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.

'Hunger Games' prequel novel coming in 2020
Author Suzanne Collins says that she would go back to the years following the so-called "Dark Days," the failed rebellion in Panem.
'Patron Saints of Nothing' is a book for 'the hyphenated'
Young adult author Randy Ribay says it's tough having "a dual identity" in a world "where people want you to be one thing." His new novel explores the Philippine government's deadly war on drugs.
After years of work, northern Minnesota community celebrates restored city hall
For more than 80 years, City Hall in Bigfork has been at the heart of that northern Minnesota community. Now, after a brush with possible demolition and years of hard work, the historic structure is restored and ready for the next eight decades.
A Muslim in rural Minnesota talks about how to 'Love Thy Neighbor'
After Donald Trump's election, Dr. Ayaz Virji started giving talks to mostly white, Christian audiences in rural Minnesota to try to dispel misconceptions about Muslims. He faced a lot of backlash.
'Angola Janga' tells the story of Brazil's runaway slave communities
Marcelo D'Salete's powerful graphic novel chronicles the mocambos, communities of runaway slaves that flourished in the jungles of 17th century Brazil, and all the lives they touched, slave and free.
Historic Iron Range fountain comes back to life
A historic fountain built during the Great Depression that was closed for six years after falling into disrepair is once again spraying water and dazzling crowds in the Iron Range city of Virginia.
'Pure love on the dance floor': Celebrating the jingle dress tradition
The exact origin of the jingle dress is unclear; evidence suggests the tradition may have started in Minnesota a century ago. But they're now a part of powwows and other Native American gatherings across the continent.
Cube Critics: Zombies, 'Pavarotti' and San Francisco
Cube Critics Stephanie Curtis and Euan Kerr watch "The Dead Don't Die," "Pavarotti" and "The Last Black Man in San Francisco."
Madonna has released a new album called "Madame X," which the singer says is also the name of her latest persona. Bruce Springsteen's latest record is "Western Stars."
An 'absolutely wonderful' novel of hidden identities
"The Elegance of the Hedgehog" follows two characters in a fancy French apartment building who keep their true selves hidden.