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.
Review: ‘Huckleberry Finn’ Retelling Wrestles With Writing, and Righting, Historical Wrongs
In Percival Everett’s novel “James,” what begins as wry satire descends into rage.
More Arts and Culture Stories
Rural Jails Turn to Community Health Workers To Help the Newly Released Succeed
Substance abuse and mental illness, both common among incarcerated people, make reentry difficult. These professionals want to ease the burden.
In 2023 REAP Funded More Renewables Projects Overall, But Small-Scale Funding Was Down
According to experts, part of the reason were new stipulations in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), allowing for larger percentage of projects to be funded via grants putting big solar investments in the lead, and feasibility studies or technical assistance grants that went to “big-ticket items like…salaries.”
The South Was the Center of Rural Population Growth Last Year
Rural America’s population grew by 108,000 last year. Ninety percent of that growth was in the South.
Rural Florida Education Centers Address Language Barriers, Education Gaps
Local leaders in Hendry County, Florida say less than a third of working-age adults have a high school diploma or equivalency degree and 48 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home. Enter the adult education centers, who aim to tackle both topics.
A Rural Calling: The Rural Arts Collaborative
Art residency program for rural schools in southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia gives students “a new way of thinking, seeing, being, and doing, through the lens of the arts.”
Commentary: Innovation Is Rural
Across American history, rural communities have led nationwide policy changes that improved lives around the country. Today, these rural communities stand ready to innovate once again.
Stay in the loop on the latest in rural arts and culture.
Related Coverage
Even More Arts and Culture Stories to Explore
Rural Students’ Access to Wi-Fi is in Jeopardy as Pandemic-Era Resources Recede
The approaching end of the Affordable Connectivity Program spells trouble for rural students with inadequate internet access.
Blazing Trails in the Mountains
Rural communities throughout the country are developing mountain biking trail systems to immerse people in nature, boost the economy, and create a local culture of health.
Program Brings Together Three Generations to Discuss Aging
A new program in Oklahoma will combine the wisdom of senior citizens and the youth of high schoolers to fight negative stereotypes about aging in rural communities.
When Blue Collar Work Means More Energy for Art
In rural Southern Illinois, the available jobs are often difficult labor or service industry work. But for some, these conditions are perfect incubators for creativity.
Accidental Rancher: Shearer’s Dilemma
Shearing season in northwest South Dakota meets the post-industrial capitalism realities of American economy.
Q&A: Can a Small-Town Food Co-op Survive?
Cathy Stanton’s forthcoming book, “Food Margins: Lessons from an Unlikely Grocer,” studies the food system from the ground up.
Review: Book on Rural ‘Rage’ Is a Grindstone in Search of an Ax
“White Rural Rage” is a smug misdirection of the threats to American democracy.
Across the Country, Amish Populations Are on the Rise
As the Amish population in America grows, Amish communities — and their rural neighbors — are finding ways to adapt.
At the Eclipse Crossroads of America in Southern Illinois
Rural residents of Southern Illinois have found themselves in the path of totality for two eclipses in just seven years.
Sunsets, Wildlife and Limited Care: Challenges of Aging in Place in Rural America
As the American retiree population grows, communities with limited infrastructure and accessibility of care for elders have to address the rising demand for that type of services.
The Most Important Voice on Beyoncé’s New Album
Linda Martell was once the face of Black country music. Now she defines the ethos of “Cowboy Carter.”
45 Degrees North: 5 Things To Know About Hunter Safety Education
Ever wonder what rural kids learn in Hunter Ed? Spoiler alert: It’s about so much more than the guns.
Grants for Small Towns and Rural Areas Focus on Enhancing Civic Life
The Trust for Civic Life is a new funding collaborative that will support the “ordinary” activities that build stronger communities.
Commentary: A Community’s Social Capital Helps It Respond to a Tragic Bus Accident
After a tragic school bus accident killed three children and two adults, the town of Rushville drew on the strength of social ties to support families and create ways for the community to grieve.
Ozarks Notebook: ‘It’s Those Relationships’ – Small Missouri School Shows Big Achievement
A day in the life of one rural school that can do it all… and some.
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.