arts

Vintage poetry book lying on table (© Graeme Dawes/Shutterstock.com)

Americans turn to poems in April

Poets, of course — but local officials too — are finding new ways this month to engage people in reading, writing and sharing poems.
Ke Huy Quan holding Oscar award (© Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

Once a refugee, now an Oscar winner

Decades after arriving in the U.S. as a refugee, Ke Huy Quan won film's highest honor. Learn more about a story that is inspiring others.
Jessie Montgomery playing violin on stage (© Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images)

Black composers: Shaping America’s music

A renowned pianist explores the contributions of Black American composers in the rarefied world of classical music.
Collage of images of sheet music, movie posters and book covers (Movie posters © Getty Images)

U.S. copyright: Protecting authors, preserving culture

Every year in the U.S., thousands of old classics become free for use, thanks to protections in U.S. copyright law that spur creativity.
Antony Blinken wearing headphones and seated in front of microphone (State Dept.)

U.S. secretary of state’s favorite songs for ‘on the road’ or...

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is a music fan who loves both classic rock and newer sounds. Check out what he's been listening to in 2022.
Illustration of baby wearing top hat and holding flowers (State Dept./D. Thompson)

Americans we lost in 2022

In 2022, we said farewell to many Americans whose contributions shaped our world. Here are a few of these notable figures.
Ballerina holding nutcracker while dancing (© Derek Davis/Portland Portland Press Herald/Getty Images)

‘The Nutcracker’: A holiday classic in the U.S.

This ballet, which premiered in St. Petersburg in December 1892, is a favorite holiday tradition for millions of Americans.
President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy standing in front of Christmas tree (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum/Robert Knudsen)

First ladies’ White House Christmas traditions

Jacqueline Kennedy was the first to select a theme for the White House Christmas tree, picking "The Nutcracker.” Learn other holiday customs.
3 people surrounding woman at beach (Courtesy of Jeremy Dennis)

Native American artists redefine their own traditions

Meet five Native American artists whose work nods to traditional Native themes while pushing boundaries in unexpected ways.