Rural communities across the nation boast rich traditions, both new and old. Stay up to date on the latest news, reviews, and storytelling on rural arts and culture. From music and film, to literature and history, to festivals and food, we’ve got it covered.
‘Nope’ and More Sci-Fi That Gives Rural Life a Starring Role
Jordan Peele’s latest film leads our roundup of recent science fiction stories that rely on rural themes to explore the infinite possibilities of outer space.
The Latest
More Arts and Culture Stories
‘Mouthwatering and Divine’: A Reunion over Barbecue in a Small Appalachian Town
If there is a cure for the pandemic-caused malaise and cabin-fever, an established barbecue contest in Virginia could be it.
Video: The Vital Volunteers of Rural Search and Rescue
Search and rescue volunteers epitomize the community spirit of many rural places. But they count on the public to show its support — and to take care when enjoying the great outdoors.
Commentary: The Vanishing Paradise of the West’s ‘Ditches’
In the arid West, thousands of small canals, universally called ditches, create ribbons of green life as they deliver diverted river water throughout the region. But as the climate becomes drier, ditches are disappearing, and the loss can be deeply felt.
A Place to Call Home: Small Towns That Welcome All
In places like New Hope, Pennsylvania, or Eureka Springs, Arkansas, thriving LGBTQ+ communities help shape small town life from economy and culture to education.
Canadian Record: Family Newspaper with Storied Past Seeks to Create a More Certain Future
Readers say Canadian, Texas, wouldn’t be the same without its weekly newspaper, the Canadian Record. The current editor and publisher is looking for a successor who wants to make a living – and an impact.
Video: Catwalk Party Brings First Drag Show to Rural Minnesota Town
Creating a celebration of queer culture in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, started with $500 and five performers. Since then, the event has grown and brought humor and color to the community.
Featured Coverage
Stay in the loop on the latest in rural arts and culture.
Related Coverage
Even More Arts and Culture Stories to Explore
45 Degrees North: On Pickup Trucks
Why do so many people in these parts drive pickup trucks? With apologies to some great country music songs, the reasons have more to do with rural realities than romance.
Every Library Card a Miracle: Rural and Small-Town Libraries Are a Boon to Society
Between the proverbial front and back covers of every library lives a wealth of services and community-building tools. Rural communities often rely on these services to a far greater extent than their urban counterparts.
A Farewell to 25 Years: In Conversation with the Kate Wolf Music Festival’s Founder, Cloud Moss
With the festival coming to an end after a quarter of a century, our reporting fellow Claire Carlson joins the Kate Wolf Music Festival’s community one last time and talks to its founding father about its history.
Accidental Rancher: Amid the Prairie’s Summer Bounty
With enough rain and sun, the Great Prairie produces the salad days, figuratively and literally.
Award Honors Young-Adult Books That Authentically Portray Rural Life
The recipients of this year’s Whippoorwill Award cover a wide range of rural people, places, and topics. The Whippoorwill is the only national prize for young-adult books that focus on rural themes, the organizers say.
Commentary: Tips for a New Code of the West
If you’re pondering moving out West, check Dave Marston’s, the publisher of Writers on the Range, ten tips on how to make friends instead of enemies in your new home.
45 Degrees North: Peonies, Privies, and Other Rural Legacies
Look carefully and watch your step: You’ll see signs of previous generations who have lived on and used the land before you.
Commentary: The Limits of Lake Wobegon
As Garrison Keillor undertakes the “A Prairie Home Companion American Revival” tour, his complicated legacy as a culture-bearer for the rural Midwest should be re-examined.
In Kentucky, a Music School Focuses on Appalachian Music, and Inclusion
Traditional Appalachian music is inherently diverse, but some influences and identities have not, historically, been acknowledged or welcomed. Cowan Creek Mountain Music School is taking steps to change that.
Small Towns Showcase Their Best to Thrive
Many in small towns put their best foot forward to attract visitors from around the country, not just their state.
Meet the 77-year-old Woman Keeping Her Town’s Newspaper Alive as its Last Remaining Employee
For four years, Shirley Dunham has been the only staff member of The Montezuma Record, a 600-circulation newspaper in Iowa. When many newspapers lost revenue during the pandemic, the Record defied expectations and thrived.
Big Events in Small Places Seek a Balanced Relationship with Their Hosts
Some festival organizers who see rural and remote locations as uniquely attractive to their audiences want to make sure the communities that host them can benefit from the crowds.
The Gilded Palace in the Mountains
A history and deep dive into one of the most infamous new age religious communes in American history.
45 Degrees North: Emergency Lights And Sirens
Slow down, move over – how hard is that? Turns out, on rural roads, it’s not always so simple, whether you’re a motorist or driving 20 tons of fire truck.
Review: A Sweet, Surreal Escape Into ‘The Dark Divide’
Butterflies, bigfoot, and the beautiful backcountry of the Pacific Northwest feature in this indie film worth a second look.
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.