Art, Entertainment, Culture, and Creativity for Good

Stories about using art and creativity to make a positive difference

A woman sits cross-legged on the floor of an art studio, studying a handful of paintings

Study suggests an interest in art leads to a more meaningful life

Researchers set out to explore “the value of art beyond aesthetic pleasure.” This is what they found.

Two photos. On the left, a washed up piece of kelp on the beach. On the right is a light purple button down shirt

60% of all fashion materials are made from plastic. This startup makes clothes from kelp instead

Keel Labs’ Kelsun material is made from kelp, one of the most regenerative materials on the planet.

Slats of a wall covered in paint depicting migrants crossing

The border wall between the US and Mexico was covered with murals and messages to loved ones. Where is that art now?

When the U.S.-Mexico border wall partially came down in 2023, activists rushed to save the art and messages that were painted across the barrier.

The exterior of a restaurant called Detroit Pizza Bar. It has a cursive style font in white lettering on a black tile roof.

This city had a lack of art galleries for Black artists. So they turned their restaurant into an eat-in gallery

Detroit entrepreneurs are turning restaurants into vibrant gallery spaces, using their walls to showcase and celebrate Black artists.

Red and silver baubles on a limb of a Christmas tree, with a pine cone in the background

Is a real or artificial Christmas tree more sustainable? Here's what the experts say

Three-quarters of U.S. households display a tree during the holidays. Here's the most sustainable way to celebrate.

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. "Black Man, Arapahoes" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1898.

This online database aims to revive Indigenous language before its last speakers are gone

There are fewer than 100 speakers of the Arapaho language today — all of whom are above the age of 70. Researchers hope to preserve their voices.

Side by side photos of author John Green and the audiobook cover for "Everything is Tuberculosis"

2025's audiobook of the year is John Green's 'Everything is Tuberculosis,' chosen by 4,000 independent bookstores

In a year of global health upheaval, the Libro.fm Bookseller’s Choice Awards selected Green’s nonfiction book as their top pick. These are the runners-up.

Amanda Gorman speaks at a podium at The UNICEF Gala 2025

WATCH: Freshly-appointed UNICEF ambassador Amanda Gorman performs new poem: 'To every child we are responsible'

The presidential inaugural poet and activist implored listeners to believe a better future for children is possible.

From crying clubs to cuddle therapy, here's how people are combatting loneliness across the US

According to a recent survey from the American Psychological Association, over half of Americans feel isolated.

A boy stands in front of a man wearing a Santa Claus costume

For these diverse professional Santas, spreading kindness is a calling

Researchers surveyed 849 professional Santas who live across the U.S.

Merchandise and gifts that give back to NPR and PBS, including an NPR+ subscription, a sweatshirt that says "PBS Kid" and a mug that reads "America needs journalists."

Protect public media: Here are 8 gifts that give back to PBS and NPR

After the Trump administration has cut billions of dollars in funding to institutions like PBS and NPR, here’s how you can support public media this holiday season.

A bus driver, Tina Hutcherson, holds a bundle of knitted beanies in her arms while standing and smiling in front of a school bus

School bus driver knits hats for every student on her route: 'I hope they know somebody loves them'

Tina Hutcherson is fighting clothing insecurity with one skein of yarn at a time.