KJZZ's State of the Arts Arizona

Episode 11: Is cultural criticism dead?

Host Robrt Pela looks at the role of cultural critics. They’re the people who make a living by exploring meaning in what we create and consume, like films, art, food, even podcasts. Think of them as curious guides whose objectivity and skill can help the rest of us decide what is worth our time, our money — and very often both.

Get ready for a new season of State of the Arts Arizona

KJZZ contributor Robrt Pela is hosting a brand new season of the State of the Arts Arizona podcast. Learn about a now-defunct ethnic arts organization; the state of dance and opera and symphony; and why anyone would start a theater company in the early 21st century.

Episode 10: Art and the future, to space and beyond

Hear from art therapy’s experts, mentors, and participants, as well as a former NASA astronaut and current leader of ASU’s initiative to imagine humanity’s future on other planets. All of them explain how art can give us the skills, confidence and inspiration to imagine a better future and make it a reality.

Episode 9: Hidden History, A Better Future

We look to the past to understand the present and plan for the future. However, for centuries, history has been told selectively, leaving a lot of people out. In Episode 9, learn how art can help us better understand the history of the disadvantaged. Hear from one activist working to tell the story of Black history in Arizona and a “music archaeologist” who's working to uncover the under-appreciated and forgotten work of Black musicians and composers. When we have a more complete story of the past, we just might be able to make a better future.

Episode 8: Art, Authenticity, and Changing Minds

What exactly is empathy? And why is it so important? It can solve many of humanity’s worst self-inflicted problems, but it can be hard to muster up and inspire in others. However, research does show that empathy can be taught—passed from one person to another—and that art can make that happen. On this episode, we hear from artists from opposite ends of the Earth who both use their work to prompt people to see the world from a different perspective. And we hear from researchers who’ve investigated just how impactful this perspective shift can be, and what needs to be done in order for people to experience it.