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.

'Wednesday's Child' deals in life after loss
The stories in Yiyun Li's book focus chiefly on people trying to put themselves together after loss, dealing with anguish that takes its time and rises from its dormancy at unexpected moments.
At the Minnesota State Fair this year, arts reporters Alex V. Cipolle and Jacob Aloi spoke with James Beard Award winning chef and Time 100 Influential Person Sean Sherman, known for the famous Minneapolis restaurant Owamni. Missed the interview at the State Fair? Listen to it here.
'Holly' is one of Stephen King's most political novels to date
“Holly” is a gripping crime novel — one that's very close to the traditional King horror aesthetic. The author hasn't been shy about his politics, but this is one of his most political books to date.
5 YA books for fall that give academia vibes
These new tales offer up eerie magics, mysterious buildings, tentative friendships, and a whole lot of excellent excuses for why someone's homework didn't get done.
Minneapolis writer weaves scams, sibling ties into new novel
You’ve likely heard of capable kids who are basically the adults in their family. That's definitely true of Drew, the central character of Minneapolis writer Laura Zimmermann's darkly humorous new young adult novel “Just Do This One Thing For Me.”
Minnesota flag panel frets that deadline may be too tight
A special commission working on a design for Minnesota’s flag and official seal met for the first time Tuesday, and some members said they doubt they can finish by a Jan. 1 deadline. 
Filmmakers see expanded Minnesota tax credits as opportunity to grow talent pool
A local production company, which aims to create an accessible and diverse local film industry, hosted an event called The Mixer on Labor Day weekend to connect filmmakers of color with people who want to break into the industry.
'Margaritaville' singer Jimmy Buffett, who turned beach-bum life into an empire, dies at 76
“Margaritaville,” released on Feb. 14, 1977, quickly took on a life of its own, becoming a state of mind for those ”wastin’ away,” an excuse for a life of low-key fun and escapism for those “growing older, but not up.”