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 mean ghost story and a souped-up crime novel will wise you up fast
“The Aunt Who Wouldn't Die,” by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, centers on an Indian family haunted by a jealous ghost. And S. A. Cosby's “Blacktop Wasteland” is a noir thriller — with muscle cars.
American Christianity must reckon with legacy of white supremacy, author says
“White Too Long” author Robert P. Jones says churches should be more in vocal on issues of social justice: "White Christians have been largely silent ... and have hardly begun these conversations."
True crime stories and the obsession with them form 'Unspeakable Acts'
The search for answers in this nonfiction anthology edited by Sarah Weinman is one of many cohesive elements that make the collection land among the best true crime books of the year.
'Empire of Wild' tells a small story — but not a slight one
Cherie Dimaline's new novel seems small in scope — it's about a woman who loses her husband and is determined to bring him back, nothing more than that — but it's rich, tightly written and powerful.
A new book traces the history of boy bands, the pop phenomenon 'Larger Than Life'
Author and music critic Maria Sherman talks about her new book, “Larger Than Life: A History of Boy Bands from NKOTB to BTS” and forgoing rock elitism to give into the joy of boy band pop songs.
'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' is under internal investigation
The bubbly daytime talk show with a "be kind" ethos faces accusations of toxic workplace behavior off set, including firings of staff who took medical or bereavement leave as well as racist comments.
The impact of white evangelicals on U.S. politics
In her latest book, history and gender studies professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez looks at how white American evangelicalism has changed over time and what it — and Christian manhood — has meant for U.S. politics. She spoke with MPR News host Kerri Miller about the book.
Dystopian series 'Watchmen' leads all Emmy nominees with 26
HBO's” limited series “Watchmen” is the leading Emmy nominee with 26 nods. The series, which captured America’s unease as it faces racial clashes amid a pandemic, was nominated as best limited series and received bids for cast members including Regina King and Jeremy Irons.