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.

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.

Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' studio of harassment and smear campaign
In a legal complaint, the actor says co-star Justin Baldoni and his team launched a smear campaign as a way to silence Lively's narrative about his and a producer's alleged repeated sexual harassment.
'Gravy Day' is an Australian tradition inspired by an unlikely Christmas song by Paul Kelly
December 21 isn’t just four days before Christmas for many in Australia. It’s “Gravy Day,” inspired by one of the most unlikely Christmas songs ever written. Singer Paul Kelly's 1996 composition “How to Make Gravy” is one of that country’s most popular holiday songs, even though its setting is a letter written from a prison inmate to his brother, ostensibly to pass along a recipe for the family's Christmas dinner.
Celebrating the winter solstice with a puppet procession in Minneapolis
People carried lanterns and larger-than-life handmade puppets to Powderhorn Park to celebrate the arrival of astronomical winter and, with it, increasingly longer days.
Gift ideas for the readers on your list
Looking for book recommendations to round out your gift lists? Ask a Bookseller has you covered.
10 young adult novels you don’t have to be young to enjoy
Whether you’re young or young at heart, NPR has book ideas for you. This year’s YA collection, gathered by NPR book critics and staff, includes romance, historical fiction, poetry, fantasy and more.
‘Niimiwin’ art exhibit celebrates the powwow tradition
All My Relations Arts will celebrate its current exhibit with live performances and an art market at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. “Niimiwin” is a multimedia art exhibit inspired by powwow and dance.