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.

The 2022 season of Talking Volumes ended on a joyous, raucous note with poet Ross Gay. Don’t miss this rollicking conversation between Gay and host Kerri Miller as they talk about how to grow joy from the often messy and painful soil of living.
Minnesotans of color gathering for 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' premiere
“It is not often that when you look at Hollywood or you look at television, children of color can look out and see themselves in a positive light,” said Raazon King, president of a Minnesota chapter of a historically Black fraternity that’s hosting a private screening of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” after it premieres Thursday.
Art Hounds recommend irresistible rhythms of Taiko drumming and jazz guitar
The documentary “Finding her Beat,” about premiere Taiko drumming women gathering in Minnesota, makes its state premiere at the Sound Unseen festival this weekend. The Jazz and Fingerstyle Guitar Concert Series features two duos playing hot club jazz and swing next Tuesday. Plus, an exhibit at Madison Mercantile celebrates the “Life in Art” of the influential artist Franz Allbert Richter.
Twin Cities comedians on finding humor in stressful times
The Twin Cities are known for a vibrant comedy scene. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three local comedians about how they keep finding ways to make people laugh.
From the archives: Poet Tracy K. Smith at Talking Volumes in 2019
The season finale of the 2022 Talking Volumes season will appear on Big Books and Bold Ideas this week, featuring poet Ross Gay talking about joy. Enjoy this 2019 Talking Volumes conversation with another poet, Tracy K. Smith, as you anticipate what’s coming.
Artist explores his identity between Native and white worlds in a Highpoint Center for Printmaking exhibit
Artist Brad Kahlhamer coined the term “yondering” to describe a philosophy and practice that embraces a rambling exploration of the world, with his sketchbook always in hand.
Duran Duran stumbles, Dolly Parton rolls into Rock Hall
Duran Duran stumbled but stayed sophisticated. Pat Benatar roared. Lionel Richie Soared. Eminem was Eminem. All are now members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after a rousing show Saturday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
“Signal Fires” is Dani Shapiro’s much-anticipated return to fiction, and it examines how what binds families together can also tear them apart. She appeared on the Talking Volumes stage this month to talk with MPR News host Kerri Miller about her book and what she’s learned about family secrets.
'White Horse' is about supernatural horrors — and everyday horrors
Erika T. Wurth's novel belongs to a new wave of horror fiction that delivers the creepiness and darkness readers have always associated with the genre, while also packing plenty of social commentary.