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.

Interactive art installation lets strangers talk to each other across the border
Searchlights illuminate the sky between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, but they have nothing to do with border enforcement. They're part of a large-scale binational art installation.
'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood': Can you say 'sincere' and 'heartening'?
Marielle Heller's new film isn't Fred Rogers' story — it's the story of two damaged outsiders (Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys) finding a connection that overcomes the darkness in their childhoods.
In new book, journalist alleges Russian links to mysterious deaths abroad
BuzzFeed News editor Heidi Blake says Russian agents in Britain killed exiled Russian oligarchs, security officials and others critical of the Kremlin. Her new book is From Russia with Blood.
'Crying Laughing' will have you doing both
Lance Rubin's new novel follows an aspiring young comedian as she navigates the rough waters of romance, improv and her father's failing health, with plenty of laughs to light the darker moments.
'Mary Toft; or, the Rabbit Queen' asks big questions about small animals
Dexter Palmer's new novel is based on the strange true story of a woman who confounded the medical and scientific establishments of 18th century England by claiming she'd given birth to rabbits.
Art Hounds: A bluegrass Christmas in Lanesboro
Commonweal Theatre presents the bluegrass holiday musical "Sanders Family Christmas." Plus, Art Hounds recommend American Roots Revue at the Dakota and UNI Arts STP at Cedar Cultural Center.
National Book Awards handed to Susan Choi, Arthur Sze and more
The novelist and poet joined Sarah M. Broom, László Krasznahorkai, Ottilie Mulzet, and Martin W. Sandler as winners Wednesday night — receiving $10,000 and a medallion for their front covers.
New acts rule Grammys as Lizzo, Lil Nas, Eilish lead in noms
The Grammys are screaming “Cuz I Love You” to Lizzo: The breakthrough singer-rapper scored a whopping eight nominations, including bids for the top four awards, making her the show’s top-nominated act.
'They Will Drown' isn't a whodunit, it's a who-is-it?
Johannes Anyuru's unusual speculative mystery They Will Drown in Their Mothers' Tears follows two seemingly ordinary (at first) Swedish citizens dealing with the aftermath of a shooting.