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.

3 Memorial Day movie recommendations from NPR's Scott Simon
Memorial Day is to remember those who have died in military service. NPR's Scott Simon picked three films he found particularly resonant for this weekend.
3 documentaries you should watch about the Tulsa Race Massacre
Monday is the 100th anniversary of one of the worst acts of racial violence in American history. A spate of books and documentaries are marking the moment; we round up three to watch this weekend.
After its superspreader rehearsal, a community choir struggles to sing together again
A Skagit Valley Chorale rehearsal early last year in Washington state became a deadly COVID-19 superspreader event. Now, the group is figuring out how to come back together and re-forge the bonds of a community choir.
'Hooked on a Feeling,' 'Raindrops' singer B.J. Thomas dies at 78
The versatile, Grammy-winning singer enjoyed success on the pop, country and gospel charts with hits like "I Just Can't Help Believing," "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" and "Hooked On a Feeling."
'The Other Black Girl' in this new thriller may not be your friend
Zakiya Dalila Harris drew on her book-world background for her new novel, about a Black woman in publishing who thinks, at first, that she has a new ally when her company hires another Black woman.
'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.