Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now

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.

'Night Theater' is an intriguing but uneven drama

'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.
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Rochester Civic Theatre director resigns

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.
by Catharine Richert

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
The history of Wisconsin's love affair with beer

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.
by Tracy Mumford

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Drag queens are getting noticed

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.
by Jim Bickal and Angela Davis

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Latinx critics speak out against 'American Dirt;' Jeanine Cummins responds

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.
by Rachel Martin

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
In 'Sexual Citizens,' students open up about sex, power and assault on campus

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.
by Ailsa Chang

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Art Hounds: Ely celebrates 'The Quiltmaker's Gift'

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.
by Marianne Combs

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Everyone invited: 'Great Gatsby' copyright to end in 2021

Anyone will be allowed to publish the book, adapt it to a movie, make it into an opera or stage a Broadway musical. No longer will you need to get permission to write a sequel, a prequel, a Jay Gatsby detective novel or a Gatsby narrative populated with zombies.
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Review: Whatever happened to Ibsen’s Nora?

Review: Whatever happened to Ibsen’s Nora?

A modern playwright has tried to answer a question left hanging 140 years ago.
by Eric Ringham

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Monty Python star Terry Jones dies at 77

Monty Python star Terry Jones dies at 77

Jones's agent says he died Tuesday evening. In a statement, his family said he died "after a long, extremely brave but always good humored battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD."
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!