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.

Phil Klay's new 'Missionaries' is an ambitious novel of ideas
Klay won acclaim for his debut story collection “Redeployment,” about the experiences of soldiers. His long awaited novel looks at how America has developed and exported the idea of a war on terror.
Nobel literature prize awarded to U.S. poet Louise Glück
The 2020 Nobel Prize in literature was awarded to the U.S. poet Louise Glück "for her unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal."
'Addie LaRue' is invisible — but memorable
Addie LaRue was born in France 400 years ago — but nobody remembers that. She made a supernatural deal for immortality at the cost of permanent anonymity, so she tries to leave a mark however she can.
NPR's Tom Gjelten on America's immigration story
NPR reporter Tom Gjelten speaks about America’s immigration history, as part of the Peace and Justice Series hosted by the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.
Johnny Nash, singer of ‘I Can See Clearly Now,’ dies at 80
Johnny Nash, a singer-songwriter, actor and producer who rose from pop crooner to early reggae star to the creator and performer of the million-selling anthem “I Can See Clearly Now,” died Tuesday, his son said.
Lenny Kravitz on race, being on the road, and Ruff Ruff the magic dog
Kravitz's new memoir, “Let Love Rule,” follows his childhood and early career. Still touring in his 50s, Kravitz says, "I'm going to continue doing this as long as I can."
Linda Ronstadt, due to be honored as a Hispanic Heritage 'legend,' on staying connected
Ahead of a Hispanic Heritage Awards ceremony where she's set to receive her latest honor in a career full of them, singer Linda Ronstadt shares a few thoughts on identity with NPR’s Lulu Garcia-Navarro.