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.

Spoken word and music celebrate life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A number of events are scheduled across the state to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Since 1982, the University of Minnesota has hosted a concert to mark the occasion. MPR News host Tim Nelson talks with Vocal Essence Associate Artistic Director G. Phillip Shoultz about this year’s tribute.
Musicians release new gospel and blues album inspired by their Mississippi River road trip
The Mississippi River has been called a River of Song. Songwriters have been influenced by its history, culture and natural majesty — including Robert Robinson and Brother Timothy Frantzich.
2022 Books We Love: Realistic Fiction
NPR's Books We Love is full of stories. The feature rounds up fiction and nonfiction of many different kinds, and it gives you lots of ways to find what you might love, too. Today, we're diving into the category of realistic fiction – the stories that may not be literally true, but they feel true to the world that people encounter when they walk out the door.
Artistry in crisis: Arts organization struggles to recover from financial shortfall
A Bloomington arts organization is trying to continue with the help of the city council, but its future looks tenuous after a financial meltdown that has ripple effects in the theater community and among patrons.
Ask a Bookseller: 'Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year' from April 2022
Shannon Brown of Wishing Tree Books in Spokane recommends Nina Hamza's debut novel, "Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year." "I love that the story doesn't talk down to children about the hard times they are going through," said Brown.
Online disinformation expert Joan Donovan on the power of memes
Memes have been used since America’s founding to motivate political action. But Harvard researcher and online disinformation expert Joan Donovan says they’ve never been so powerful. Her new book says they even incited the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Art Hounds: Last chance to see 'Paj qaum ntuj' at the Walker
In the first week of 2023, Art Hounds recommend visual artist Paula Barkmeier, Led Zepplin cover band Zeppo and Pao Houa Her’s exhibition at the Walker Art Center.
'Boys in Blue' shows aftermath of George Floyd on North High School football team
The four-part documentary series spotlights North Community High School and its football team in North Minneapolis during the 2021 season as the players come of age in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd.