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.

'Anatomy' is a gothic love story stirring up mystery and medicine
In Dana Schwartz's novel, it's 1817 and Lady Hazel, set to marry a cousin, just wants to study medicine. She meets a boy who helps her — and the journey is an adventure from there.
Peter Robbins, who voiced Charlie Brown in the 1960s, has died
As a child actor, Robbins voiced one of Charlie Brown's most famous lines — "I got a rock" — in “It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
Women are underrepresented in music industry. This MN DJ is putting more women on air.
Only 20 percent of artists on the 2020 Billboard Hot 100 Year-End Charts were women. Kari Hedlund, music director at KAXE/KBXE community radio, told host Cathy Wurzer about her mission to put more music by women on the air.
'Honor' is a searing meditation on the meaning of dignity in a dehumanizing world
Thrity Umrigar's novel is about India's humanitarian crisis — with its depictions of misogyny and scenes of public shaming, mistreatment and torture — but it's also about a transformative journey.
Great Northern Festival celebrates winter culture through art, sport and discussion
Over the next 10 days, the Great Northern Festival’s events will encourage Minnesotans to celebrate winter culture, while especially considering climate change and the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd.
Want to understand the U.S.? This historian says the South holds the key
Imani Perry says the South can be seen as an "origin point" for the way the nation operates. Her book “South to America” reflects on the region's history and traces the steps of an enslaved ancestor.
'And I say, Hey! HEY!' Aardvark Arthur's wonderful new days are ending
The world-famous aardvark first appeared in print over 45 years ago. The Emmy and Peabody award-winning TV show is about to begin its 25th and final season — and creator Marc Brown has a new book.