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.

June 26, 2019 12:00 AM

Secrets kept by the 'Gone Dead' haunt the living

Chanelle Benz's debut novel follows a woman digging into the death of her father, a celebrated African American writer who abandoned his family -- and died in a mysterious accident not long after.

by Michael Schaub

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June 26, 2019 12:00 AM

Twin Cities food scene is evolving

Do other cities really envy the Twin Cities restaurant scene? Minnesota is racking up awards and notable chefs, and people are noticing.

by Angela Davis and Karen Zamora

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June 25, 2019 10:46 AM

New book details a Gilded Age romance involving a first lady and a Minn. pastor's future wife

Rose Cleveland served as first lady during her brother Grover Cleveland's first term. Evangeline Simpson was a widow who would marry Minnesota Episcopal bishop Henry Whipple. Their correspondence -- and romance -- spanned decades.

by Cathy Wurzer

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June 25, 2019 10:42 AM

Canadian rapper and songwriter SonReal performs at the Fine Line

His latest album, "The Aaron LP," is his most personal to date, and comes after the death of his father in 2016.

by Cathy Wurzer

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June 25, 2019 12:00 AM

'Ask Again, Yes' is a profound yet unpretentious family drama

Mary Beth Keane's novel opens in 1973 New York and follows two rookie cops and their families over four decades. Her closely-observed domestic tale transforms into something deep and universal.

by Maureen Corrigan

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June 25, 2019 12:00 AM

'I Like To Watch' is a passionate, brilliant defense of TV

The collection of 32 mostly previously published essays by New Yorker TV Critic Emily Nussbaum includes a new consideration of the question: "What should we do with the art of terrible men?"

by Annalisa Quinn

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June 24, 2019 4:06 PM

Ravelry, the knitting website, bans Trump talk and patterns

"We cannot provide a space that is inclusive of all and also allow support for open white supremacy," Ravelry said. "Support of the Trump administration is undeniably support for white supremacy."

by Vanessa Romo

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June 24, 2019 10:08 AM

"Hot Stuff" tops charts 40 years ago

"Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer reached No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart 40 years ago today. The disco classic features a solo by former Doobie Brothers guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter.

by Cathy Wurzer