Delaware State of the Arts Podcast

Delaware Division of the Arts

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

  1. Oct 19

    S13 E4: David Warren Norbut's "Otherworldly Dreams"

    What happens when a nearly 175-year-old photographic process meets the natural beauty of Delaware’s landscapes? In this episode of Delaware State of the Arts, host Izzy Cocuzza sits down with Wilmington-based photographer David Warren Norbut to explore his latest exhibition, Otherworldly Dreams, a captivating collection of 20 one-of-a-kind tintype photographs that reveal Delaware’s preserved landscapes in an entirely new light. From discovering his fascination with family photographs as a child to documenting punk shows and eventually mastering the historic wet plate collodion process, Norbut’s artistic journey has been anything but conventional. He shares how the rise of digital photography unexpectedly inspired him to embrace techniques dating back to the 1850s, trading instant gratification for the unpredictable magic of chemistry, light, and patience. Listeners will discover what it takes to create a single tintype photograph, including the remarkable challenges of transforming the back of a Jeep into a mobile darkroom. But Otherworldly Dreams is about more than photography. Traveling throughout Delaware, Norbut turned his lens toward the state’s wildlife refuges, parks, and protected natural spaces, capturing hauntingly beautiful images that seem suspended between past and present. Along the way, he encountered technical failures, unexpected discoveries, and landscapes he never knew existed. His work also carries a timely message about environmental preservation, encouraging viewers to recognize the extraordinary beauty of the natural spaces in their own backyards. Join us for a fascinating conversation about artistic experimentation, the value of slowing down, and the power of art to change how we see the world around us. Discover why Norbut believes that sometimes the most meaningful creative experiences come from embracing uncertainty—and why his ultimate hope is that his photographs inspire others to create something beautiful themselves. Exhibition: Otherworldly Dreams by David Warren Norbut Dates: October 2–November 27, 2026 Location: Chris White Gallery, Wilmington, Delaware Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life.  Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov. Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

  2. Sep 8

    S13 E3: Delaware State of the Arts - Individual Artist Fellow Ananya Goswami

    Kathak is more than movement. Rooted in rhythm, mathematics, storytelling, and expressive gesture, this centuries-old Indian classical dance form carries cultural traditions from one generation to the next. In this episode of Delaware State of the Arts, host Andy Truscott speaks with Ananya Goswami, an award-winning Kathak artist, choreographer, educator, visual artist, and founder and artistic director of Srishti – The Kathak Academy. Goswami reflects on beginning her artistic training as a young child in India, studying within the guru-shishya tradition, and learning from renowned Kathak masters, including Pandit Birju Maharaj and Vidushi Saswati Sen. She also discusses the rigorous technical foundations of Kathak and the ways movement, music, rhythm, and visual art come together in her creative practice.  The conversation explores Goswami’s role as a custodian of the art form and her work to establish a structured home for Kathak education in Delaware. Through the academy, she teaches students of different ages and backgrounds while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, artistic discipline, personal expression, and community connection. In 2025, Goswami was recognized as an Established Artist in Dance through the Delaware Division of the Arts’ Individual Artist Fellowship program.  Goswami also shares her vision for the future, including collaborations between Kathak and other classical dance traditions, expanded community programming, and new ways of using movement to support creativity and well-being. Her story illustrates how an ancient art form can remain authentic to its lineage while continuing to evolve, build understanding, and find new meaning in Delaware.  Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life.  Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov. Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

  3. Sep 8

    S13 E2: Delaware Shakespeare's 2026 Community Tour

    Delaware Shakespeare is known for bringing live theater to audiences under the stars at Rockwood Park—but its work reaches far beyond the traditional stage. In this episode of Delaware State of the Arts, host Andy Truscott speaks with Mariah Ghant, Producing Artistic Director of Delaware Shakespeare, about the company’s statewide Community Tour. Each year, DelShakes brings intimate, professional performances into libraries, museums, schools, correctional facilities, disability-service organizations, and other community spaces across all three Delaware counties. Ghant discusses how the tour removes barriers to participation, invites audiences to experience Shakespeare in new ways, and creates opportunities for connection through live performance. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s production, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] [Again]—a fast-paced, comedic journey through all 36 Shakespeare plays in under 100 minutes. The conversation explores why arts access matters, how unconventional spaces can become powerful theaters, and why Shakespeare’s stories continue to resonate with audiences more than 400 years later. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life.  Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov. Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

