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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.

Remembering notable Minnesotans who died in 2025

Remembering notable Minnesotans who died in 2025

From a Vikings legend to a National Geographic photographer and an inspiration for “A League of Their Own,” several notable Minnesotans died in 2025. Here’s a list.
by Gracie Stockton and Cathy Wurzer

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Last chance New Year's events

Last chance New Year's events

From early-evening drops to late-night dance floors, here’s a last-chance roundup of New Year’s Eve events for people who waited just long enough.
by Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle and Melissa Olson

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Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor from 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71

Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor from 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71

Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died at age 71. His manager confirmed he passed away Tuesday in New York after a short illness. Whitlock played the corrupt state Sen. Clay Davis on “The Wire." Whitlock went to Southwest Minnesota State University, where he played football and studied theater.
by The Associated Press

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4 Minnesota high schoolers to march in the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena

4 Minnesota high schoolers to march in the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena

The students from Apple Valley, Rosemount and Marshall will perform Thursday with the Bands of America Rose Parade Honor Band. The band is made up of 236 high school performers from 34 states.
by Molly Castle Work

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‘Love is Blind’: Minnesota’s top pop culture moment of 2025

The Minneapolis season of the reality dating show came out on Valentine’s Day, 2025. Taylor and Daniel Hastings were the only couple who said “I do” at the altar and they renewed their vows this summer.
by Nina Moini and Alanna Elder

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Power Pairs: Filmmaker Daniel Bergin and sportscaster Lea B. Olsen

Power Pairs: Filmmaker Daniel Bergin and sportscaster Lea B. Olsen

Forget sibling rivalry. Let’s talk about some sibling excellence. MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation from her Power Pair series with award-winning filmmaker Daniel Bergin and his award-winning sister, sports broadcaster Lea Olsen. 
by Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer

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Genre fiction and female authors top U.S. libraries’ most-borrowed lists in 2025

Genre fiction and female authors top U.S. libraries’ most-borrowed lists in 2025

All of the top 10 books borrowed through the public library app Libby were written by women. And Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” was the top checkout in many library systems around the country.
by Neda Ulaby

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The 43 best books MPR News staff read in 2025

The 43 best books MPR News staff read in 2025

Each year, the MPR newsroom shares staff picks of the best books we read in 2025. From a familiar Minnesota romance author to Dust Bowl-era historical fiction with a dash of magical realism, here’s the books we couldn’t put down.
by Sam Stroozas

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