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.

Ideas for the book lovers on your gift list 
Looking for gift ideas for the readers in your life? We've combed through the Ask a Bookseller files from the past year to bring you recommended titles from indie booksellers across the country. Click on each title to read the full recommendation for the book.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Poppy State’ by Myriam Gurba
Mary Williams of Skylight Books in Los Angeles, Calif., recommends “Poppy State: A Labyrinth of Plants and a Story of Beginnings” by Myriam Gurba.
Mary Lucia shares it all in 'What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To'
Mary Lucia was an iconic DJ at MPR’s The Current for almost 20 years — until a stalker unraveled her sense of safety and sense of self. With characteristic snark and honesty, Lucia shares her own story in the new memoir, “What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To.”
First Somali dance performance ‘such an honor’ at Timberwolves game Saturday
After years of pushing for it, Mohamoud O. Mohamed has secured the first-ever Somali dance performance at a Timberwolves game, with the Somali Museum Dance Troupe set to take the Target Center floor for the Saturday pre-show performance.
New books this week: A tome on capitalism, a deep dive on crosswords and more
“Capitalism: A Global History” comes in at 1,000 pages before the footnotes. “Across the Universe” explores the past, present and future of crossword puzzles. Plus, a Mitford sister biography and more.
Five things Nicholas Sparks told us about ‘The Notebook’ — and Minnesota
Nicholas Sparks returned to Minnesota last week to see the touring production of “The Notebook: the Musical” at the Ordway. He also revisited the state where some of his earliest memories were formed. Here’s what we learned.
A rare 'Superman No. 1' comic book found in an attic fetches $9.12M
Unearthed by three brothers cleaning out their late mother's attic, the copy netted $9.12 million this month at a Texas auction house which says it is the most expensive comic book ever sold.