Creative Projects Group

The AI Issue (Hollywood Reporter, 2026)

From viral videos with Brad Pitt to deepfakes from the ‘South Park’ guys, Silicon Valley hype to apocalyptic fears, Hollywood’s future has never been murkier. With entertainment at an existential crossroads, THR goes long to understand where we’re headed.

The AI Issue As entertainment stands at this existential crossroads, THR throws light on who these AI guides are — and where, exactly, they might be taking us.

For the third consecutive year, New York maintains its #1 position as the most arts-vibrant state in the nation, while Connecticut's rise to #3 in the rankings demonstrates how dynamic a state's creative ecosystem can be.

Our 2025 analysis shows that most states moved only a few positions from 2024, reinforcing patterns observed in previous years: states with high arts vibrancy often feature dense urban populations and lower poverty rates, though notable exceptions persist. New York, for example, continues to lead the nation despite a higher-than-average poverty rate. Meanwhile, states from every region of the country populate the top 20 list, underscoring that vibrant arts and culture flourish coast to coast.

This year's standout performers include:

New York holds #1
New Jersey ranks #2
Connecticut claims #3
Other highlights:
Four of the top five states are in the Northeast
Two West Coast states hold top 10 status for the third consecutive year: California at #8 and Oregon at #10
Connecticut makes the largest leap of all, jumping from #21 in 2024 to #3 in 2025

Where does your state rank on overall arts vibrancy? More details at the link in bio


https://www.instagram.com/smudataarts/p/DTVYAxEjUrm/

For the third consecutive year, New York maintains its #1 position as the most arts-vibrant state in the nation, while Connecticut's rise to #3 in the rankings demonstrates how dynamic a state's creative ecosystem can be. Our 2025 analysis shows that most states moved only a few positions from 2024, reinforcing patterns observed in previous years: states with high arts vibrancy often feature dense urban populations and lower poverty rates, though notable exceptions persist. New York, for example, continues to lead the nation despite a higher-than-average poverty rate. Meanwhile, states from every region of the country populate the top 20 list, underscoring that vibrant arts and culture flourish coast to coast. This year's standout performers include: 🥇 New York holds #1 🥈 New Jersey ranks #2 🥉 Connecticut claims #3 Other highlights: 🎭 Four of the top five states are in the Northeast 🎨 Two West Coast states hold top 10 status for the third consecutive year: California at #8 and Oregon at #10 💃 Connecticut makes the largest leap of all, jumping from #21 in 2024 to #3 in 2025 Where does your state rank on overall arts vibrancy? More details at the link in bio 🔗 #AVI2025 #ArtsVibrancy #ArtsResearch #SMU