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 book that gives you 'Some Kind of Happiness' on lonely, blue days
We're continuing our September focus on great books for kids and teens. This week, Britt Margit of Second Star to the Right Books in Denver, Colo., recommended "Some Kind of Happiness" by Claire Legrand.
'Never Look Back' updates an ancient story of love and loss
Lilliam Rivera's new young adult novel reimagines Orpheus and Eurydice as Afro-Latinx teens in New York, bringing something new to the old tale by giving Eurydice her own baggage and her own story.
If you have to wear a mask, it might as well be a masterpiece
Many museums are still closed, but their gift shops are doing lively face mask business. You can mask up with a Monet, a van Gogh or, perhaps best suited to These Times: Edvard Munch's “The Scream.”
First volume of Barack Obama's memoir coming Nov. 17
The book is called "A Promised Land" and will cover his swift and historic rise to the White House and his first term in office. The publication date for the second volume has not yet been determined.
Collect data, influence votes: 'If Then' traces the genesis of data-driven politics
In “If Then,” historian Jill Lepore tells the story of Simulmatics. Founded in 1959, the company's "people machine" used a computer program to predict the impact of various political messages.
In his new book “No Rules Rules,” Reed Hastings argues that in order for a creative workplace to succeed, it needs as few policies and rules as possible. Others say the culture is demoralizing.
Grand Jury issued criminal subpoenas in connection with John Bolton book
The move signals the Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation surrounding the publication of “The Room Where It Happened” after an unsuccessful effort to block it from being published.