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.

'Lesbian Love Story' unearths a century of queer romance
Amelia Possanza's debut book Lesbian Love Story: A Memoir in Archives chronicles the lives of queer couples throughout the 20th century.
Cube Critics Aron Woldeslassie and Samantha Matsumoto check out "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" and season three of Netflix’s "I Think You Should Leave."
Hennepin Theatre Trust in Minneapolis announces new leadership
Todd Duesing becomes the new president and CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust, aiming to promote diversity and inclusion in Minneapolis arts and entertainment.
'The Late Americans' is not just a campus novel
Brandon Taylor deftly explores the idea of youth's possibilities and the constraints of time, space, class and wealth disparities through the intersecting lives university students and townspeople.
Ask a Bookseller: 'The English Understand Wool'
Part of the fun of talking with independent bookstores is hearing about great books from smaller, independent presses. Today's recommendation combines both.
After years of ever-shrinking orchestras, some Broadway musicals are going big
Producers have been saying for years that large Broadway orchestras are not financially feasible. In fact, the issue led to a strike 20 years ago. So why are some shows bringing them back?
Arts Briefs: Unexpected public art
This week’s arts briefs look at the new season for Cantus, art at the capitol and a huge pencil. Also: Absolute Bleeding Edge looks at stripped-down Swedish glam rock.