Arts and Culture

MPR News has you covered with news and stories about local art and culture happenings across Minnesota.

Art Hounds: Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. You can explore arts events here, or become an Art Hound today.

Cube Critics: Stay up to date with our weekly art and culture chats with MPR News’ Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle, Max Sparber, Aron Woldeslassie and guests. Listen to or read Cube Critics here

Art Reviews: Our arts team offers insight on the latest in theater, music, visual arts and more. We explore the breadth of creativity and innovation found throughout Minnesota, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the works and artists shaping our cultural landscape. Read more here.

Art Friend: Everyone needs an art friend. Art Friend is a new segment with our arts team. Art spaces can feel exclusive and art can be confusing, obtuse, and even boring. But, especially with the right context, everyone can be a critic. So let us be your guide- your Art Friend. Listen or read Art Friend stories here.

Our arts coverage is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The final Art Hounds of 2024 looks at children’s books and the art of recovery
Art Hounds recommend the Twin Ports exhibit “Loaded” by Duluth artists Rob Quisling and Jonathan Thunder and “Journey to Joy: Rise, Relevance, Representation in Children’s Picture Books.”
‘Time of the Child’ is a marvelous blend of despair and redemption in Ireland
Set in a small Irish village in the weeks leading up to Christmas 1962, Niall Williams’ latest novel avoids cliché by investing specificity and life into characters and places.
Minnesota’s holiday stages offer a mix of joy, history and soul
Minnesota’s holiday theater offerings this year range from the soulful traditions of “Black Nativity” and the whimsical charm of “The Nutcracker Fantasy” to a comedic take on Scrooge at the Guthrie, a kid-approved Grinch at the Children's Theatre Company and the feminist and historical journey of “I Am Betty” at History Theatre.
Dreaming of a Black Utopia in Trump’s America
In his new book, “The Black Utopians,” author Aaron Robertson tells the story of how Black folks have created many different versions of utopian communities throughout history — and why those communities tend to be especially meaningful during times of political tension and racial unrest.
You might recognize the performer's unmistakable voice from the Netflix series ”Ripley,” the HBO series “The White Lotus,” and the Pixar animated feature “Luca.” In Italy, she's a legend.
The last ‘A Very Die Hard Christmas’: A seasonal theater tradition comes to an end
The 113th and final performance of “A Very Die Hard Christmas,” a popular Twin Cities holiday tradition and musical farce inspired by the debated status of “Die Hard” as a Christmas movie, will take place on Dec. 21 at Bryant Lake Bowl & Theater, ending a decade-long run due to the cast’s desire to conclude on a high note and focus on family.
‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and $600 million globally
“Moana 2” remains at the top of the box office in its second weekend in theaters as it pulled in another record haul. According to studio estimates Sunday, the animated Disney film added $52 million, bringing its domestic total to $300 million.