Vermont Public Radio has deepened its coverage of arts and culture with the launch of a new arts segment on Thursday afternoons during “All Things Considered” at 4:50 p.m.

Each week, host Neal Charnoff will go behind the scenes of arts and culture in Vermont through conversations with artists and programmers, and by tracking topics and trends throughout the state.

“VPR already has many platforms for profiling the arts, which allow us to broadcast live performances, regional interviews, and projects such as our Backstage series,” Charnoff said. “While those will continue, I’m excited for this weekly opportunity to explore Vermont’s vibrant arts community.”

The segment debuted last month, featuring a conversation with Alex Aldrich of the Vermont Arts Council.

The weekly conversation will be followed by Art Hounds, a new project that presents voices from the arts community who will tell listeners what they’re excited about on the arts scene.

Art Hounds invites people within the region’s own vibrant, local arts community to rave about and recommend performances, exhibits, concerts and happenings in Vermont, New York, the Upper Valley and Quebec.

To participate in Art Hounds, visit VPR.net. The only catch is the work promoted can’t be by the participating artist or performer. Original music for this new segment was composed and performed by Vermont musician Dave Keller. Art Hounds was created by Minnesota Public Radio News and is powered by the Public Insight Network.