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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.

A writer lost his singing voice, then discovered the 'gymnastics' of speech

A writer lost his singing voice, then discovered the 'gymnastics' of speech

New Yorker writer John Colapinto developed a vocal polyp when he began "wailing" with a rock group without proper warmup. His new book explores the human voice's physicality, frailty and feats .
by Dave Davies

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Goade becomes first Native American to win Caldecott Medal

Goade becomes first Native American to win Caldecott Medal

Illustrator Michaela Goade became the first Native American to win the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal for best children's picture story, cited for "We Are Water Protectors," a celebration of nature and condemnation of the "black snake" Dakota Access Pipeline.
by The Associated Press

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Ep. 7: Our ode to winter weather

Ep. 7: Our ode to winter weather

After a rough start, 2021 delivered a pretty good week! Our country swore in the first Black, Indian American woman as vice president. It was historic and optimistic and just the shot in the arm we all needed to pull this new year out of the ditch.
by Nina Moini, Sean McPherson and Tiffany Hanssen

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International crime thrillers to crack open

International crime thrillers to crack open

Sure — we’re three weeks into 2021, but if you’re still catching up on books you missed in 2020, you’re in good company. MPR News host Kerri Miller shares three crime novels published outside of the U.S. that you should not miss.
by Kerri Miller

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'When You Trap A Tiger' and 'We Are Water Protectors' win top children's book honors

'When You Trap A Tiger' and 'We Are Water Protectors' win top children's book honors

America's librarians award Tae Keller's “When You Trap A Tiger” the Newbery Medal and “We Are Water Protectors” illustrated by Michaela Goade and written by Carole Lindstrom won the Caldecott medal.
by Meghan Collins Sullivan

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'Just as I Am': Cicely Tyson reflects on her long career

'Just as I Am': Cicely Tyson reflects on her long career

During a career spanning more than six decades, Cicely Tyson has brought to life iconic roles in theater, film and television. And now, in a new memoir, she sets forth her improbable journey, from the typing pool at the Red Cross to award-winning actor and icon of style.
by Michel Martin

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The Trojan women — and many more — speak up in 'A Thousand Ships'

The Trojan women — and many more — speak up in 'A Thousand Ships'

Natalie Haynes's new book tells the epic story of the Trojan War from the perspectives of the women involved in it. And that means all the women — from Troy and Sparta, goddesses, Amazons and more.
by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

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Alyda Gilkey on the life and legacy of her son David, who put 'Pictures on the Radio'

Alyda Gilkey on the life and legacy of her son David, who put 'Pictures on the Radio'

Photographer David Gilkey died in 2016 while on assignment in Afghanistan. His mother, Alyda Gilkey, remembers the man behind the lens: an adventurous soul who had a way of putting his subjects at ease.
by Scott Simon

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Ask a Bookseller: A murder mystery set on the North Shore 

Ask a Bookseller: A murder mystery set on the North Shore 

Lisa Deyo of Sweet Reads in Austin, Minnesota (across from the Spam Museum) recommended the murder mystery “The Devil’s Kettle” by fellow Austin-based writer J.J. Ollman. 
by Emily Bright

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