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.

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” is about two flappers on the prowl for sugar daddies. First published in 1925, Anita Loos’ cheeky comic novel has now been reissued in paperback.
Be there pirates? The true story of Capt. Kidd
Was Capt. Kidd a notorious pirate whose ill-gotten treasure is still hunted today? Or was he an experienced sea captain who got caught up in the geopolitics of his day? Parse the true story from the scuttlebutt on this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas.
Kennedy Center terminates dance programming team
This is the latest shakeup since Trump took over the cultural center. “We will have an exciting announcement about the new direction for Dance programming soon,” said a Kennedy Center spokesperson.
A kernel of peace: MPR News host Cathy Wurzer finds her zen in crop art
With more submissions than ever before, it’s a bumper year for crop art at the Minnesota State Fair. So MPR News host Cathy Wurzer decided that this summer, it was finally time to give it a try.
Rain or shine, they keep strumming at the Silver Creek International Ukulele Carnival 
An unexpected sight — and sound — was created in the middle of the Lake County Fairgrounds when over 375 musicians joined the annual Silver Creek International Ukulele Carnival for four days of ukulele fun and community.
Art Hounds: Creative pies, wood carvings and clay critters
Art Hounds recommend the Creative Activities building at the Minnesota State Fair, “… good dog …” and Sporalia World Clay Critter Workshop.
Talking Gen Z: How young people today use slang
Every generation has its slang. From “groovy” and “far out” to “lit” and “slay.” MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a linguist and a St. Paul poet and hip-hop artist to unpack the slang of 2025.