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.

'Sixteen Scandals' rewinds a teen classic to regency England
Sophie Jordan's romp of a novel follows Primrose Ainsworth, youngest of four sisters, who escapes the family on her 16th birthday for an adventure through Regency London with a charming mystery man.
Give 'The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection' a buzz, you'll bee charmed
In Ben Brashares and Elizabeth Bergeland's charming new picture book, a discontented young boy finds a new way to carry on his family's legacy of awesomeness — and without hurting any bugs.
Reciting poetry earns South Dakota teenager a national prize
Rahele Megosha, a senior at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, won the 2021 Poetry Out Loud prize on Thursday. The award is given by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation.
Adulting 101 with author Julie Lythcott-Haims
Author and former Stanford dean Julie Lythcott-Haims’ new book is a guide for young people through the joys and challenges of being a grown-up. 
Highway 61 visited: Duluth works to attract more Dylan tourists
Every year, more than 6 million tourists come to Duluth — many for Lake Superior and the growing outdoors scene. But people from all over the world also travel to northern Minnesota to see the place where Bob Dylan was born. And many believe there's potential to make the region more of a destination for Dylan devotees.
Dessa stays busy even as pandemic changes her approach to work
Like a lot of performers, Dessa had to abandon the usual cycle of making an album and touring to support it during the pandemic. But she didn’t stop making music, she just altered her approach.
Eric Carle, creator of 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar,' has died
The beloved author and illustrator drew more than 70 books for kids — often about friendly bugs like that famous caterpillar. He said he got his inspiration from nature walks with his father.
Art Hounds recommend art that heals
The Art Hounds suggest a physician’s paintings that contemplate transformation and healing in Granite Falls, Minn. Also this week, a high-energy dance production by Collide Theatrical Dance Co. aims to take the stigma out of mental health conditions. Plus, the improv soap opera “Duluth” draws an international cast with an iconic Minnesota backdrop.
A bullied kid finds unconventional freedom in 'Heaven'
Following the success of “Breasts and Eggs,” Mieko Kawakami's publishers are releasing a beautiful new translation of her 2016 novel “Heaven,” about an unnamed teen dealing with bullies at school.