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.

Nice Ride bikes to return to Minneapolis, but not St. Paul
Nice Ride says it's expanding its service in Minneapolis, with more bike parking hubs and stations, pedal assist electric bikes and a new reduced fare membership program. However, it won't be in St. Paul at all.
From electro-pop to ballads, new Minnesota music offers something for everyone
In recognition of Minnesota Music Month, we invited The Current's Andrea Swensson to join us on the program. Swensson highlighted some new songs by Minnesota artists and shared the stories behind them.
How a seed bank helps preserve Cherokee culture through traditional foods
The seeds are free for any Cherokee, but recipients have been limited because demand is so high. Collecting the seeds has been difficult and emotional, but the program has helped unify the community.
'Professor Chandra Follows His Bliss' is smart, comforting sentiment
Rajeev Balasubramanyam's fourth novel follows a cantankerous yet sympathetic economics professor whose life is upended after he fails yet again to win a Nobel Prize (among other, lesser catastrophes).
This is for 'The Undefeated': A new picture book celebrates black brilliance
Kadir Nelson was inspired by Kwame Alexander's poem. It "spoke to excellence, and perseverance, and triumph amidst adversity," Nelson says. "It was an ode to the sung and unsung heroes in history."
War and refuge: Minnesota Opera to set Hmong story to music
Kao Kalia Yang's memoir "The Song Poet" tells of her family's journey to St. Paul after war forces them to flee Laos. It's the first time a Hmong story will be presented as opera.