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.

Harris book paints Walz as authentic, but she cringed at his VP debate performance
A new book by former Vice President Kamala Harris offers her view of last year’s presidential race and an inside peek at her dealings with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was her Democratic running mate in the quick-turn campaign.
ABC ends Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and his show will return Tuesday
ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after suspending it due to his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network announced Monday that the show would return on Tuesday.
400 entertainers co-sign ACLU letter supporting Jimmy Kimmel
Celebrities including Pedro Pascal and Selena Gomez wrote: “Our government has resorted to threatening the livelihoods of journalists, talk show hosts, artists, creatives and entertainers.”
On a northern Minnesota island, arts and inspiration find safe harbor
A small island on Rainy Lake near the Canadian border was once home to a legendary Minnesota environmentalist. Now it’s a place for introspection and inspiration for artists and nature lovers.
South Dakota lacks incentives that could lead to movies set there to be filmed there
Several movies that have been set in South Dakota haven’t actually been filmed there. The state is one of only nine states without such tax or other incentives. A film released last month, “Americana” is set in South Dakota, but was filmed in New Mexico, which has a minimum tax credit of 25 percent.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Why On Earth: An Alien Invasion Anthology’ 
Bunnie Hilliard of Brave + Kind Bookshop recommends “Why On Earth: An Alien Invasion Anthology,” edited by Rosiee Thor and Vania Stoyanova.
12 brand new books NPR can’t wait to read this fall
A new Pynchon! A Tim Curry memoir! A 600-page doorstopper from a reclusive writer (not named Thomas Pynchon)! The fall is stacked with big book releases. Here’s what NPR is particularly excited for.