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.

'Murmuration'  — a book that travels from Somalia to Minnesota
“Murmuration” is a new novel by Sid Balman, Jr. It’s a thriller that travels the globe from West Texas to Somalia and Minnesota. He had help from local businessman and politician Samakab Hussein. Angela Davis talks to the pair about their collaboration.
Celebrating Mixed Blood's founder Jack Reuler
Host Angela Davis talked with Jack Reuler, the founder of Mixed Blood Theatre who is retiring after 45 years.
Jason Reynolds: How can we connect with kids through the written word?
Jason Reynolds is an award-winning author and National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. This hour, Jason speaks with Manoush about reaching kids through stories that let them feel understood.
Here are the longlist nominees for this year's National Book Awards
The longlist nominees for this year's National Book Awards are being announced over the course of the next few days — we'll have them all right here in a continuously updated post.
White House offers Nicki Minaj call to answer vaccine Qs
The White House offered Wednesday to connect Nicki Minaj with one of the Biden administration's doctors to address her questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, after the Trinidadian-born rapper's erroneous tweet alleging the vaccine causes impotence went viral.
Art Hounds recommend solo dance videos, architecture tours and opera outdoors
“What’s Out There Weekend” offers walking tours to explore the culture and design of public spaces in the Twin Cities, Opera Afuera fills Allianz Field with music by Latino artists and the McKnight dance fellows premiere their solo dance videos.
This thoughtful, profound thriller centers on identity and its many layers
Amanda Jayatissa's “My Sweet Girl” is a twisty psychological thriller — but also a nuanced examination of identity as its Sri Lankan American heroine struggles with a murder that may not have happened.