Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now

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.

Ojibwe village of Naytahwaush celebrates artistic legacies

Ojibwe village of Naytahwaush celebrates artistic legacies

An exhibition at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji features generational stories of the Ojibwe village, Naytahwaush. The exhibition recently held a public artist and music reception, bringing people together to celebrate the many talents in the community and the inspiration behind the exhibition.
by Chandra Colvin

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
MN Shortlist, Feb. 20-26: Comedy lifers, lethal manners and borrowed time

MN Shortlist, Feb. 20-26: Comedy lifers, lethal manners and borrowed time

This week’s lineup moves from Tony-winning musicals to international cinema, from Ramadan-centered poetry to a Fire Horse fanfare, anchored by artists who understand that timing isn’t just a craft concern, but a way of reading the room.
by Jacob Aloi, Anika Besst, Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Tracy K. Smith prescribes poetry as a balm to our wounds in 'Fear Less'

Tracy K. Smith prescribes poetry as a balm to our wounds in 'Fear Less'

Are you convinced poetry is some code you just can’t crack? In her new book, “Fear Less,” former Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith says poems are like cars: they’re meant to take you somewhere.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Two-spirit, MMIWR photo exhibit begins state tour

Two-spirit, MMIWR photo exhibit begins state tour

A traveling photo exhibit representing two-spirit and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives opens in Mankato today at the Carnegie Art Center before heading to Minneapolis in June.
by Mathew Holding Eagle III

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Caponi Art Park in Eagan joins National Register of Historic Places

Caponi Art Park in Eagan joins National Register of Historic Places

Caponi Art Park in Eagan has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing the 60-acre landscape of large-scale sculptures created by artist and Macalester professor Anthony Caponi and securing preservation benefits for the site.
by Alex V. Cipolle

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Minnesota emergency room doctor served as medical consultant for 'The Pitt'

Minnesota emergency room doctor served as medical consultant for 'The Pitt'

Dr. Jacob Lentz works in the emergency room at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center. Before he was a doctor, he was a TV writer, making him the perfect fit as medical consultant for the show.
by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Finding harmony and a home in the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus

Finding harmony and a home in the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus

For 45 years, the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus has created a place to sing, belong and spread a little joy. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how music can heal and bring people together through hard times.
by Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Art Hounds: Spirituals, stand-up and a bold 'Salomé'

Art Hounds: Spirituals, stand-up and a bold 'Salomé'

Art Hounds recommend “VocalEssence WITNESS: Symphony of Spirituals,” “Oasis Laugh-Battle” and “Salomé.”
by Emily Bright

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
What makes a good book-to-film adaptation? We have thoughts (and favorites)

What makes a good book-to-film adaptation? We have thoughts (and favorites)

NPR shares beloved books that made the transition to the big screen, and they’re prepared to discuss and debate why each of them works — and why they believe they’re the best of all time.
by Glen Weldon, B.A. Parker, Barrie Hardymon, Andrew Limbong, Carly Rubin, Liz Metzger, Mike Katzif and Jessica Reedy

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!