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.

May 28, 2021 11:30 AM

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.

by Kerri Miller, Ariana Rosas and Kelly Gordon

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May 28, 2021 5:54 AM

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.

by Dan Kraker

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May 27, 2021 5:08 PM

With new collection, poet explores 'bone deep fatigue' of being Black in America

Michael Kleber-Diggs new collection of poetry, “Worldly Things,” comes out June 8.

by Tom Crann and Megan Burks

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May 27, 2021 2:05 PM

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.

by Euan Kerr

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May 27, 2021 6:25 AM

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.

by Neda Ulaby

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May 27, 2021 6:20 AM

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.

by Emily Bright

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May 25, 2021 4:00 AM

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.

by Lily Meyer

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May 24, 2021 2:59 PM

Fresh off a viral library gig, The Linda Lindas get a record deal

After their performance of "Racist, Sexist Boy" at the Los Angeles Public Library went viral late last week, the band has been signed by the LA punk label Epitaph Records.

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

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May 24, 2021 1:02 PM

'70s music journalism gets an overdue rewrite in debut novel 'Opal & Nev'

Dawnie Walton's novel is a faux oral history about an interracial rock duo. Opal is a Black proto Afro-punk singer from Detroit, and Nev is a goofy white British singer-songwriter.

by Terry Gross