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.

Arts Briefs: Art for the birds
In this week’s Arts Briefs, art to prevent bird collisions, a retrospective of one of the Walker’s biggest donors and Irish music. Also in Absolute Bleeding Edge: How do we talk about art monsters?
How music venues can make concerts accessible to more people
Minnesota musicians and members of disability communities describe what it would take to create more welcoming live music spaces.  
Fire fans and a flaming octopus: See this fire troupe's free show in Minneapolis
Northern Fire Dynamic is putting on a free fire performance at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. The group formed in 2017 and now at 33 members, the community shares skills, leadership and performances with one another as they flow with fire.
What it really means to be all-American
Joe Milan Jr.’s debut novel, “The All-American,” circles around questions of identity. Can you be American without the paperwork to prove it?
Relationships are the true heart of 1940s dystopian novel 'Kallocain'
Karin Boye's novel is an outlier in that it was authored by a woman and, though narrated by a man, still expresses interest in women's inner life and acknowledges the subtleties of sexism.
Book bans are on the rise. Biden is naming a point person to address that
Book bans in schools can violate federal civil rights laws if they create a hostile environment for students. The Education Department will have a new point person to talk to schools about bans.
Art Hounds: The comedy of assassination
This week, Art Hounds recommend a new show at Bryant Lake Bowl, a just-opened movie theater in Rochester and a Minnesota composer’s latest work.
Party like he's 65: 4-day event honors Prince's birthday
Celebrate the life and legacy of Prince on what would have been his 65th birthday at Paisley Park's “Celebration 2023.” Explore the significance of the number 7 in his history with live performances, panels and more.