The South Comes in Dead Last in The Arts

In a revelation that will shock precisely zero cultural observers, Southern states have claimed their place at the rock bottom of America’s arts scene, according to new rankings released today.

🎭 What We Know: SmileHub published their “Best States for the Arts in 2025” report just in time for World Art Day on April 15. The rankings compared all 50 states using 16 metrics including the share of adults who create art, average salary of fine artists, and quality of graduate art programs.

🏆 The Winners and Losers: New York predictably took the top spot, followed by California and Washington. Meanwhile, the South dominated the bottom 10 with Mississippi earning the dubious honor of dead last at 50th place. Alabama (49th), West Virginia (48th), Arkansas (47th), Kentucky (46th), and South Carolina (42nd) all reinforcing the stereotype of the South as uncultured.

🤔 Why It Matters: With 5.2 million Americans employed in the arts, these rankings show which states actually value creative expression and which ones… well, don’t. New York boasts 14.8 times more art charities per capita than New Hampshire, while California has 15.1 times more artists per capita than Hawaii.

💰 Surprising Twist: Nevada, which ranked a dismal 43rd overall, somehow manages to pay its fine artists better than anyone else, with salaries twice as high as Hawaii’s when adjusted for cost of living. Apparently what happens in Vegas includes decent compensation for artists.

🎨 What’s Next: The complete rankings and detailed state-by-state breakdown can be found on SmileHub’s website. Southern states might want to campaign to have SEC football considered art.

❓Why Are The Arts Important?: For many in the South, the arts may seem removed from everyday life, but it’s important to recognize the impact they have on communities. Here’s why investing in the arts matters, especially in Southern states:

1. Cultural Heritage: The South is rich in cultural traditions—from music like blues and country to storytelling and visual arts. Supporting the arts means preserving and celebrating this unique heritage that defines Southern identity.
2. Economic Growth: Arts bring in tourists, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. Festivals, art shows, and performances can attract visitors, boosting businesses in the community. When artists thrive, so do local economies.
3. Community Building: Art has the power to bring people together. Whether it’s a local theater troupe or a community mural project, the arts foster connections and relationships among neighbors, building a sense of community pride and belonging.
4. Education and Development: Engaging with the arts enhances critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. These skills are essential for success in today’s job market, and introducing more art programs in schools can nurture the next generation of innovators.
5. Quality of Life: Access to the arts enriches lives. It provides an outlet for expression and a means of coping with life’s challenges. By supporting the arts, Southern states can contribute to higher overall well-being among their residents.

By understanding these benefits, even the most skeptical can appreciate that the arts are not just a luxury; they are an important part of development, economic vitality, and cultural pride.