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.

March 26, 2024 4:00 AM

‘Always truth in their story’: How one author talks across political divides

Author Mónica Guzmán says she’s the proud, liberal daughter of conservative parents. She wrote a book about how she navigates challenging political discussions — and how the rest of us can use the same techniques to preserve important relationships.

by Catharine Richert

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March 25, 2024 4:49 AM

Kevin Hart takes home his Mark Twain Prize for American humor

Kevin Hart received the 25th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at The Kennedy Center Sunday night. Fellow comedians Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and Chelsea Handler were there to roast him.

by Elizabeth Blair

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March 25, 2024 4:00 AM

'This is garbage': Step aside, influencers — we're now in the era of de-influencing

A new movement has emerged in recent years: de-influencing. What started as a backlash to advertising could now have a surprising and real-world impact on the environment.

by Brianna Scott

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March 23, 2024 8:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension’

Donna Garban of Little City Books in Hoboken, N.J., recommends a memoir that’s perfect for March Madness. It’s called “There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension” by Hanif Abdurraqib.

by Emily Bright

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March 22, 2024 5:45 PM

Cube Critics review ‘Shōgun’ and ‘The Regime’

Cube Critics Regina Medina and Alex V. Cipolle review “Shōgun” and “The Regime.”

by Alex V. Cipolle and Regina Medina

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March 22, 2024 4:57 PM

Review: Powerful casting elevates Carole King musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

“Beautiful” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres honors Carole King with powerful performances and original staging.

by Jacob Aloi

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March 22, 2024 2:46 PM

New Minnesota music round-up: Rattling folk from Pop Wagner

This week’s reviews include a spirited collection of minimalistic yet powerful live and studio folk tracks, plus dense electronic soundscapes with beautiful melodies and a raw and unmelodic industrial noise experience.

by Max Sparber

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March 22, 2024 1:14 PM

What the deepest ocean reveals and how to save it

Journalist Susan Casey descended to some of the deepest parts of the ocean in tiny submersibles while researching her new book, “The Underworld.” What she saw is astounding.

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon