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.

Beyond books: How a public library in Ohio’s Rust Belt is spurring economic growth
The public library in Toledo, Ohio, is one of a number across the U.S. that have become entrepreneurial hubs. Business-specialist librarians are helping aspiring small-business owners and nonprofits for free.
Cube Critics discuss ‘Heartstopper’ season three
MPR News arts reporter Jacob Aloi and digital editor Kaila White review season three of “Heartstopper” which is available now on Netflix.  
Q&A: Local actor Ryan London Levin talks about taking on a 1-man show about Jewish identity
Six Points Theater in St. Paul is producing “Just for Us,” the Tony and Emmy award-winning one man show by comedian Alex Edelman, about Jewish identity. Twin Cities actor Ryan London Levin plays “Alex” in this new production, the first to perform the role other than Edelman.
South Korean author Han Kang wins 2024 Nobel Prize in literature
Han Kang is the first Korean writer to win the award. The citation commended "her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life."
Comedy takes over Minneapolis stages for 10,000 Laughs festival
The festival has expanded to venues across the city, including Pantages Theatre, First Avenue, Parkway Theater, Sisyphus Brewing and Theatre in the Round. This year’s national headliners include David Cross, Ali Macofsky, Rory Scovel, Mike E. Winfield, Katherine Blanford and Pete Holmes.
Art Hounds: Get in the Halloween spirit
Minnesota artists recommend a play centered on a wily witch. Also Lanesboro’s Commonweal Theatre produces the Pulitzer-winning play, “Doubt.”
Climate scientist and mom addresses work-life balance in new book
Climate scientist Anna Farro Henderson talks about balancing a career in politics, climate science with motherhood, a subject she explores in her new book “Core Samples: A Climate Scientist’s Experiments in Politics and Motherhood.”
Harris, Walz appeared on ABC's 'The View' and 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'
The Democratic presidential ticket is on a media blitz in New York. Vice President Kamala Harris appeared Tuesday on ABC's “The View," and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz appeared on ABC's “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Monday night.
Cine Latino regresa por duodécimo año al Main Cinema
El festival rinde homenaje a las tradiciones cinematográficas del mundo de habla hispana y portuguesa, mostrando sus historias a través del cine.