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.

Kendrick Lamar brought West Coast hip hop, Uncle Sam and Serena Williams to the Super Bowl
With the biggest captive audience of his career, Lamar’s performance conjures a medley of hits that spans his 15-year discography, and featured R&B star SZA as a special guest.
The best (and worst) Super Bowl commercials this year
At a time when every fresh news alert seems to deliver a new seismic jolt about the world – the ads featured in this year's Super Bowl mostly touch on safe subjects we traditionally expect in Big Game commercials: Nostalgia. Comedy. Celebrities. Patriotism. And poignant humanism.
 Fabienne Josaphat’s ‘Kingdom of No Tomorrow’ explores gender equality in the Black Panthers
In her new novel, “Kingdom of No Tomorrow,” Fabienne Josaphat sets a love story in the middle of the Black Panthers uprising to explore the passion and price of activism.
Secrets feed on time in the masterful novel ‘Mothers and Sons’
Adam Haslett’s compelling novel focuses on the strained relationship between an asylum lawyer and his mother. It’s a beautiful appreciation of the all-too-human mess of life.
Van Gogh or no? Painting found at Minnesota garage sale stirs controversy about authenticity
A New York-based art research firm believes a painting purchased from a garage sale in Minnetonka for $50 is by the famous Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. But the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has twice denied its authenticity.