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.

In rhythm and revelation: Lady Midnight explores love and loss
Lady Midnight, a Minnesota-based singer, discusses her new dance-focused album “Pursuit & The Elusive,” which delves into themes of love, addiction and self-discovery, born from a deep personal journey during the pandemic and reflecting on past trauma and healing.
3 new poetry collections taking the pulse of the times
Here are three of the first poetry collections to register the still-unfolding social and physical fallout of the pandemic and Trump-era politics.
A lifelong artist adorns Twin Cities public spaces with vibrant botanical murals
Hibaaq Ibrahim, known as Moon Juice Art, became intrigued with public murals after the George Floyd murder. More than 20 now grace Metro-area retail and public places.
Rare St. John's Bible editions headed to England
It’s been 25 years since St. John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minn., commissioned the first handwritten, hand-illuminated Bible since the invention of the printing press. Now, rare copies of the Bible will be presented to three institutions in the Church of England.
Ask A Bookseller: 'A Rake of His Own'
In this week’s Ask a Bookseller, Shayne Molt of Indigo Bridge in Lincoln, Neb., recommends the fantasy romance novel “A Rake of His Own” by A.J Lancaster.
Employees at all seven First Avenue music venues unionize
About 200 bartenders, ticket-collectors, and floor managers working at First Avenue’s seven locations moved to unionize. They’re asking for better pay, better training and more notice in scheduling shifts.  
'Unapologetically Indigenous' mural preserved for future generations
Constructed of western red cedar, the mural is monumental in size — 17 feet high and 95 feet wide. The mural was installed on the south face of the Minneapolis American Indian Center almost 50 years ago. The center has been under construction since last winter.