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.

'You Only Call When You're in Trouble' is a witty novel to get you through the winter
Stephen McCauley's comic novel offers readers the gift of laughter as well as a more expansive image of what family can be. Book critic Maureen Corrigan says it was a perfect January read.
A caregiving memoir by Minnesota psychotherapist Emma Nadler explores how to adapt
“The Unlikely Village of Eden” is about learning to adapt when life doesn’t go to plan and how even though 53 million people are caregivers in the U.S., their reality is often ignored.
Emmy moments: 'Succession' succeeds, 'The Bear' eats it up, and a show wraps on time, thanks to Mom
The 75th Emmy Awards piled honors on three main shows Monday, while delivering a nostalgia-filled night with popular presenters and cast reunions. And somewhat surprisingly, the show ended on time — thanks to host Anthony Anderson and his secret weapon.
U of M Dance Team grows its dynasty with viral performance at nationals
The University of Minnesota Dance Team took home its 22nd national title with a victory in the pom competition over the weekend, but it was its second-place finish in the jazz competition that had social media buzzing.
How to watch the Emmys on Monday night
After a strike-related delay, television's prestigious awards ceremony will air on Monday 7:00 p.m. CT, with a red carpet pre-show on E! beginning at 5:00 p.m. CT.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Best Barbarian’
Blake Worthey of Two Friends Bookstore in Bentonville, Ark., raves about Roger Reeves’ poetry collection “Best Barbarian.”
Preserving our humanity in the age of robots
Human beings are hardwired for social connection – so much so that we think of even the most basic objects as having feelings or experiences. (Yup, we're talking to you, Roomba owners!) Social robots add a layer to this. They're designed to make us feel like they're our friends. They can do things like care for children, the elderly or act as partners. But there's a darker side to them, too. They may encourage us to opt out of authentic, real-life connections, making us feel more isolated. Today on the show, host Regina G. Barber explores the duality of social robots with Eve Herold, author of the new book Robots and the People Who Love Them: Holding on to Our Humanity in an Age of Social Robots. Curious about other innovations in technology? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.