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.

At the 2024 Grammys, a show full of surprises and safe bets
Women dominated the prizes and performances at the 66th Grammy Awards. Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish won major awards; Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman gave captivating performances.
Here are the 2024 Grammy Award winners
R&B star SZA leads all artists with nine nominations at the Grammys, presented on Sunday, Feb. 4. Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Jon Batiste are each up for six awards.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘The Black Queen’
Louisiana author Jumata Emill is a journalist whose work covering crime led him to writing YA thrillers. His debut novel, “The Black Queen,” came out in paperback in January, and his second book, “Wander in the Dark,” was released this week.
DJ Jam E-Z wants to 'share the art, the music, the lessons'
Some months ago, we took you to the Vinyl Revival Listening Lounge at the Minneapolis Central Library. Well, we returned to the listening lounge to hear some new selections from the vinyl collection — curated this time by DJ Jam E-Z.
Cube Critics discuss ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’
Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Lukas Levin discuss their differing opinions about the Disney+ series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.”
It’s Franklin’s time to shine in new ‘Peanuts’ Apple TV+ special
In a new Apple TV+ special “Welcome Home, Franklin,” Franklin Armstrong of “Peanuts” finally gets his origin story. The Minnesota creator of the comic strip, Charles Schulz, introduced the Black character in 1968.
How women of the CIA changed history
In her new book, “The Sisterhood,” journalist Liza Mundy reveals the hidden stories of women working inside America’s top spy agency — how they brought down a Russian spy, discovered where Osama bin Laden was hiding and endured a decades-long fight for equality and recognition.
Art Shanty Projects closes due to warm weather
The Art Shanty Projects on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis closed six days after opening due to unseasonably warm weather, leaving the organization facing a financial shortfall.