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.

Art Hounds: Fergus Falls wraps up a Year of Beck 
“Year of Beck” ends at Kaddatz, Fergus Falls with Charles Beck's exhibit. John Gorka plays in St. Cloud, and "Letters to Santa" shows in Minneapolis.
Shane MacGowan, frontman of The Pogues, dies at age 65
The singer-songwriter and frontman of The Pogues, best known for the Christmas ballad “Fairytale of New York,” had been hospitalized in Dublin for several months after being diagnosed with viral encephalitis in late 2022. He died Thursday.
Retro role-playing video games are all the rage — here's why
Franchises like Final Fantasy are moving away from old-school mechanics, but a indie developers are taking up the retro RPG mantle.
Gary Oldman had 'free rein' in spy thriller 'Slow Horses' — now back for Season 3
Oldman plays the slovenly leader of failed British spies in the Apple TV+ drama, based on Mick Herron's “Slough House” novels. Herron is more interested in the character's failures than his virtues.
A forgotten trove of rare video games could now be worth six figures
When a video game store closed in 1998, hundreds of sealed Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis cartridges were stored and forgotten. Now, a collection of the top-graded items has been appraised.
Native American Heritage Month is ending. Here's how our Native News team celebrated
Native American Heritage Month is observed in Minnesota to recognize the land it is on, the many contributions by Native people, and the relationship between tribes and the state. MPR’s Native News team celebrated the month by spending time in community, while sharing events with the public through social media channels.
Some songs can make a movie sing, and the other way around. Nate Patrin is a music writer who ties pop music and famous films together in his new book.