representing comedy and architecture.
Culture

Ebell of Los Angeles presents diverse May arts and culture events

From hosting six nights of the 'Netflix Is a Joke Fest' to showcasing radical new housing designs, the Ebell of Los Angeles is transforming its historic halls into a surprisingly diverse cultural nexu

Elise Marrow·May 3, 2026
Diverse artists collaborating and creating in a bright, modern cultural arts incubator space.

What are Cultural Arts Incubators and How Do They Nurture Talent?

Forty-seven cultural arts incubators currently operate across the United States, with five more in development, signaling a significant shift in how artistic talent is nurtured and professionalized.

Elise Marrow·April 23, 2026
Diverse community members smiling and interacting with a colorful public art display, highlighting the positive impact of local cultural events on psychological well-being.

Why Do Local Arts Events Boost Psychological Well-being?

Attending local cultural events significantly improves life satisfaction and reduces the risk of depression and anxiety, according to pmc .

Elise Marrow·April 17, 2026
Memphis skyline at dusk with Mississippi River reflections, symbolizing the city's vibrant arts and culture scene preparing for a landmark year in 2026.
Culture

Memphis Arts and Culture Scene Prepares for Landmark Year in 2026

Memphis is poised for a landmark cultural year in 2026, marked by a rare alignment of major anniversaries, new institutional homes, and national recognition. This confluence of events is set to significantly impact the city's artists, institutions, and the community at large.

Theo Ashford·April 8, 2026
Diverse community members of all ages joyfully engaging with various art forms at a vibrant outdoor festival in Escondido, celebrating local culture.
Culture

Escondido Celebrates Arts Culture Creativity Month With Free Events

The City of Escondido is celebrating Arts, Culture & Creativity Month throughout April 2026 with a series of free community events. This initiative reflects a national trend to spotlight the vital role of arts in fostering connection and stimulating local economies.

Theo Ashford·April 7, 2026
A diverse urban community thriving with cultural activities, showcasing street art, music, and markets integrated with architecture, symbolizing culture as vital infrastructure.
Culture

What Is Culture as Infrastructure? A Guide to How Arts Build Communities

Discover how 'culture as infrastructure' redefines community building, treating arts and heritage as vital public assets. This guide explores its meaning, components, and profound benefits for social and economic health.

Elise Marrow·April 4, 2026
A bustling city street at dusk, showcasing historical buildings, modern art, and diverse people interacting, symbolizing culture as vital urban infrastructure.
Culture

What Is the 'Culture as Infrastructure' Concept? An In-depth Guide

The 'culture as infrastructure' concept suggests that a city's arts, heritage, and shared traditions are as essential to its survival and well-being as its physical infrastructure. This framework is crucial for urban resilience and recovery in an era of compounding crises.

Elise Marrow·April 3, 2026
A lively street festival in Meridian, Mississippi, at dusk, featuring colorful lights, street performers, food vendors, and happy crowds enjoying music and art.
Culture

Meridian Announces April Arts and Culture Celebrations Lineup

Meridian, Mississippi, is set to host a dynamic array of arts, food, and music celebrations throughout April 2026, mirroring a national trend of cities revitalizing public spaces through cultural initiatives. These events aim to strengthen community identity and drive local economies.

Elise Marrow·April 3, 2026