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.

Smithsonian artists and scholars respond to White House list of objectionable art
A page published by the White House entitled "President Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian" lists exhibits, educational sites and more that the administration seems to take issue with.
Publishing this week: A James Baldwin bio, the hope of solar, Snow White reimagined
Bill McKibben says solar is a “last chance for the climate.” T. Kingfisher offers a dark retelling of “Snow White.” Nicholas Boggs tells James Baldwin’s story. Plus new debut fiction.
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” is about two flappers on the prowl for sugar daddies. First published in 1925, Anita Loos’ cheeky comic novel has now been reissued in paperback.
Be there pirates? The true story of Capt. Kidd
Was Capt. Kidd a notorious pirate whose ill-gotten treasure is still hunted today? Or was he an experienced sea captain who got caught up in the geopolitics of his day? Parse the true story from the scuttlebutt on this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas.
Kennedy Center terminates dance programming team
This is the latest shakeup since Trump took over the cultural center. “We will have an exciting announcement about the new direction for Dance programming soon,” said a Kennedy Center spokesperson.
MN Shortlist, Aug. 22-28: Davina and the Vagabonds, ghost signs and more
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
A kernel of peace: MPR News host Cathy Wurzer finds her zen in crop art
With more submissions than ever before, it’s a bumper year for crop art at the Minnesota State Fair. So MPR News host Cathy Wurzer decided that this summer, it was finally time to give it a try.
Photos: Check out the some of the 451 pieces of crop art at the Minnesota State Fair
Crop art, the much-adored Minnesota tradition, only continues to boom in popularity. This year saw a record-breaking number of registrations and submissions.