PBS NewsHour - Art Beat

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The latest news, analysis and reporting on the art and entertainment world. (Updated periodically)

PBS NewsHour


    • May 31, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 6m AVG DURATION
    • 811 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from PBS NewsHour - Art Beat

    ‘Girl on Girl’ explores pop culture’s impact on women

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 5:23


    After decades of political and social progress, women’s rights are now the subject of renewed debate and policy change, amid a broader backlash on the goals of modern feminism. Atlantic staff writer and Pulitzer Prize finalist Sophie Gilbert joins Ali Rogin to discuss her new book, "Girl on Girl," which argues that pop culture of the 90s and early 2000s may have set back a generation of women. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    The Met opens reimagined Arts of Oceania galleries showcasing works from the Pacific

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 7:55


    New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is opening its Galleries of the Arts of Oceania to the public for the first time since 2021. It comes after a major renovation that allowed curators to reimagine how to present art from the vast region. Senior Arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    American violinist Ariana Kim visits India to explore Carnatic music

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 7:21


    The violin has a storied place in so much of European classical music. But sometime in the 17th century, it began to intrigue maestros from a very different and ancient music tradition. Fred de Sam Lazaro has the story of one American violinist who sought to explore what’s become known as the Carnatic violin. It's for our arts and cultures series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Barry Diller shares personal story and chronicles remarkable career in ‘Who Knew’

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 6:26


    Barry Diller has been a towering force in American entertainment and business for more than half a century. He helped reshape television at ABC, led Paramount during a golden era of filmmaking and launched the Fox network. Today, his digital empire spans travel, home services and online dating. Geoff Bennett spoke with Diller about his remarkable journey and his candid new memoir, "Who Knew." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Jonathan Capehart chronicles his journey toward self-discovery in ‘Yet Here I Am’

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 7:23


    On Friday nights, you see Jonathan Capehart alongside David Brooks discussing the big political stories of the week. But it was a long journey that led him to the News Hour. He joined Amna Nawaz to discuss his new memoir, "Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man's Search for Home." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Artist Fabiola Jean-Louis explores her Haitian heritage for inspiration

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 5:14


    Fabiola Jean-Louis has been researching and exploring her Haitian heritage to create art that reimagines history and identity through a deeply personal lens. That work is now on display in Boston in the exhibit "Waters of the Abyss." Special correspondent Jared Bowen takes us there for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    In ‘The Emperor of Gladness,’ Ocean Vuong explores chosen family and acts of kindness

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 6:55


    He’s a writer who mines his own history to look deeply at broader currents of working-class American life. In his new novel, Ocean Vuong crafts a narrative that weaves together themes of grief, healing and resilience. Senior Arts Correspondent Jeffrey Brown sat down with Vuong to discuss "The Emperor of Gladness" for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Lao and Proud: Chef inspires others to embrace their heritage and history through food

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 6:40


    Food is a tangible and accessible way to understand and connect with different societies. One chef has led the movement to bring traditional food from her home country of Laos to diners across the United States. Laura Barrón-López reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    New novel ‘The Director’ explores an artist’s responsibilities in a time of trauma

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 6:46


    A powerful new work of fiction, rooted in real events, explores the role of the artist in times of crisis. "The Director" by Daniel Kehlmann is resonating deeply with the challenges of our own time. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown has the story for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    ‘Memories of Love Returned’ brings Ugandan photographer’s work to life

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 5:07


    Photography is known for its power to capture a singular moment in one frame. But collectively, and as time passes, photos can take on much more meaning. Filmmaker Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine used a chance encounter with a photographer in a small Ugandan village to bring to life the everyday stories of its residents. He spoke with Ali Rogin as part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Sierra Hull reflects on her journey to becoming a mandolin virtuoso

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 6:36


    Two-time Grammy nominee Sierra Hull has reached the pinnacle of bluegrass on her chosen instrument, the mandolin. But how she got there is a story like no other. Special Correspondent Tom Casciato has more for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Artists with disabilities let their creativity soar at this Utah studio

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 5:33


    Artists with different physical and developmental abilities sometimes have to be creative not just with the content of their art, but also with how they make it. One studio in Utah is trying to do just that, customizing tools for each individual’s unique needs and talents. Ali Rogin reports for our ongoing look at the intersection of health and arts, and our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Conservative offers perspective on Trump’s effort to exert authority over history and art

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 6:27


    President Trump has accused the Smithsonian and other museums of promoting “narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.” Previously, Jeffrey Brown spoke with a historian critical of the president’s moves. Now, he has a different view from conservative Christopher Scalia. It's part of our series, Art in Action, and our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Exploring the efforts to control how U.S. history is presented in museums and monuments

