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.

Ageless echoes: The Karen story of Muyehpen finds new life
Exposed Brick Theater is staging "Muyehpen," the first English adaptation of a Karen legend, to keep the story alive and shed light on the persecution of the Karen community.
Celebrating 25 years of techno parties and raves at Intellephunk
Through trials and tribulations, the Minneapolis promoters celebrate 25 years of dance parties, raves, and the future of the Twin Cities techno community.
When fufu is a taste of love and a taste of home
For the 14,000 Nigerians who now live in Minnesota fufu is a west African taste of home. Uche Iroegbu who arrived in Minnesota some years ago now fully understands its importance.
5 new fantasy novels invigorate old tropes
Spell books, dragons, mermaids, fairies and a magic circus all take on new life in the pages of these five enchanting tales hitting shelves in May and June.
Art Hounds: Mid-century modern weekend
Art Hounds recommend an Art-A-Whirl event, Tammy Ortegon’s fine art retrospective and a group show of North Shore artists.
Love taxidermy, odd art and mad clowns? Check out this circus-like expo
The Oddities & Curiosities Expo is bringing about 150 vendors selling gothic and dark-fantasy items, a “mad clown” museum, sideshow acts and a taxidermy class to Minneapolis on Saturday, May 20.
Want to create a stronger bond with your kids? First relinquish control
It may sound counterintuitive, but if you want to take charge as a parent, stop trying to control your child, says psychologist and author Shefali Tsabary. Her new book, "The Parenting Map," lays out a step-by-step guide for creating conscious parent-child relationships.
Stories in 'Sidle Creek' offer an insider look at Appalachia
The 22 stories in Sidle Creek charm, surprise, and convey a deep love of the people and place — the Appalachian plateau of western Pennsylvania — that author Jolene McIlwain has long called home.
Author Brian Selznick explores nature's point of view in the 500 pages of 'Big Tree'
Acclaimed novelist and storyteller Brian Selznick's new project is big — really big. It's a 550 page illustrated novel aimed at children of all ages detailing the life of a massive sycamore tree.