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.

'Franchise' tracks the rise and role of fast food in Black America
History professor Marcia Chatelain's new book tracks what she calls the hidden history of the relationships between the struggle for civil rights and the expansion of the fast food industry.
'Interior Chinatown' puts that guy in the background front and center
Charles Yu's new novel follows a TV actor who often gets stuck playing generic Asian men. Yu says he was inspired by shows that set episodes in Chinatown — but keep Asian actors in the background.
Pain drives the creation of a sanctuary in 'Remembrance'
Rita Woods' ambitious novel spans 200 years and multiple storylines — it's a complex story of loss and survival that doesn't always work. But Woods creates memorable characters readers can relate to.
'Night Theater' is an intriguing but uneven drama
Vikram Paralkar's novel takes place over one eventful night at a clinic in a small Indian village, where three murdered people confront a doctor; if he can treat their wounds, they'll live again.
Rochester Civic Theatre director resigns
In a statement, a theater spokesperson said that Kevin Miller, who took over during a tumultuous moment in the organization’s history, had left to spend more time with his family in Wisconsin.
The history of Wisconsin's love affair with beer
Bookseller Brian Roegge recommends a book that traces Wisconsin’s long relationship with ales, lagers and more.
Drag queens are getting noticed
This year for the first time, the St. Paul Winter Carnival will feature drag queen bingo. It’s another sign that drag queens are becoming more mainstream. That trend started with the success of the reality TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Drag performance is more popular than ever, and more people are making a living at it. We will look at what it takes to be a successful drag queen and how the art form is evolving.
Latinx critics speak out against 'American Dirt;' Jeanine Cummins responds
Latinx writers and critics are speaking out against Jeanine Cummins' new book “American Dirt,” calling its depiction of the migrant experience inauthentic and harmful. We asked Cummins to respond.
In 'Sexual Citizens,' students open up about sex, power and assault on campus
Profs. Jennifer Hirsch and Shamus Khan asked more than 150 undergrads about their sex lives — what they wanted out of sex, how troubling encounters unfolded, and how misunderstandings led to assault.
Art Hounds: Ely celebrates 'The Quiltmaker's Gift'
This week on Art Hounds: winter kite-flying, artsy sleds, fish prints and the town of Ely celebrates the work of a local illustrator, Gail de Marcken.