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.

From the archives: Tayari Jones on 'An American Marriage'
Tayari Jones’ 2018 novel, “An American Marriage,” is filled with conflict around questions of memory, loyalty, race, fatherhood, ambition and justice. We’re revisiting Kerri Miller’s conversation with Jones from February 2018.
Art to evoke a winter’s night — or a warming globe
This week’s Art Hounds recommend “Thermal” a dance, audio and visual art installation at the American Swedish Institute; Open Eye Theatre's “Once Upon a Winter’s Night” with puppets and live music; and “The Dragon Who Liked to Spit Fire” at St. Louis Park’s Sabes Jewish Community Center, bringing a classic picture book to the musical stage.
Minnesota Now host Cathy Wurzer honors the legacy of renowned visual artist, Jim Denomie. And as the pandemic continues, a new book shows the perspective of local artists during another challenging year.
She sees life through the lens of books in 'Checkout 19'
The protagonist of Clare-Louise Bennett's novel is a determinedly unfixed and unrooted person who marks time through which writers she has read.
From the archives: Author Dina Nayeri on breaking down refugee stereotypes
Dina Nayeri fled the Iran revolution with her family when she was 8. We’re revisiting Nayeri’s 2019 book, "The Ungrateful Refugee: What Immigrants Never Tell You,” and the conversation host Kerri Miller had with her about it in February 2020.
Mysteries other mystery writers love
If you’re a fan of mystery novels, you don’t want to miss these titles.