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.

'The Candy House' is a brilliant portrait of intersecting lives
In Jennifer Egan's novel, there is a persistent, lovely countermelody to the corporate project of mapping human experience; it's full of people engaged in a sweeter and more plaintive human algebra.
From the archives: Writer Max Porter on 'Grief is the Thing with Feathers'
This Friday, MPR News host Kerri Miller will talk with renowned grief expert and neuroscientist Mary-Frances O'Connor about happens in our brains when we grieve. But novels teach us just as much as science. In anticipation of the coming show, enjoy this one from the 2016 archives, when Miller talked with writer Max Porter about his debut novel, “Grief is the Thing with Feathers.”
Mosques and Islamic Community Centers throughout the Twin Cities, Duluth and Rochester are inviting their neighbors of all faith backgrounds for a traditional Ramadan Iftar throughout the month. Organizer Imam Asad Zaman joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about the program, Taking Heart.
Efforts to ban books jumped an 'unprecedented' four-fold in 2021, ALA report says
The American Library Association says libraries faced the highest number of book challenges since they started tracking in 2000. Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer topped their list of most challenged books.
2022 Grammy Awards: The full list of nominees and winners
Every nominee and winner from all 86 categories presented at the 2022 Grammy Awards, presented on Sunday, April 3 in Las Vegas.
Ask a Bookseller: 'Island Queen' celebrates an ambitious Black woman entrepreneur from history
If you like the energy and ambition of the musical "Hamilton," Lelia Nebeker of One More Page Books in Arlington, Va., recommends you check out the novel “Island Queen” by Vanessa Riley.