Arts

Congress approved $15 billion in relief funds in December for cultural organizations struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic. People interested in applying for Shuttered Venue Operator grants can begin applying on April 8.

St. Louis Zoo President and CEO Jeffrey Bonner plans to retire by the end of the year. Zoo officials credit Bonner with leading the organization’s fundraising and conservation efforts.

Mixed-media artist Aaron Fowler returned to his hometown of St. Louis to create a deeply collaborative exhibition inspired by aspirations of friends and family. The expansive show includes a basketball hoop, rows of church pews and lingerie.

Des Moines-based social and environmental justice art activist Jordan Weber uses sculptures, installations and green spaces to focus on institutional and environmental racism. Weber spoke to St. Louis Public Radio’s Chad Davis to discuss his latest project and how his work fuses art and activism.

Coronavirus safety protocols will be in place later this month when the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra opens a series of Powell Hall concerts for limited audiences. The orchestra is preparing for eight weeks of concerts that begin March 26.

Nancy Kranzberg consulted with leaders in the arts community to find how they were handling the pandemic and issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival eyes a June 2 return to Forest Park for its first production of "King Lear," after canceling its 2020 show because of the coronavirus. The cast is composed entirely of artists of color.

An album and podcast series by St. Louis Story Stitchers, a collaborative of young artists, is highlighting life in different neighborhoods of the city. The songs, poems and stories of “The Why of My City” — show fierce pride in the city's history, particularly the accomplishments of Black St. Louisans. They also share optimism about the future.

"America's Last Little Italy: The Hill" tells the story of a historic St. Louis neighborhood. The coronavirus pandemic changed the film's rollout last year, but director Joseph Puleo said that online streaming has attracted viewers from around the world.

Singer Javier Mendoza has been writing and performing rock music for years. The artist returns to St. Louis on Saturday for a show at the Kranzberg Open Air series. Mendoza talks to St. Louis Public Radio's Chad Davis about his career, influences and what’s next.