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.

Cube Critics: Stay up to date with our weekly art and culture chats with MPR News’ Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle, Max Sparber, Aron Woldeslassie and guests. Listen to or read Cube Critics here

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.

MN Shortlist, June 13-20: Ukrainian dance, Cornbread and hip hop dance
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
Relics of Minnesota history play bingo
The Minnesota History Center is holding a new event to showcase archival footage through a bingo game. The Thursday, June 12 event will include segments from KSTP broadcasts, commercials, home videos, film projects and interviews with famous Minnesotan women as a nod to a traveling exhibit that closed just a week ago at the center named “Girlhood (It’s Complicated).”
Why doctors at Mayo Clinic are doing improv theater
Medical residents at Mayo Clinic are learning some unexpected skills through improv comedy classes. These workshops help them better relate to patients — and each other in an often stressful environment.
The murals spoke out: Reflecting on protest art in the wake of George Floyd's murder
After George Floyd’s murder, a group of Minneapolis artists formed Creatives After Curfew to process grief and demand justice through murals — work that once drew wide support but now faces fading interest and shifting cultural priorities.
St. Francis Area Schools to reverse book ban policy
As part of a lawsuit settlement, the northern Twin Cities district said Tuesday it will return dozens of books to its library shelves and revise its library acquisitions policy to seek input from parents, qualified library media specialists and state law.
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