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.

Ask a Bookseller: ‘The Boys in the Boat’
The historical sports drama “The Boys in the Boat,” directed by George Clooney, is now in theaters. It’s based on Daniel James Brown’s nonfiction book by the same name, and Sarah Dorn of The Nook in Brookings, S.D., highly recommends reading it. 
North Woods Arendelle: With Disney’s blessing, Ely stages ‘Frozen the Musical’
Ely, perhaps best known as a gateway to the Boundary Waters, is celebrating getting frozen this weekend, “Frozen the Musical” that is. The local high school beat out fierce competition to be the only Minnesota community to get the rights to mount the hit show.
Can higher education be saved from itself?
Brian Rosenberg, president emeritus of Macalester College, offers a candid assessment of American higher education in his new book: “Whatever It is, I’m Against It: Resistance to Change in Higher Education.”
The magic of Rose McGee’s sweet potato comfort pie comes to a children’s book
Minnesotan Rose McGee has served up thousands of her sweet potato comfort pies. Now, she's bringing the magic of that recipe to a younger audience in the form of a new children’s book called “Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama!”
'The Last Fire Season' describes what it was like to live through California's wildfires
Recounting months spent dodging wildfires, writer Manjula Martin considers what it means to create a home in a place that is destined to burn, and to live "inside a damaged body on a damaged planet."
Nintendo and Ubisoft revive overlooked franchises in their first games of the year
Gaming giants Nintendo and Ubisoft each released new takes on old series this week in Another Code: Recollection and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. We review what makes each worth exploring.
Art Hounds: Ableism and art, African diaspora music and Gordon Parks
“Towards a Warm Embrace” at Perlman Museum tackles ableism; Mia features Gordon Parks’ “American Gothic”; Abinnet Berhanu’s East-West African fusion at Icehouse Friday.