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.

Activist Robin Marty on her 'Handbook for a Post-Roe America'
Activist and writer Robin Marty feared being prescient when she published “Handbook for a Post-Roe America” in 2019. Now that we are here, she talks with host Kerri Miller about what abortion care will look like after the fall of Roe.
'That Midwestern Mom' shares Minnesota traditions through TikTok
Amber Estenson is a TikTok creator who shares her own Minnesota salad recipes and the stories of her community with the world. With over 700,000 followers, Estenson joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about her journey on TikTok and what it’s been like to share her life in Minnesota with viewers around the world.  
Van Gogh and Japanese clothing: Two long-awaited exhibits open at MIA
The Minneapolis Institute of Art opens two exhibits this weekend, “Dressed by Nature: Textiles of Japan” and “Van Gogh and the Olive Groves.” At a sneak peek, curators and MIA leadership discussed the long-awaited and culturally significant exhibits. 
Ask a Bookseller: A summer thriller debut by a Twin Cities author
Jennifer Jubenville of the Bookstore at Fitger’s in Duluth says there’s nothing like a good thriller for a summer read, and she recommends checking out Joshua Moehling’s debut, “And There He Kept Her.”
Art Hounds: Cambodian rock music and bold murals
“Cambodian Rock Band” at the Jungle Theater features classic and new Cambodian music. Chroma Zones’ Summer Mural Meet in St. Paul brings mural and graffiti artists together.
From the archives: 'Love People, Use Things'
On this Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas, Kerri Miller talks with novelist Jakob Guanzon, whose book “Abundance” tells the story of a young man, raising a child alone, on the razor’s edge of poverty. It reminded us of the insightful conversation we had last July with The Minimalists about how freeing up space in your home also frees up space in your life.
'Pivotal moment' for the Manfred House
As the Manfred House in southern Minnesota is listed on National Register of Historic Places a preservation group hopes to restart conversations with the Department of Natural Resources about reconsidering demolition plans.