  4. Mar 2

    S13 E1: Delaware State of the Arts - New Light Theatre's The White Chip

    What if a story about addiction was fast, funny, and fiercely compassionate—and left you more connected than when you walked in? We sat down with New Light Theatre’s artistic director Lena Mucchetti, co-directors Allison Heishman and Charlie DelMarcelle, and actor Owen Corey to unpack The White Chip, Sean Daniels’ candid, high-velocity play about substance use disorder and the hard-won road to recovery. Across the conversation, we explore how humor becomes honest medicine. The team shares why a brisk, episodic structure, quick character shifts, and sudden moments of stillness make the heavy parts land with care, not shock.  We also dive into what hope looks like in real time: relationships that heal, shame that loosens in the light of conversation, and a pivotal shift from self-focus to service that reframes success and sustains sobriety. Stigma thrives in silence, so New Light builds real-world bridges around the art. Their partnership with Delaware’s atTAcK addition brings training to the rehearsal room, resources to the lobby, and informed voices to post-show talkbacks. Teen Night adds guided context and a safer space for questions. From discreet bathroom cards to concessions that directly fund community work, this production models how theater can be both storytelling and support system—meeting people where they are while inviting them to take the next step. If you care about harm reduction, recovery, and the power of theater to change minds, this episode will resonate. Come for the craft of a well-made play; stay for the deeper truth that we heal by showing up for each other. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a compassionate nudge, and leave a review to help more listeners find this conversation. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life.  Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov. Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

  5. 11/07/2025

    S12 E52: I Love to Write Day with John Riddle

    A diner outside Richmond. A napkin. And a flash of inspiration that turned into a global invitation to write. We sit down with author and ghostwriter John Riddle to unpack how I Love to Write Day began, why it stuck, and what keeps it thriving twenty-plus years later. From a long drive to a Writers Digest interview to an unexpected USA Today spotlight, John walks us through the turning points that helped a simple idea become a movement. We explore why writing matters for everyone, not just “writers.” John breaks down how putting words on the page sharpens critical thinking, opens unexpected doors, and supports mental health. He shares stories that show the day’s reach: students securing a governor’s proclamation, teens helping seniors capture their life stories, schools blanketing hallways with positive messages, and nonprofits using journaling to process trauma. These moments reveal a core truth—writing builds community while giving individuals a way to find and share their voice. You’ll also get practical tools to start or restart your practice. John’s go-to exercise for beating creative block takes minutes and resets your momentum. His three habits—make time, build confidence, and keep it fun—offer a durable framework for both novices and pros. We talk about balancing business and joy, from ghostwriting deadlines to co-authoring a humor book with his grandsons. Looking ahead, John teases the 25th anniversary plans, including an updated creative journal and a push to bring I Love to Write Day to the UK, Spain, and Australia. Ready to write a paragraph, a poem, or the first page of your book? Hit play, then join us on November 15 and share what you create. If this conversation sparked an idea, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it to a friend who needs a nudge to start. Your words matter—let’s get them on the page. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life.  Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov. Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

  6. 09/22/2025

    S12 E51: Delaware State of the Arts: Arden Artisans Collective and Arden Craft Shop Museum

    In celebration of the 125th anniversary of Arden’s founding, the Arden Artisans Collective presents A Living Legacy, a two-part exhibition series that honors the vibrant, ongoing tradition of creativity in the Ardens. Featuring the work of past and present artists from this unique Arts and Crafts community, the exhibitions span generations and mediums—offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the unbroken thread of artistry that has defined the Ardens for over a century. The Division speaks with Jill Althouse Wood and Sadie Somerville about this exciting new exhibition.  Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life.  Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov. Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

