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.

Sharp satire and dark humor in 'Riots I Have Known'
Ryan Chapman's debut novel opens in the middle of a prison riot as the unnamed narrator cowers in fear for his life -- which doesn't seem like a setup for comedy, but it's packed with dark laughs.
There'll be a birthday party on Friday afternoon at the house in Duluth where Dylan lived for his first six years.
A new sculpture in sticks takes shape in Chaska
Patrick Dougherty's medium of choice made the Landscape Arboretum the perfect venue for his work.
It begins with a letter in a cemetery
Bookseller Rayna Nielsen recommends a young adult novel that follows two teenagers caught up by letters exchanged at a gravestone.
Lizzo on feminism, self-love and bringing 'hallelujah moments' to stage
The flute-playing pop star celebrates self-acceptance on her latest album, Cuz I Love You. "About 10 years ago, I made the decision that I just wanted to be happy with my body," she says.
The Improvised Life: Sam Miltich takes his message of jazz and mental health across Minn.
Fifteen years ago, Sam Miltich was a teenager on top of the world. He taught himself how to play jazz guitar growing up in the woods outside Grand Rapids. And he got so good that at 18 he played in Europe and New York. Then, four years later, something happened that made it hard for Miltich to comprehend living, much less making a living playing jazz.
It was the first album by a major artist to be marketed as a "rock opera."
Photos: MN Zoo offering llamas unleashed (and leashed, if you want)
No, the llamas are not in red pajamas. But you can see them in a new exhibit highlighting native South American animals beginning Saturday through Labor Day weekend. It also features guinea pigs and large flightless birds called rheas.
Art Hounds: It's all real, it's all fake
Art Hounds recommend a dance concert on authenticity, a musical performance in a museum and some freshly made theater.