In this special episode of The Art Box, Sandi and Steve sit down with two powerful voices in the humanities: Bobbie Ann Howell from Nevada Humanities and Kase Johnstun from Utah Humanities. Together, they explore the vital role the humanities play in shaping the cultural and civic fabric of underserved and rural communities across the West. In an age of shifting priorities and tightening budgets, their conversation sheds light on what’s at stake when public funding for the humanities is threatened, and what’s lost when stories go untold. Bobbie Ann and Kase share firsthand examples of how humanities programs, ranging from oral history projects and local exhibits to writing workshops and community conversations, foster connection, identity, and resilience in places often overlooked on the national stage. Whether it’s preserving Indigenous history, amplifying rural voices, or supporting local authors and artists, the humanities provide more than enrichment, they offer a lifeline. This episode is a timely reminder that storytelling, dialogue, and access to cultural resources are not luxuries, but essentials for thriving communities. Please reach out to your local, state, and national representatives and encourage them to champion and fund the humanities, because access to culture, history, and storytelling should belong to every community. Donate at Nevada: https://www.nevadahumanities.org/ Donate to Utah: https://utahhumanities.org/
