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.

Egypt calls for the return of the Rosetta Stone and other ancient artifacts
People calling for the repatriation of the ancient tablet and other items say the continued display of the objects in European institutions ignores a history of colonialist looting and exploitation.
Why build a fantasy world that still has racism? B.A. Parker moderates a discussion on Black science fiction and fantasy with authors Tochi Onyebuchi and Leslye Penelope at the National Book Festival.
In 'Fen, Bog & Swamp,' Annie Proulx pens a history of wetland destruction
Writer Annie Proulx may be best known for her works of fiction. But her latest book is a thoroughly researched and reported look at the role that wetlands play in our ecosystem.
She wrote a Bigfoot book for kids. It was no small feat
“The Search for Sasquatch,” a new book for pre-teens, explores Bigfoot through a scientific lens. Its author hopes to model how to balance curiosity and exploration with staying grounded in the facts.
El Sazon’s cuisine served from an unlikely location
The restaurant is located inside a gas station — a place where people may make a quick stop for frozen pizzas and chips — not chef made food.
Opera of a trans woman's coming of age opens this week in Duluth
Lyric Opera of the North opens its season with a groundbreaking opera, “As One.” Companies around the world have performed the chamber opera. In Duluth, the lead role of will be played by two singers, a baritone and a mezzo-soprano.