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: Ely is about to get crowded
This week, the Art Hounds recommend the Blueberry Art Festival in Ely, Minn.; Deborah Foutch’s exhibition “Nine Artists in Conversation” in Minneapolis and Cow Tipping Press’s Cowchella in St. Paul.
What the SAG-AFTRA strike means for Minnesota
There’s a good chance you’ve got a SAG-AFTRA member living in your apartment building, down your street or in your community. And as the national actors’ strike enters its third week, Minnesota members are asking for support and solidarity.
Beltrami County Historical Society pushes to return sacred Indigenous artifacts to communities
Recently a court granted the Beltrami Historical Society’s museum permission to break up arguably its most important collection — the John Morrison collection. This will allow culturally sensitive artifacts to be repatriated to the Indigenous communities where they originated.  
Finn Fest opens in Duluth, commits to the city for next five years
Around 2,000 people are expected at Finn Fest in Duluth, a five-day festival celebrating Finnish culture that features music, film, art and shopping, along with talks on Finland’s recent acceptance into NATO, and even public saunas.