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.

'An Evening with Whitney' hologram tour trades on the image of a complicated star
NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with Jason King of New York University about the surge in hologram tours, and about the ethical implications of re-creating the image of Whitney Houston.
In 'Foul Is Fair,' Lady Macbeth goes to prep school
Hannah Capin's new young adult novel is a modern-day retelling of “Macbeth” — centered on Lady Macbeth, now a high-schooler taking bloody revenge on the prep school boys who assaulted her at a party.
'Unseen artist' Eric Tucker spent decades painting — but nobody knew
Boxer and laborer Eric Tucker created hundreds of paintings of his hometown — and kept them secret, stashed around his house. Now, almost two years after his death, he has a museum exhibition.
Survival of the friendliest: How our close friendships help us thrive
On average, people have only four very close relationships, author Lydia Denworth finds, and very few people can sustain more than six. But the effect of these few core relationships extends beyond our social lives.
Author Dina Nayeri on breaking down stereotypes of the refugee experience
Dina Nayeri fled the Iran revolution with her family when she was 8. In her new book, "The Ungrateful Refugee: What Immigrants Never Tell You," she examines what it means to be a refugee.
A trip to the CMAs gave this Minnesota teen a reason to keep living
When Jade Ochu was just a baby, she was diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis — a rare, painful and incurable blood condition. She was close to giving up on her treatments a couple of years ago. That’s when Make-A-Wish Minnesota stepped in with the chance of a lifetime: a trip to the Country Music Association Awards.
Art Hounds: Champagne Confetti in Red Wing
Art Hounds recommend music by Aby Wolf and friends, "From Puerto Rico… With Love?" and a celebration of gospel music.
Carleton College researcher uncovers the Boston Massacre’s human element
An infamous moment in American revolutionary history takes on new meaning after research by professor Serena Zabin reveals new details about the lives of the women and children living in Boston 250 years ago.
'Dark Towers' exposes chaos and corruption at the bank that holds Trump's secrets
New York Times financial editor David Enrich details, in a new book, Deutsche Bank's quest to become the world's largest bank — and how its corporate culture led to countless scandals.