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.

Minnesota native, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ alum to compete on ‘Project Runway’
Ethan Mundt grew up the small town of Utica, about 26 miles east of Rochester. He competed on season 13 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” as Utica Queen. And now he’ll be one of 12 contestants competing on season 21 of “Project Runway.”
There’s magic at work in this new batch of books
We don’t just mean literary sorcery by which words summon worlds for readers, but also literal, honest-to-goodness magic: angels, conjurers, otherworldly attractions and dances of mysterious power.
Out to Lunch: The Kris Lindahl beyond the billboards
In his new memoir, “Arms Out,” real estate CEO Kris Lindahl shares about growing up in poverty and not always stable housing, his father’s struggles with addiction, and navigating high school after his father was murdered.   
This Minnesota Greek folk dance group has spread joy for nearly 30 years
The Greek Dancers of Minnesota practice and perform dozens of authentic Greek folk dances with traditional costumes and music year round. The dancers say that over the years they’ve developed something even more special: friendship.
New Smithsonian exhibit highlights American fairs, including crop art, butter from Minnesota
An August exhibition at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, inspired by Minnesota’s State Fair traditions, will highlight American craft through artworks like crop art, butter sculptures and textiles.
Teen artists portrayed their lives — some adults didn’t want to see the full picture
“What is it like to be a teen right now?” Young artists explored that question for two different exhibitions of their work this summer. But on the National Mall, their work was deemed too political.