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.

Talking Volumes: Stacey Abrams talks about democracy, the power of of reading and her new novel, 'Coded Justice'
Stacey Abrams launched the 2025 season of Talking Volumes this week, with a warm, funny and inspiring conversation about how to make sense of this disorienting world without losing your humanity or hope.
Wolves, seabirds and 30 artists highlight Jaques Art Center’s milestone year
The Jaques Art Center in Aitkin is celebrating its 30th anniversary with new exhibitions, a harvest dinner and the unveiling of a newly gifted painting by Francis Lee Jaques, the nationally renowned wildlife artist who once worked on dioramas for the Bell Museum and the American Museum of Natural History.
MN Shortlist, Sept. 12-18: It’s the Arboretum Glass Pumpkin Patch, Charlie Brown
Minnesota Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended arts events from MPR News. This week’s recommendations include ‘Art Heals’ by the Roho Collective, the Selby Ave. Jazz Fest and more.
‘Terrifying’: Minnesota artist run over by Cybertruck at Burning Man recovers
Minnesota artist and DJ James “JP” Patrick was severely injured at Burning Man after being run over and dragged by a Cybertruck while meditating, leaving him with crushed feet and months of recovery ahead as his community rallies to support him.
4 lives are upended by an impulsive kiss in the epic novel ‘Buckeye’
Patrick Ryan’s novel focuses on two married couples and stretches from pre-WWII to the close of the 20th century, capturing both the sweep of history and the mundane particularity of everyday life.
New books out today: A Dan Brown thriller, John Prine bio and World Wide Web memoir
New books this week include “Secret of Secrets” — the sixth installment of “The Da Vinci Code” saga, plus a tech memoir from Tim Berners-Lee and a career-spanning anthology from Terry McMillan.
What changes at WCCO, KARE and elsewhere say about the state of local news
Neal Justin, pop culture critic at the Minnesota Star Tribune, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to unpack what the changes at some Twin Cities TV stations could mean for viewers.