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.

Minnesota musician John Munson talks about his recovery after suffering a stroke
After suffering a stroke last winter, Minnesota musician John Munson took to the stage last weekend and sang as strong as ever. He'll do the same Thursday night during a sold-out special benefit concert in his honor at the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul.
This Hollywood memoir is an expertly mixed cocktail of history and family drama
Matthew Specktor grew up the son of a famous Hollywood agent. In “The Golden Hour,” he serves up family saga, cultural criticism, fictionalized biography, history and lament for a vanishing world.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2025 includes OutKast, Soundgarden and Cyndi Lauper
The seven acts voted into the Rock Hall this year include Southern rap and Midwest garage rock duos, pillars of the grunge and English blues rock eras and the ‘80s most unusual pop star.
'Chooch Helped' this author and illustrator win the 2025 Caldecott Medal
Author Andrea L. Rogers and artist Rebecca Lee Kunz met by chance at the Cherokee National Holiday. Then they won the 2025 Caldecott Medal for their story about a helpful little boy named Chooch.