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 7:29


    The Trump administration has put its mark on the nation’s cultural sector. One focus is on how American history is told and presented in museums and monuments. That has roiled many in the academic and art worlds. Jeffrey Brown explores the effort to reshape institutions for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Political cartoonists on navigating a changing media landscape

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 7:56


    "A picture is worth a thousand words." It's a well-worn phrase but there is special resonance when applied to editorial cartoons, a centuries-old tradition that is evolving as the media landscape itself does. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown takes a closer look for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    ‘Sonic Heritage’ project lets people experience world’s most iconic places through sound

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 5:36


    If you think of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, you might conjure an image of Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. But what does that famous place, or any place, sound like? A new project timed to World Heritage Day asks us to experience the world through its sounds. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    New book ‘Love, Queenie’ chronicles life of trailblazing South Asian actress Merle Oberon

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 6:54


    As the first Asian, and only South Asian, to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, Merle Oberon’s place in the pantheon of cinema is historic. But it came with enormous sacrifice as Oberon had to hide her race to stay working. Amna Nawaz sat down with writer Mayukh Sen to discuss "Love, Queenie," a new book on Oberon’s rise to fame, her groundbreaking career and eventual fade from the spotlight. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    A Brief But Spectacular take on family

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 4:50


    Maggie Doyne's decision to postpone college and work with refugees in India transformed her life and the lives of many others. Her story has been captured through the lens of filmmaker and partner Jeremy Power Regimbal. Maggie and Jeremy give us their Brief But Spectacular take on family. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Exhibition showcases Frank Costantino’s hand-drawn designs that bring buildings to life

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 4:24


    For more than 50 years, architectural illustrator Frank Costantino has been bringing buildings to life with his meticulously hand-drawn project designs. A new exhibition of Costantino’s work is celebrated at one of Boston’s most storied institutions. Special correspondent Jared Bowen of GBH Boston takes a look for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Acclaimed blues musician Nat Myers faces battle with a rare cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 5:23


    In 2023, we told you about the debut of Nat Myers, an acclaimed blues musician from Kentucky. American Songwriter said his work "reverberates with the sound of a deep bluesman from the 20s and 30s." Special correspondent Tom Casciato has an update to Myers' personal story for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Musician Nile Rodgers reflects on the roots of his artistry

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 4:25


    For decades, legendary photographer Platon has been taking portraits of some of the world’s most prominent people, from heads of state, to movie stars and everything in between. He recently started filming his photo shoots in which he gets his subject talking in a most disarming way. We share Platon’s dialogue with musician Nile Rodgers for our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ stars on the evolution of their characters as series reaches its end

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 6:55


    "The Handmaid’s Tale" began as a novel read by several generations and has been turned into a film and an opera. Then, beginning in 2017, a hit series on Hulu that is now coming to its conclusion. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown has a look for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Noah Wyle on the authenticity of ‘The Pitt’ and what makes it successful

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 8:19


    Max's medical drama The Pitt has its season finale this Thursday. The show tackles urgent issues like the impact of gun violence, hospital staffing shortages and the lasting effects of the pandemic. It has earned praise from both audiences and critics for its raw, realistic portrayal of life inside American hospitals. Geoff Bennett spoke with star Noah Wyle for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Kennedy Center faces a crossroads as it’s pulled into partisan politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 9:06


    The Kennedy Center is one of the nation’s premier performing arts centers, holding around 2,000 events each year. It’s a public-private partnership with most funding raised privately, but some coming from the federal government. The center has traditionally been a bipartisan institution but it’s now at a crossroads. Jeffrey Brown reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    West Philadelphia uses art to confront neighborhood problems and threats to democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 7:05


    Local arts organizations have the power to tackle everything from community challenges to threats against national democracy by expanding access to art. That mission drives one of the country’s most vibrant and diverse artistic hubs in West Philadelphia. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    The women lighthouse keepers who saved countless lives from coast to coast

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 7:47


    For generations, women have been operating lighthouses across the country, saving lives and keeping history. John Yang reports from the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the U.S. Pacific coast. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Development near Phoenix tests whether car-free living is sustainable in sprawling cities

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 7:40


    The sprawling metropolis of Phoenix seems an unlikely place to build an apartment complex without parking for residents. Car dependency is just part of life for most people there. But a new development in the suburb of Tempe is providing a blueprint for car-free and more environmentally friendly living. Stephanie Sy reports for our Tipping Point series and our arts and culture coverage, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Graydon Carter reflects on the golden age of magazines in ‘When the Going Was Good’

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 7:03


    Graydon Carter rose through the ranks at Time, Life, Spy, The New York Observer and Vanity Fair, becoming known for his sharp wit and keen eye for talent. Under his leadership, Vanity Fair transformed into a cultural juggernaut. Geoff Bennett spoke with Carter about his new memoir, “When the Going Was Good: An Editor's Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    A look inside the U.S. Mint’s creation of a quarter celebrating Ida B. Wells

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2025 6:23


    This Women’s History Month, we’re taking a look at a special series of quarters honoring notable American women. This is the final year of the program, and one of the coins for 2025 features journalist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells. John Yang reports from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, where the coins are being made. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Musicians push back on dwindling payments from streaming services

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 7:28


    Nearly every song ever recorded is available for about $12 a month, or free if you don’t mind the ads. But while the streaming giant Spotify has conquered the music industry, many of the artists responsible for the music on the platform say they are getting a raw deal. Geoff Bennett reports for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    How Hugh Hayden transforms everyday objects into surreal sculptures

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 5:12


    PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    ‘Soldiers and Kings’ author Jason De León on exploring the world of human smuggling

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 7:15


    An archaeologist is providing a different lens on the tension at the southern U.S. border, one that applies deep-dive anthropology to learn more about migration. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown spoke with National Book Award-winning author Jason De León, whose work explores the clandestine world of human smuggling, for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Kim Deal embarks on solo career after decades in The Pixies and The Breeders

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 7:12


    Kim Deal, a founding member of The Pixies and legendary bassist, has had many chapters in her career. She was also known as the frontwoman of The Breeders and now becoming a solo artist at the age of 63. Special correspondent Christopher Booker caught up with her before she kicked off a 25-city tour. It’s part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Indigenous artists on reclaiming authenticity at the ‘Future Imaginaries’ exhibition

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 2:28


    The Autry Museum's “Future Imaginaries” exhibit brings together works by Indigenous artists to reimagine science fiction characters and storylines. In this story from PBS News Student Reporting Labs, Mercedes Dorame and Angelica Trimble-Yanu met to discuss their work and how contemporary Native artists draw upon their culture and connections to envision possible futures. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Robert Trujillo’s Brief But Spectacular take on manifesting a dream

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 3:16


    Robert Trujillo grew up in Santa Monica, California, where his passion for music set the stage for an extraordinary career. Today, he’s known as the bassist for Metallica, one of the biggest rock bands. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on manifesting a dream. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    How Black musicians have influenced punk music

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 7:25


    Punk music is known for its raw, aggressive sound, edgy fashion and mosh pits. It’s also known for being predominantly white, but that's changed a lot in recent years. Resurfaced music from its earliest days underscores that punk has always been influenced and shaped by Black artists as well. Stephanie Sy has the story for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    California art initiative examines how science and art collide

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 2:59


    The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles is featuring two exhibitions that explore the relationship between movies and technology as part of PST ART: Art & Science Collide. PBS Student Reporting Labs Ebonie Shelley has the story for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    How ‘Anora’ became the big winner at the 2025 Oscars

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 4:47


    The small-budget indie flick, "Anora", was the biggest winner at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, taking five Oscars including for best picture, best director and best actress. Mikey Madison won for her portrayal of the title character. Justin Chang, a film critic at the New Yorker who also reviews movies for NPR's “Fresh Air," joins Stephanie Sy for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    How AI was used in the making of some of this year’s Oscar favorites

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 4:23


    At this year’s Oscars, there is a subplot of controversy over the use of artificial intelligence in the production of a number of nominated films, including some in the running for best picture. Katey Rich, awards editor at The Ankler and host of the podcast Prestige Junkie, joins John Yang to discuss. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Oscar nominee Fernanda Torres on the emotion behind her role in ‘I’m Still Here’

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 7:53


    The Brazilian film “I’m Still Here,” based on a true story, will be vying for the Academy Awards for Best International Film and Best Picture. Its star, Fernanda Torres, is also competing for an Oscar. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown spoke with Torres and her role for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Remembering the life and legendary career of actor Gene Hackman

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 3:06


    Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman is dead at the age of 95. Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on Wednesday. Authorities are still investigating the cause, but a search warrant affidavit described their deaths as "suspicious." As John Yang reports, Hackman was one of the great actors of his generation. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

    Cultural impact of Black men’s fashion in the spotlight at upcoming Met Gala

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 7:22


    This spring, the Met Gala in New York, one of the bigger fashion events of the year, will highlight the indelible style of Black men. The Met’s 2025 exhibition, titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” opens in May and explores the emergence and significance of the Black dandy. Geoff Bennett looked into the complicated historical style and its relevance today for our series, Race Matters. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

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