artists

Taylor Swift has become the most-awarded artist in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards, setting a new record at the ceremony. She dedicated the show's top prize to country legend Dolly Parton, a gesture that drew wide attention and praise from fans and media outlets. Coverage highlights both the record milestone and her tribute to Parton as the defining moments of the night.

Taylor Swift and Madonna both took home awards at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, in a ceremony dominated by female artists. Swift added to her record-breaking VMA haul, while Madonna's win drew attention given her long history with the show. The strong showing by women across the major categories has become the main talking point from the night.

The Milwaukee Art Museum has returned works by David Drake, an enslaved 19th-century potter from South Carolina, to his descendants. Drake, known for signing his large stoneware vessels at a time when enslaved people were rarely permitted literacy, is regarded as one of the most significant American ceramic artists. The transfer is being discussed as a notable example of museums returning cultural heritage to families of enslaved people.

A new compilation album titled Contra ICE, Vol. 1 has been released, with proceeds going to organizations supporting immigrants rights. The project reportedly involves artists including Kathleen Hanna and Adrian Quesada, and is framed as a musical response to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Early reaction online is positive, with listeners sharing the story widely.

Taylor Swift made Video Music Awards history, becoming the most awarded artist in the show's history, and dedicated her award to Dolly Parton. The milestone cements her status as one of pop's most decorated performers, with fans and media widely praising her tribute to Parton.

Madonna took home the Artist of the Year award at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, telling the audience she had spent the last year and a half 'finding myself'. The win puts the pop icon back at the center of music conversation and is being covered widely, with attention focused on her reflective acceptance speech as much as the trophy itself.

Todrick Hall, Jasmine Amy Rogers and Ariana DeBose are among the performers joining the Black Theatre United gala, according to an announcement from Playbill. The event brings together prominent Black theatre artists in support of the organization's advocacy work for equity and opportunity in the theatre industry. Further details on the date, venue and full lineup were not provided.

A company is using artificial intelligence to track down and recover millions of dollars in music royalties that had gone unclaimed or undetected, according to a report by WBTV. The technology scans data to uncover payments owed to rights holders that traditional methods missed. The story highlights growing interest in AI tools for fixing long-standing problems in how musicians get paid.

Professor Isolde Brielmaier, of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, has released a new book, Another View: The Vibrant World of Contemporary Black Artists, published by Phaidon. The book explores the work and impact of contemporary Black artists, adding to Phaidon's roster of art publications and contributing to ongoing conversations about representation in the art world.

Colombian reggaeton singer Ryan Castro has announced his first-ever headlining show at Madison Square Garden in New York. The announcement marks a major milestone for the Medellín-born artist, who has risen from local street performances to becoming one of the leading voices in urban Latin music. Fans and music outlets have been reacting to the news of the landmark venue booking.

A Native American artist is credited with transforming public art across Washington state, according to Cascadia Daily News. The report highlights how the artist's work and influence have changed which communities and perspectives are represented in the state's public spaces, bringing Indigenous art and visibility to a landscape long dominated by other traditions.

The WasteShed, a nonprofit that resells donated art and craft supplies at low prices, is moving its operations from Evanston to the Edgewater neighborhood on Chicago's North Side. The relocation brings the reuse-focused art shop closer to a larger Chicago audience, and residents are discussing what the move means for affordable creative materials in the area.

Country singer Riley Green is scheduled to perform in Spokane next spring, according to local outlet KXLY. The announcement gives fans in eastern Washington advance notice to plan for the show, though specific date, venue and ticket details were not included in the initial report.

A new public art statue has been unveiled in Downtown Jackson, adding a fresh piece to the city's streetscape. Local outlet The Jackson Sun reported the unveiling, which places the artwork in the heart of the downtown district. No details have yet been given about the statue's artist, subject or funding, so reaction from residents and city officials remains to be seen.

Art City Austin artists featured during Fiesta are hoping to grow their showcase, according to KVUE. The event highlights local artists and organizers are looking at ways to reach a larger audience in future editions.

A new review covers William H. Tishler's biography 'The Giant Viking Gardener: Jens Jensen, Nature's Artist', examining the life and work of the Danish-born landscape architect who shaped the Midwest's natural style of park design. The reviewer highlights Jensen's influence on prairie-style landscapes and his lasting legacy in Chicago parks and conservation.

The 55th Octagon Arts Festival took place in Ames, Iowa, and the Ames Tribune has published a roundup of its favorite works and moments from the event. The long-running festival showcases art from regional artists and draws community members each year. Readers are looking through the gallery of highlights from this year's edition.

Will Schwartz, of the band The Male Pattern, has penned a guide titled 'No Place Like Home' exploring the musical life of Queens, New York. The piece, published by Joyzine, takes readers through the borough's music scene from Schwartz's perspective as a local musician, highlighting the venues, artists and community that shape Queens culture.

A feature titled 'Spotlight on the Artist' is circulating in lifestyle media, putting the work and story of an individual artist in focus. Details about the artist's identity, medium, and the occasion for the feature were not provided. Readers are being directed to the piece to learn more about the person behind the work.

Nina Covington is featured in a personal profile piece, with the artist sharing her story and creative journey. The interview-style feature highlights her background and work, part of a series spotlighting local creatives. Readers interested in emerging artists are being pointed toward the piece to learn more about Covington and her art practice.