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.

Murderbot makes a triumphant (and cranky) return in 'Network Effect'
Martha Wells' freethinking robot stars in its first full-length adventure, remaining just as misanthropic and TV-obsessed as ever, even as it attempts to figure out who kidnapped it and its friends.
Guthrie announces drastic cuts to budget, upcoming season
The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis has drastically scaled back its plans for the next season of plays, and says there will be staff cuts and layoffs as its budget for the upcoming season has been reduced by 60 percent.
Uptown Records founder Andre Harrell dies at 59
Andre Harrell, the Uptown Records founder who shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B in the late ’80s and ’90s with acts such as Mary J. Blige and Heavy D and also launched the career of mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, has died. He was 59.
Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Little Richard dies at 87
Little Richard, the self-proclaimed “architect of rock ‘n’ roll” whose piercing wail, pounding piano and towering pompadour irrevocably altered popular music while introducing black R&B to white America, died Saturday. He was 87.
These 'Little Eyes' watch the world burn
In her new novel, Samanta Schweblin gives everyone in the world a little critter that's basically a Furby with a webcam — naturally, this does not end well, for the owners, the devices, or anyone.
Stock up on hot chocolate before reading this book
This cozy story makes a “great read-aloud for littler kids. And it’s super fun for grown-ups to read as well,” says bookseller Lily Tschudi-Campbell.
We asked, you shared: Your favorite memories of watching movies on the big screen
Let’s face it: Most of us are spending more time in front of screens right now. But, watching movies at home isn’t the same as experiencing them in theaters surrounded by strangers. We asked film buffs to call in and share memories from their favorite theater screenings.
Daily dose of sweetness: These conductors are on a role for their students
The Fergus Falls band director and St. Olaf College’s orchestra conductor both paid tribute to their students by playing or singing all the parts in their respective music videos.