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.

'Just Ask!' says Sonia Sotomayor. She knows what it's like to feel different
We're all different and that's good, says the U.S. Supreme Court justice. Her new children's book about embracing diversity portrays kids of all abilities working together to create a gorgeous garden.
In 'The Ventriloquists,' the true story of a fake newspaper
E.R. Ramzipoor's novel tells the story a group of resisters in Belgium during World War II who lampooned the Nazis by putting out a satirical edition of the newspaper Le Soir, then a Nazi mouthpiece.
'Palestine + 100' explores contested territory, past and future
A new anthology invites Palestinian writers to imagine their homeland in 2048 — 100 years after the creation of Israel. The stories are inventive, dextrous, painful, and even sometimes playful.
If you love Octavia Butler, Colson Whitehead and Toni Morrison
Bookseller Nialle Sylvan says that Rivers Solomon’s novel earns comparisons to some of the biggest names in literature.
R&B legends Tony! Toni! Toné! on why their hits are still popular
R&B icons Tony! Toni! Toné! will perform Friday and Saturday nights at the Minnesota State Fair. But first, they stopped by the stage at Dan Patch Park to talk with Angela Davis and 1A host Joshua Johnson about some of their hits.
Plow and the stars: World’s best plowmen dig the competition in Baudette
The best field plow operators from 28 countries compete in Baudette Friday and Saturday for the title of World Plowing Champion. On the line is bragging rights — and no money.
Cideries, breweries tap into Duluth’s expanding music scene
In the past six years, there has been a boom of breweries and cideries opening up in the city. Seven new taprooms have sprung up in that time, and as the numbers have grown, so has the local music scene.