Cuts to the arts at the federal level have been in the news, but some states are also slashing their funding. In New Hampshire, the cultural sector generated some $3.5 billion in revenue in 2023, but arts groups there now face a potential double hit. Jeffrey Brown reports for the series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy, and our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The benefits of music education for children are well-documented. It can boost mental health, enhance creativity and improve cognitive functioning. A summer camp program in South Dakota and Minnesota aims to bring all that and more to Indigenous girls and gender-diverse kids — with a little rock star treatment thrown in. Special correspondent Megan Thompson reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

They’re called fantastic animals, brightly colored wooden creatures inspired by the world of Mexican magical realism. Giant versions of these animals are on a tour across the U.S., celebrating Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and promoting diplomacy during a contentious time. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown checked them out in San Francisco for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

President Trump described Smithsonian museums as “out of control” for emphasizing, in his view, “how bad slavery was.” It's part of a pattern by Trump in his second term to reframe historical narratives, in particular about racism and discrimination. Amna Nawaz spoke with historian Peniel Joseph for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our CANVAS coverage. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In the first major biography of James Baldwin in over three decades, Nicholas Boggs presents an intimate portrait shaped by the people who inspired him. Boggs traces four of Baldwin's transformative relationships that depict him not just as a fearless social critic, but as an emotional, vulnerable man shaped by love. Geoff Bennett spoke with Boggs about his book, "Baldwin: A Love Story." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Nearly 60 years after his death, there is a renewed interest in the life and music of American folk icon and social activist Woody Guthrie. Last week, an album of songs and recordings of him talking was released, and Guthrie’s songs are showing up on the set lists of some of music’s biggest stars. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, and our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

She’s the preschool teacher to millions, though most of her students have never set foot in her classroom. Rachel Accurso, known as Ms. Rachel, is the creator of the wildly popular YouTube series "Songs for Littles," a lifeline for parents and a source of joy for toddlers. She sat down with Geoff Bennett to discuss how she's using her platform to call attention to the plight of children in Gaza. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Indigo Arts Alliance is an organization focused on supporting contemporary Black and Brown artists and opening doors to artists of color worldwide. It's doing all of this from its home in an unlikely place: Maine. Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In "Joy Goddess," journalist and historian A’Lelia Bundles brings to life a fascinating and misunderstood figure of the early 20th century. A’Lelia Walker was more than a glamorous socialite. She was a cultural catalyst whose salons and soirées became the vibrant center of the Harlem Renaissance. Geoff Bennett spoke with Bundles, who is Walker’s great-great-granddaughter, about her new book. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Harvey Milk’s name returned to headlines after the defense secretary ordered the name of the slain gay rights advocate, who served in the Navy, removed from a naval ship. But Milk’s legacy lives on in other ways, including in an opera that carries a powerful story of its own. Jeffrey Brown reports for our look at the intersection of art and health, part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy