Christian Science Monitor | Arts/Entertainment

'The LEGO Batman Movie' features the return of hit 'LEGO' character Batman, singer Ariana Grande brought together artists including Chris Martin of Coldplay, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus to perform a benefit concert in Manchester, England, and more top picks.

Asghar Farhadi's Oscar-winning film 'The Salesman' is available on DVD and Blu-ray, Fathom Events brings Studio Ghibli films back to theaters, and more top picks.

Artists are experienced at gathering diverse voices, celebrating local history, and connecting with communities. Planners want to do that better.

'Toni Erdmann' tells the story of a corporate strategist and her mischievous father who loves playing pranks on people, artist Thomas Dambo's 'The 6 Forgotten Giants' brings creatures out of fairy tales to life, and more top picks.

In PBS’s 'The American Epic Sessions,' artists including Elton John, Jack White, and the band Alabama Shakes are challenged to create music using old technology, the NPS National Mall app could help you on a Washington, D.C., trip, and more.

Acclaimed creators, including writer Paul Auster and artist Mark Bradford, are examining what it means to be a man in the modern world.

The app BringFido lets you find a dog-friendly hotel as well as other area attractions, such as dog parks, trails, and beaches, movie fans should check out Isabelle Huppert's work in the film Things to Come, and more top picks.

A raw and beautiful sadness permeates the 11 tracks on Feist's 'Pleasure,' the movie 'Silence' features an intriguing turn by actor Issei Ogata, and more top picks.

The Dog Park Finder Plus app can help you locate nearby dog parks as well as other dog-friendly locations, the Maps 3D Pro app brings maps to life for those who love the great outdoors, and more top picks.

At a time when immigration has become a contentious political issue, Ward has emerged as one of the most visible artists fostering conversations about the topic in ways that go beyond Republican and Democrat talking points.

An intimate look at life in ancient Rome is on rare public display outside Italy in an exhibit at the Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton, Mass.

Netflix's 'The Mars Generation' follows teenagers as they learn what they will need to know to travel to the Red Planet, 'The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke' will put a smile on your face, and more top picks.

Will comedy fans be drawn to a festival from Comedy Central and the organizers of the successful Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival?

The magic of 'La La Land' comes to DVD and Blu-ray, National Geographic Documentary Films looks back at the Los Angeles riots with 'LA 92,' and more top picks.

The Yonder app can help if you're looking for inspiration for an outdoor adventure or thinking of recommending one you had to others, Adam Driver stars in director Jim Jarmusch’s latest movie, 'Paterson,' and more top picks.

'Ike and McCarthy,' by David A. Nichols is readable and revealing, the podcast 'Biography' tackles the lives of lesser-known figures such as Australian suffragette Vida Goldstein, and more top picks.

The Duolingo app lets iPhone users test their conversational skills, the movie 'Come What May' focuses on French people who tried to leave as the Nazis invaded France in 1940, and more top picks.

The Smithsonian Channel's 'Pocahantas: Beyond the Myth' cuts through the legend, moviegoers return to the world of 'Harry Potter' with 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' and more top picks.

Pittsburgh Ballet is a pioneer in opening the performing arts to people with sensory sensitivities, including bringing in special education teachers as volunteer ushers and encouraging audience members to do whatever helps them engage.

John Mayer's guitar playing on 'The Search for Everything' astounds, Omar Z. Robles' photos of dancers are a must-see, and more top picks.