Art21 Premieres Season 12 of ‘Art in the Twenty-First Century’ Amid Funding Cuts

On May 3, hundreds of arts organizations across the US opened their inboxes to an abrupt notice: their NEA grant applications had either been denied or rescinded. Among them, Art21, the New York nonprofit that produces the beloved public television series Art in the Twenty-First Century, lost an $85,000 grant to support the production of seasons 12 and 13.

In today’s episode, host Scott "Sourdough" Power sits down with Lolita Fierro, Director of Development at Art21, to discuss the triumphant premiere of Season 12 (Oct.17), despite executive orders defunding the NEA and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting earlier this year. Together, they unpack the season’s first episode, “Between Worlds,” which features artists whose practices explore the space between the self and the other, reflect on histories of migration, borders, and displacement, incorporate knowledge across disciplines, and create human connections across difference.

Together, Scott and Lolita Unpack…

• The upcoming premiere of Art in the Twenty-First Century, Season 12, on Oct. 17, 2025
• Art21’s new social-first series, IRL, focusing on artists working in both online and offline spaces
• The second biannual film festival in New York, which included premieres, panel discussions, and behind-the-scenes insights
• Why Art21 is an essential educational resource that supports teachers and lifelong learners
• The challenges and rewards of securing support for nonprofit art organizations
• The concept of art as “soul food”—exploring its spiritual and philosophical significance beyond market value and investment 

How You Can Get Involved With Art21

• Watch the trailer for Season 12 of Art in the Twenty-First Century.
• Explore over 600 films with no paywall and global accessibility.
• Register to host an Art21 Screening Society screening event.
• Discover tools for educators.
• Watch Art21.live, an always-on broadcast channel featuring high-quality, hand-selected video programming on contemporary art and artists.
• Support Art21; donations of any size are meaningful.

About Art21 and Lolita Fierro

Art21 is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to contemporary art through documentary films, educational resources, and public programs. With a mission to inspire a more creative and inclusive world, Art21 produces award-winning films that highlight groundbreaking contemporary artists. Its flagship PBS series, Art in the Twenty-First Century, along with digital shorts like "Extended Play" and "New York Close Up," engages millions of viewers worldwide. Art21 also offers free materials and professional development programs for educators and hosts community film screenings globally, making contemporary art accessible to all.

Lolita Fierro, the Director of Development at Art21, plays a vital role in overseeing the organization’s annual operating budget and donor engagement strategies. Under her leadership, Art21 has launched its first gala, revitalized events programming, and strengthened its patron programs to connect supporters with artists and cultural communities. Fierro also spearheads "Art21 for Everyone," the organization’s inaugural