WETA Arts May 2024

With over 40,000 works by more than 7,000 artists, the Smithsonian American Art Museum offers a captivating journey through the cultural landscape of the United States. Join museum director Stephanie Stebich on a tour of the newly renovated third-floor galleries and a a first hand glimpse of art conservation in action. Along the way, Stebich shares her vision for the museum's future.

Step into the world of Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form that has been nurtured and celebrated for centuries. Bharatanatyam is recognized as one of India's nine classical dance styles by the Ministry of Culture. From divine offerings to mythical tales, each performance intricately weaves together stories of Hindu gods and goddesses, connecting generations and bridging cultures.

Felicia Curry explores the fascinating world of ancient artifacts and the efforts to preserve cultural heritage in the face of looting and smuggling. Through interviews with experts and law enforcement officials, Curry highlights the extent of art crime across the world and the devastating impact it has on countries like Yemen, which are struggling with civil unrest.

Diplomats, curators and law enforcement share the dramatic story of 79 trafficked and repatriated Yemeni antiquities currently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. A student of classical Indian dance style called Bharathanatyam performs her debut. WETA Arts host Felicia Curry sits down with the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s director to chat about the building’s renovations.