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.

Art Hounds: Grand Rapids show celebrates ‘keystone’ creatures in our environment
The “Keystone Characters” created by Layl McDill range in size from massive and tiny in her exhibit at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids. Plus, two Twin Cities dance theater companies have shows. Collide Theatrical Dance Company’s “SKOL!” tells the story of a female Viking warrior, and Out on a Limb Dance Theater Company and School perform a new adaptation of Dr. Dolittle.
Building off history: UMN symposium showcases queer culture through bandana art
The University of Minnesota is hosting a Queer and Trans Ecologies Symposium beginning March 23 and ending March 25. It will include panels and discussions, as well as showcase the national touring Queer Ecology Hanky Project.
'Reconnecting with the human': Minnesota podcast tackles humanity, womanhood and Islam
As Ramadan approaches, observers ready themselves to pray, reflect and spend time with loved ones. The Digital Sisterhood podcast created in Woodbury, Minn., hopes to do just that.
Want to find ways to give back, celebrate and build community during Ramadan? Here’s a list of free and ticketed events across Minnesota
Mosques and community groups across Minnesota are hosting several events to celebrate Ramadan, including interfaith dinners and special events for women and girls.
'Like a living scrapbook': 'My Powerful Hair' is a celebration of Native culture
Author Carole Lindstrom follows Caldecott-winning We Are Water Protectors with another children's book featuring Native culture. She says she hopes it helps kids "see themselves in a positive way."
Big names including Steve Buscemi, Conan O'Brien come out to honor Adam Sandler
Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston and Chris Rock were also among those in Washington, D.C. this weekend to celebrate Sandler, who worked on Saturday Night Live in the 1990s and moved on to films.
Lance Reddick, 'The Wire' and 'John Wick' star, dies at 60
Lance Reddick, a character actor who specialized in intense, icy and possibly sinister authority figures on TV and film, including "The Wire," "Fringe" and the "John Wick" franchise, has died. He was 60.
Professor Dacher Keltner on the significance of awe
According to professor and researcher Dacher Keltner, awe is the universal emotion we feel when we encounter vast mysteries we can’t explain. And he believes we should find more of it, in order to live happy and health lives, both individually and collectively. This week on Big Books and Bold Ideas, host Kerri Miller talks with Keltner about research that resulted in his new book, “Awe: The New Science of Every Day Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.”