  7. 05/22/2025

    S12 E50: Delaware State of the Arts: Novelist Gina Wilson

    What does it feel like when time slips away and creativity flows effortlessly? For Gina Wilson, this unexpected state of "flow" during writing became the bridge between her established career as an executive coach and her emerging identity as a novelist.  Wilson brings a unique perspective to her writing, grounded in her Master's degree in Cognitive Psychology and years of helping leaders overcome burnout and self-doubt. During our conversation, she reveals how she discovered writing induced a state of complete immersion and energy that contrasted sharply with the depleted feeling many experience in their professional lives. This revelation led her from non-fiction to her recent novel "Silicon Valley East," which follows a female protagonist navigating the male-dominated tech world of the 1980s. The conversation explores the discipline behind creative work, with Wilson sharing her structured approach to writing—daily dedicated time blocks, character spreadsheets, and regular revision cycles. Her methods reflect her background in management consulting while allowing space for creative exploration. Most refreshing is Wilson's candid discussion of vulnerability in the creative process, particularly when sharing work with writing groups and beta readers. She credits these communities with providing crucial feedback while acknowledging how difficult it can be to open oneself to critique. At its heart, Wilson's message centers on personal agency—the belief that we aren't victims of circumstance but can make meaningful choices that transform our lives. Whether through coaching or storytelling, she aims to help people recognize their power to pivot when one path doesn't work out. For writers still finding their voice, her advice resonates with authenticity: write in your own voice, because no one else shares your unique perspective and experiences. In a world increasingly populated by AI-generated content, Wilson's emphasis on genuine human expression feels both timely and essential. Ready to discover how your creative pursuits might transform your professional journey? Listen to this episode, then reflect on when you last experienced true flow in your own life—that magical state where time disappears and energy abounds. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life.  Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov. Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

  8. 05/09/2025

    S12 E49: Delaware State of the Arts - Writer Cassandra Lewis

    Storytelling has the power to transcend barriers, even prison walls. Meet Cassandra Lewis, an award-winning writer whose creative journey illuminates how literature can build bridges where society often constructs divides. When Lewis began mentoring through PEN America's Prison and Justice Writing Program, she expected to guide an incarcerated writer. What emerged instead was a profound partnership with Geneva Phillips, an accomplished writer whose memoir and poetry had already garnered recognition. Their exchange of letters evolved beyond writing critique into a friendship that transformed Lewis's own creative work. Through Phillips' guidance, Lewis finally unlocked a personal manuscript she'd struggled with for years—a testament to mentorship's reciprocal nature. The conversation explores how incarcerated writers consistently return to themes of community and connection in their work. As Lewis describes it, these narratives reveal the resilience of the human spirit in maintaining relationships despite systematic attempts to sever them. Yet practical obstacles abound: mail digitization means incarcerated people never touch original letters from loved ones; censorship creates communication uncertainty; and unexpected facility transfers can abruptly end friendships without goodbyes. Lewis's own creative work sits at the intersection of arts and advocacy. Her fellowship-funded play examines extreme sentencing through the story of an estranged grandmother and granddaughter reconnecting across prison barriers. Rather than providing easy answers, Lewis uses storytelling to explore complex questions about criminal justice, mental health systems, and human connection. "Great storytelling inspires conversation," Lewis explains, "and that's how things get started, that's how things get moving." For writers considering similar mentorship programs, Lewis emphasizes the importance of literary citizenship—supporting other writers and participating in the ongoing conversation of ideas. Her experience with PEN America surpassed all expectations, personally and professionally transforming both mentor and mentee. Ready to discover how storytelling can build empathy and inspire change? Listen now to this thought-provoking conversation about writing, justice, and the power of human connection. Send us Fan Mail The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life.  Learn more at Arts.Delaware.Gov. Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.

About

Delaware State of the Arts is a weekly podcast that presents interviews with arts organizations and leaders who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of communities throughout Delaware. Delaware State of the Arts is provided as a service of the Division of the Arts, in partnership with NEWSRADIO 1450 WILM and 1410 WDOV.