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across the US opened their inboxes to an abrupt notice: their NEA grant applications had either been denied or rescinded.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 21st 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 21st 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 21st 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 capacity-building campaign to...

Throughout history, figures like Jane Goodall, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci have stood out as polymaths—individuals driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and expertise across a multitude of fields. This week, we welcome Hans Fjellestad, a member of their esteemed ranks. A true Renaissance man, Hans's talents span music, film, and education.

In our conversation, Hans walks us through his artistic evolution, starting with his classical piano background and progressing into the realm of experimental electronic compositions. Along the way, he shares stories from his experiences in documentary filmmaking, including insights from acclaimed projects such as Moog and a recent work centered on the sculptor Luis Bermudez.

As Hans and Scott delve deeper into the conversation, they explore the roots of creativity, the fascinating interplay between music and language, and the chaotic beauty of performing live in front of an audience.

For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/hans-fjellestad

In this week’s episode, we take you behind the scenes of our recent adventure filming the pilot for Arthouse in Scott’s hometown of Chicago. From navigating the bustling urban landscape to dealing with unexpected equipment malfunctions, our journey was anything but straightforward. We even faced a COVID scare that threatened to disrupt our plans, but through teamwork and determination, we emerged victorious. The footage captured is truly stellar and a testament to our passion for this project.

For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/filming-arthouse-pilot

What is Digitalism—and why is it making waves in the art world? As award-winning filmmaker and curator Rebekah Tolley writes in her recent essay “The Rise of Digitalism: A New Movement in Art,” Digitalism explores the intersection of art, culture, and technology in the digital era. Today, Rebekah joins us to unpack the emergence of Digitalism as both a cultural movement and a groundbreaking exhibition that she curated for the British Art Fair in 2024.

Throughout our discussion, Rebekah emphasizes the challenges digital artists face in gaining acceptance within the traditional art world, a struggle reminiscent of photography's early days. She advocates for accessibility and community, aiming to dispel myths and foster an inclusive environment for practitioners of Digitalism. As we look forward to the 2025 Digitalism showcase (Sept. 25 - 28, Saatchi Gallery), it’s clear this movement is more than a trend; it has the potential to redefine expression within the digital realm as we enter a new digital age.

For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/rebekah-tolley-digitalism

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Davies, a creative strategist and the visionary behind the groundbreaking platform, AskChris.AI. Designed specifically for artists and creatives, this innovative tool acts as a personal coach, providing thoughtful advice and support around the clock. Chris shares insights from his journey in the art world, detailing how his extensive experience shaped the development of Ask Chris AI.

We explore the practical ways this platform assists artists, from crafting the perfect artist statement to navigating the complexities of gallery outreach. Chris emphasizes that while AI can serve as a valuable thought partner, it doesn’t replace the human touch essential to true artistry. Instead, it empowers artists to brainstorm ideas and work through creative blocks more effectively.

Our conversation highlights the importance of leveraging technology to enhance creativity and streamline processes, freeing up valuable time for artists to focus on what they love most: making art. We also explore the vital role of community and collaboration in the creative process, reminding us that, even as technology evolves, the heart of creativity remains deeply human.

For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/ask-chris-AI

Step right up and prepare to peek behind the painted smiles, as today’s guest, professional clown Guilford Adams, reveals there's more to the profession than a big red nose. As the co-director of the feature-length documentary American Clown, Guilford joins us to discuss the film, which explores the plight of clowns in a country that increasingly views them with apprehension and disdain.

Guilford traces his roots to his childhood church, where he discovered his love for magic and comedy. He recounts his evolution from a junior high clown to a professional performer, including his time with the Ronald McDonald program and how the clowning landscape has shifted over the years.

Guilford discusses the challenges that clowns face today, particularly the stigma created by horror films and negative media portrayals. He reflects on how these representations affect his career and the wider clowning community, as highlighted in American Clown. Despite these hurdles, he emphasizes the resilience and creativity inherent in the clowning tradition. The conversation explores the diversity within clowning, highlighting different classifications of clowns from classic to modern specialties. Guilford underscores the importance of community among clowns, pointing out the supportive networks that exist despite the competitive nature of the industry.

Guilford also shares how fatherhood has influenced his craft. As a dad to twin boys, he reveals how parenting has shaped his understanding of performance and deepened his empathy as an artist. This episode offers an insightful look into the art of clowning, illustrating how it goes beyond mere entertainment to foster connection and understanding in a complex world—themes that resonate throughout American Clown.

For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/american-clown

Pack an extra warm sweater because we’re headed to the Arctic Circle with David Scott, a multifaceted artist, writer, and close friend of our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power. In today’s episode, the two pals reminisce about their daring year spent living off-grid in a simple cabin near Churchill, Manitoba. This remarkable experience is detailed in David’s new book, Paradise Creek: A True Story of Adventure and Survival, where he recounts their unforgettable true story of stepping from a bush plane onto a frozen lake and struggling to find their cabin, just three miles away, after being lost for six bitterly cold days. David reflects on how the lessons they learned during this time shaped their diverging creative paths and contributed to their personal growth.

Listeners are treated to a glimpse inside their longstanding friendship, as Scott and David think back to the thrilling days of building their cabin and navigating through the frigid cold, with only the stars as their compass. They share stories of hunting moose for winter meat and the joys and hardships of living in a wilderness log cabin, all while eliciting chuckles about their initial excitement and somewhat naive optimism while gearing up for the expedition. Throughout the conversation, they delve into the various artistic endeavors that emerged from their experiences, from writing poetry to crafting furniture, emphasizing the importance of creative expression and how it intertwines with their survival story.

The episode also touches on the challenges of living in isolation, the beauty of the northern lights, and the thrill of hunting and fishing in the wild. With light-hearted banter and playful humor, the duo shares anecdotes that range from hilarious to harrowing, making for an entertaining listen that highlights the resilience of the human spirit and captures the essence of their year at Paradise Creek.

Paradise Creek: A True Story of Adventure and Survival is available on Amazon.com. For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/paradise-creek

In this week’s episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power takes us on a personal journey into the world of brand loyalty through the lens of an unexpected favorite: The Ironman Triathlon Series. While many brands offer lifestyles, the Ironman brand epitomizes dedication and grit, offering experiences that are truly earned.

Straying from the typical conversation around tech gadgets or luxury items, Scott shares why this brand resonates deeply with him, symbolizing endurance, community, and growth. He reflects on his experiences as a two-time Ironman finisher, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and the dedication it takes to complete such an intense competition. This episode captures not just the physical aspects of the race, but also the emotional rewards that come from pushing one’s limits.

Throughout the episode, Scott explores what it means to have a favorite brand and how real commitment reflects in experiences rather than material possessions. He encourages listeners to find their own version of an “Ironman”—a challenge that fosters personal growth and a sense of achievement.

For more information, please visit https://notrealart.com/my-favorite-brand