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.

The latest entry in a new wave of memoirs
Bookseller Derrick Young recommends a memoir that leverages the writer’s sense of humor to address the heavy topics of race and toxic masculinity.
Several musicians are calling out what they say is a culture of sexual harassment and abuse in the Twin Cities music scene. In recent days, they have used social media to compile names and stories of harassment they have endured.
Disney changing Splash Mountain, ride tied to Jim Crow film
The Splash Mountain ride at Disney parks in California and Florida is being recast. Disney officials said the ride would no longer be tied to the 1946 movie, “Song of the South," which many view as racist. Instead, the revamped ride will be inspired by the 2009 Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog," which has an African-American female lead.
Have questions about voting? A law professor tells you 'What you need to know'
In a new book, Kim Wehle explains voting basics. She tells NPR, "if we don't go to the polls to protect democracy itself, it could fail. And I believe that's what's on the ballot in November."
The Dixie Chicks officially change their name to The Chicks
Grammy-winning country group The Dixie Chicks have dropped the word Dixie from their name, now going by The Chicks. The group made of Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines and Emily Strayer posted a statement on their website saying they wanted to meet “this moment.”
Art Hounds: Sam Zimmerman's North Shore paintings
Plus, Art Hounds recommend a Lanesboro-based podcast and the documentary 'Stories I Didn't Know'
'Jesus And John Wayne' explores Christian manhood — and how belief can bolster Trump
Author Kristin Kobes Du Mez says: "It seemed like evangelicals had betrayed their values. But if you look at this longer history of evangelical masculinity and militarism ... this wasn't a betrayal."
Macmillan CEO steps back from day-to-day operations
John Sargent, CEO of Macmillan — one of the Big Five book publishing houses — has stepped back from day-to-day operations, after five employees organized an industry-wide protest against racism.