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.

Where's the cherry? Sculpture Garden's 'Spoonbridge' gets a touch-up
Minnesota winters are not kind to fruit, no matter how iconic they may be. The bright red cherry — which is in reality a 1,200-pound aluminum ball — will undergo its once-a-decade maintenance and repainting. It’s expected back in mid-January.
What's trending with MPR's Nancy Yang: Thanksgiving travel, muppet diversity, Adele
MPR News digital editor Nancy Yang got host Cathy Wurzer up to speed on the top trending stories this week on MPR News and beyond, including Thanksgiving travel predictions, the first Asian American muppet on "Sesame Street" and a surprise proposal at an Adele concert.
'Sesame Street' debuts Ji-Young, first Asian American muppet
At only 7 years old, Ji-Young is making history as the first Asian American muppet in the "Sesame Street" canon. She is Korean American and has two passions: rocking out on her electric guitar and skateboarding. Ji-Young's existence is the culmination of discussions after the rise in anti-Asian hate last year.
9-year-old Dallas boy dies after Astroworld festival crush, bringing death toll to 10
Ezra Blount of Dallas died Sunday at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, family attorney Ben Crump said. Ezra was placed in a medically induced coma after suffering serious injuries in the Nov. 5 crush of fans during a performance by the festival's headliner, rapper Travis Scott.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘I Love You but I've Chosen Darkness’
Stef Schmidt of Water Street Books in Exeter, N.H, recommends a novel whose title is sure to draw some curious attention on the shelves. It's called “I Love You but I’ve Chosen Darkness,” by Claire Vaye Watkins.
'Every Breath You Take' is the ultimate all-around song (according to science)
Researchers analyzed streaming data for nearly 4 million songs on Spotify to see if there was a pattern to the types of music we listen to. They came up with five different blocks of music — and found The Police’s 1983 hit bridged all five.
Guthrie's opening-night performance of 'A Christmas Carol' disrupted, delayed
The opening-night performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis on Friday was disrupted and delayed for about a half-hour by an audience member. Video posted to social media showed a woman yelling and insulting other patrons.
Britney Spears' conservatorship has finally ended
After 13 years living under a legal arrangement that controlled both her personal life and finances, the pop star was released from her conservatorship Friday.
Friday’s Song of the Day on Minnesota Now came from Will Moore, the music director at WTIP in beautiful Grand Marais.