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.

Art Hounds: Halloween edition
This week, we’ve got a haunting Brechtian satire, a live-orchestra horror film experience and a time-traveling musical take on a sci-fi classic — all just in time for Halloween. Recommendations from Peter Rachleff, Tristan Crawford and Syd Bauer.
The new $50M Literary Arts Fund will support independent publishers and nonprofits
A coalition of seven charitable foundations has established a Literary Arts Fund to support independent publishers and nonprofit organizations. The fund will distribute at least $50 million in grants over the next five years.
Two Twin Cities theaters take on authoritarianism in fall offerings
The two theater directors were initially unaware of each other’s upcoming productions when they picked their seasons. However, once they figured out that both of their shows handled a similar theme, they decided to start promoting the plays as a sort of a thematic series.
Books about race and gender to be returned to school libraries on some military bases
The order is to be implemented at school libraries on military bases in Kentucky, Virginia, Italy and Japan. Students and their families claimed their First Amendment rights had been violated when officials removed the books to comply with President Trump’s executive orders.
New books this week dance between genres — and deserve your attention
New releases this week include a feminist history of modern Russia, and a candid portrait of Gish Jen’s relationship with her mother. Plus, new novels from Philip Pullman and Claire Louise-Bennett.
A few things to consider before committing a museum heist
Art heists may sound glamorous, but stealing priceless cultural artifacts doesn't always pay off like you'd expect. NPR talked with a veteran art thief, a lawyer and an expert on heist economics.
MN Shortlist: Songs, stories and spells — six picks for Oct. 25–29
A weekly lineup of standout arts and culture happenings, handpicked by the MPR News team for those who like their weekends with a little extra spark. From indie pop hauntings to living memory onstage, this week hums with art that lingers long after the lights go down.