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.

‘This Is Fine’ meme-inspired portrait and other works by Minneapolis artist Russ White
Minneapolis artist Russ White, known for his bright, photo-realist portraits of Minnesota locals, presents “Sitters,” a series of eight acrylic and digital collage paintings at Gallery 120 in Inver Grove Heights that explores complex beauty and themes of abundance.
At the 2025 Grammys, Beyoncé takes home album of the year and Kendrick Lamar wins big
The unpredictable 67th Grammy Awards were filled with surprising wins for artists including Beyoncé — with her first album of the year win — as well as multiple wins for Kendrick Lamar and awards for rising stars like Chappell Roan and Doechii.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘A More Perfect Party‘ by Juanita Tolliver 
Makkah Abdur Salaam of Black Garnet Books in St. Paul recommends “A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm and Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics” by Juanita Tolliver.
Twin Cities theaters launch wave of new productions midwinter
As Minnesota nears midwinter, Twin Cities theaters are launching a wave of new productions, including premieres like "Milo Imagines the World" at the Children’s Theatre Company and "School Pictures" at Theater Latté Da, as well as familiar contemporary works and classic favorites like "Grease" at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters and "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" at the Guthrie.
In her new memoir, Sarah Hoover offers an unflinching take on the first year of motherhood
Sarah Hoover holds nothing back in her memoir, “The Motherload,” which grapples with the rage and disassociation she felt after the birth of her first child.
The five biggest storylines to watch for at the 2025 Grammy Awards
At Sunday night’s Grammys, will Beyoncé finally win album of the year? Will Taylor Swift take that prize for the fifth time? Or will a new generation of pop stars claim the moment?
Look for love during Lunar New Year with these two books
Kick off the Year of the Snake with two romances: “Lunar Love” by Lauren Kung Jessen, and “Lunar New Year Love Story” by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham.