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.

‘What happens in the streets:’ St. Thomas team continues to document art inspired by George Floyd
A team of University of St. Thomas researchers is documenting street art from the George Floyd protests — murals, posters and graffiti — in an ongoing global archive to preserve these ephemeral expressions of resistance and remembrance.
Springboard for the Arts hosts rural artists in multi-state summit in Fergus Falls
Artists from across the Upper Midwest gathered in Fergus Falls for the Rural Futures Summit, a multi-day celebration hosted by Springboard for the Arts that highlights the work of rural creatives through workshops, performances, and community-building events.
Thomas Mallon’s NYC diaries get to the ‘Very Heart’ of the AIDS crisis
Mallon has been keeping diaries for most of his life. “The Very Heart of It” collects entries from the years 1983 to 1994, when he had recently come out as gay and moved to New York City.
5 dark tales hit shelves this week
Sometimes all it takes to make your day a little brighter is to remind yourself just how dark life can get. Here are four dark novels and a true crime tale.
After his mother’s death, Ocean Vuong wrote his way through grief
Vuong’s new novel, “The Emperor of Gladness,” is the first he’s written, from start to finish, since his mother died in 2019. He says writing it was a way to honor her memory.
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