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.

How a catchy tune became the soundtrack to TikTok's silliest videos
The song "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" was released ten years ago and has since become the soundtrack to millions of viral videos. Its story shows how music has shaped — and been shaped by— social media platforms.
‘Intermezzo’ is Sally Rooney’s most moving novel yet
Rooney’s fourth novel is a story about learning to accept loss. And though it has its share of grief and strife, it’s happier and less disturbing than “Normal People” and “Beautiful World, Where Are You.”
Cube Critics discuss the horror comedy ‘Shaun of the Dead’ for its 20th anniversary
Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Max Sparber discuss “Shaun of the Dead” at 20, one of the few horror comedies that still works as both a horror movie and a comedy.
Little fires everywhere: A new arts collective goes on tour to build community in rural Minnesota and beyond
On a September evening at the Turf Club in St. Paul, the new arts collective “Fire in the Village” kicked off a fall tour blending music, upcycled fashion and printmaking to foster community connections and address rural isolation.
A light-hearted murder mystery weekend turns deadly in Kate Atkinson’s cozy thriller
“Death at the Sign of the Rook” is an expansive novel that pokes fun of baroque, classic murder mysteries — but also delivers a fully satisfying, all-the-pieces-click-together ending.
Q&A with William Nour, playwright of 'Rosette' 
"Rosette” tells the story of a young Palestinian woman navigating life in Haifa post-Nakba, drawing from playwright William Nour's personal and family experiences, as he explores themes of identity, culture and the impact of occupation.
Talking Volumes: Edwidge Danticat on ‘We’re Alone’
The 25th season of Talking Volumes kicked off with Haitian-born writer Edwidge Danticat, who joined host Kerri Miller on the stage of the Fitzgerald Theater to talk about her new book of essays, “We’re Alone.”
Art Hounds: A play looks at things Hinckley lost in the fire
Art Hounds recommend Bucket Brigade Theater’s original play “Survivors of the Fire,” “SOLO: the performances of the McKnight Dancer Fellowships” and the the St. Peter Art Stroll.