Monocle on Culture
Robert Bound and guests explore what’s new in art, film, books, and media. Expect lively discussions, in-depth interviews, and expert insights.
Latest Episodes
Can Toronto be the next Austin?
We assess the success of the Austin-Toronto Music City Alliance, and see how Toronto is building itself as a music destination through interviews with mayor John Tory, British broadcaster and festival organiser Rob Da Bank and other musicians, promoters and venue owners from the city.
Where have all the nightclubs gone?
As nightclub numbers dwindle in the UK and licensing laws put more much-loved dance floors under threat, we take a global look at nightlife. From London to Beirut to Seoul, we discuss why a thriving nightlife is important in a city and which places are getting it right.
What happens in an animation studio?
We delve into the world of the animator as we undergo this week’s cultural investigation. We speak to Jude Brownbill at Disney Pixar; director of ‘Moomins on the Riviera’, Xavier Picard; and House of Cool animation studios in Toronto. Plus: we find out what it’s like to be turned into…
How do you fall asleep?
We explore what makes us fall asleep, from bedtime stories at the Ace Hotel to a retreat for insomniacs in rural England. We discuss how sleep affects creativity or whether being in possession of a creative mind affects your sleep.
What does an editor do?
We gain an insight in to the role of the editor – whether creating a novel, a magazine or a movie – through the eyes of Faber and Faber’s senior editor Walter Donohue, film editor Pete Beaudreau and Monocle’s very own editor Andrew Tuck.
How do you make a myth?
Myths are like history only they’re not real. But they’re reasonable, kind of. To answer the question “How do you make a myth?” we talk to classicist Natalie Haynes about their enduring appeal. We also ask art historian Christopher Dell where paintings would be without myth and discuss how a…
How do you appreciate sound art?
Robert Bound speaks to artists, curators, the uninitiated and the professionals to get a handle on sound art – will it ever be as easy to love as a painting or as in vogue as performance art? How do you make it and where is it housed? We head to…
Summer art
This week’s show is a summery summary of the season’s best art exhibitions. Robert Bound is joined in the studio by Ossian Ward who has the lowdown on the top fairs, festivals and biennales to head to. Plus: we send our reporters to Porto, Vienna and Washington DC for their…
Summer reading list
Arifa Akbar, literary editor of ‘The Independent’, and John Mitchinson, founder of Unbound publishers, join Robert Bound in the studio to discuss the titles they are most looking forward to getting stuck in to on their summer holidays. Plus: we round up some of the best magazines to enjoy poolside,…
Summer Blockbusters
Tim Robey, film critic for ‘The Daily Telegraph’ and David Jenkins, editor of ‘Little White Lies’ magazine join Robert Bound in the studio to review what’s on the silver screen over the coming months, from big-budget blockbusters to the most engaging documentaries. Plus we find out where the best outdoor…
