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.

MN Shortlist, July 11-17: Wisconsin road trip, vintage books and salsa
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
Art Hounds: Audio scavenger hunts, pottery favorites and outdoor scenes on canvas
Jamie Daniels of St. Paul, Cindy Ihlenfeld of Mahtomedi and Lou Ferreri of St. Paul share what’s catching their eyes and ears this week, from a new season of sidewalk audio plays to a curated pottery show and impressionistic people at play.
Growing up and growing the band: the evolution of Twin Cities indie folk rock group Second Hand Dan
Twin Cities band Second Hand Dan has been playing gigs for a decade and playing together for longer than that. They have seen each other through their teenage years, both as friends and bandmates, and now, as they gear up for a summer of live shows, they continue to celebrate their collaborative, creative process rooted in a unique language and bond between each other.
The shadow fighters of the Civil War
Historian Patrick O’Donnell spotted an intriguing roadside marker and then spent six years researching a part of the Civil War long forgotten. His 2024 book, “The Unvanquished,” tells the story of shape-shifting spies, fearless guerilla fighters and military leaders straight out of a movie.