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.

An artist and a scientist take on the stigma of addiction
The nation's top addiction scientist has teamed up with a prominent artist to let people know that substance use disorder is a disease, not a moral failure. "Prevention and treatment and recovery can't take place until we get rid of the stigma," artist William Stoehr says.
'Great Circle' takes flight across decades and continents
The daredevil aviator in Maggie Shipstead's new novel was inspired by Amelia Earhart. Shipstead says she wants to investigate the difference between death and a disappearance like Earhart's.
Murderbot meets Miss Marple in 'Fugitive Telemetry'
Martha Wells' new Murderbot novella is a classic locked-room mystery — only the locked room is a docked shuttle at a normally peaceful space station ill-equipped to deal with murder and mayhem.
The Five: Reflections on American history, race — and pop culture
MPR News director of programming Steph Curtis stopped by with a spring edition of “The Five,” where she recommends things to read, listen to and experience right now.
'Their lives were intertwined with ours': Artist wants us to see the lives of Black men killed by police
A northeast Minneapolis artist is posting signs where Black men killed by police lived, worked and went to school. He wants people to see neighbors, not just headlines when they read their names.
'Limbo' is not about refugees — it's 'about people'
The new movie, "Limbo," follows the misadventures of Omar, a Syrian fleeing his country's civil war. He finds himself in the wind-swept — and rain-soaked — Western Isles of Scotland, and begins wondering if he’ll ever get home.
Mixed Blood Theatre founder Jack Reuler to step down
Jack Reuler, the founder and artistic director of Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, announced he will step down from his role in July 2022.
Survival is an invitation to push through hard times in 'White Magic'
Elissa Washuta's “White Magic” is full of magic — and pain — as it deals with trauma while exploring cultural inheritance and the way attacks on Native women never stopped.