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.

Cube Critics: Stay up to date with our weekly art and culture chats with MPR News’ Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle, Max Sparber, Aron Woldeslassie and guests. Listen to or read Cube Critics here

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.

Phil Lesh, founding member of Grateful Dead and influential bassist, dies at 84
Grateful Dead founding member Phil Lesh has died at age 84. Lesh was a classically trained violinist and jazz trumpeter who found his true calling reinventing the role of rock music's bass guitarist. 
Unsung Americans with Minnesota‘s own Sharon McMahon
Sharon McMahon went viral in 2020 when the former government teacher took to Instagram to battle misinformation. Now the Minnesotan is out with a book that combines her passion for history with her belief that everyday people can influence democracy in “The Small and the Mighty.”
A Minnesotan’s story collection is climate fiction but it captures increasingly familiar reality
When Ashley Shelby of St. Paul began working on her short story collection back in 2016, she thought she was writing weird fiction about the impacts of climate change.
What if a ‘Blood Test’ predicted you’d commit murder?
In Charles Baxter’s new novel, a small-town insurance salesman buys a blood test that can predict romantic entanglements, promotions — and more. It’s a screwball satire of all-American zaniness.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame turns up starpower to induct Cher, Foreigner, Mary J. Blige, Ozzy and more
Inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame had an eclectic lineup that included pop icon Cher, heavy metal’s Ozzy Osbourne, hip-hop soul queen Mary J. Blige, soft rockers Foreigner and 83-year-old soul icon Dionne Warwick.
8,000 fans flock to Mall of America to see global K-pop-style girl group KATSEYE
The girl group made their first appearance in Minnesota at Mall of America to perform songs from their first EP “SIS: Soft is Strong”. The group gained popularity from a Netflix documentary and survival show.