Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now

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.

From family drama to global apocalypse, these two novels keep you riveted

From family drama to global apocalypse, these two novels keep you riveted

Sarah Blake's "The Guest Book" is a multi-generational drama set against a backdrop of war and social upheaval. "The Last," by Hanna Jameson, centers on the survivors of a nuclear holocaust.
by Maureen Corrigan

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
St. Paul's Grand Old Day is back on this year

St. Paul's Grand Old Day is back on this year

The Grand Old Day celebration in St. Paul is back on for 2019, after all. A last-minute effort to raise funding to save the tradition quickly followed the cancellation announcement.
by MPR News Staff

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

New exhibit at the MN History Center tells the story of legendary venue First Avenue

In 1970, Joe Cocker, Leon Russell and 25 other musicians shared a stage for the first live show at a bus station-turned-venue called The Depot. That club eventually became famous as First Avenue.
by Cathy Wurzer

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Art Hounds: The game is afoot in Lanesboro, Minn.

Art Hounds: The game is afoot in Lanesboro, Minn.

Plus, Art Hounds recommend a performance of Hmong-American artists and SOS Theater's "Pop Goes the Noggin."
by Marianne Combs

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
The Five: True love, true crime, and Satanism

The Five: True love, true crime, and Satanism

Every week, MPR News senior producer Stephanie Curtis gathers things to read, watch, listen to or experience. This week, she's got suggestions on a new podcast on love, a true crime story from Cottage Grove, and a documentary about civics, community and the Satanic Temple.
by Stephanie Curtis

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
For 'Juliet the Maniac,' healing had to come from within

For 'Juliet the Maniac,' healing had to come from within

Juliet Escoria's autobiographical novel is a heartfelt, raw story about surviving mental illness and learning to cope with inner demons. It's not a comfortable read -- but it is a powerful one.
by Gabino Iglesias

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
'Lie with Me' captures the wistfulness of first love, and first loss

'Lie with Me' captures the wistfulness of first love, and first loss

Philippe Besson's novel -- ably translated from the French by Molly Ringwald -- chronicles a painful teenaged heartbreak, followed by grown-up ennui. It's a well-worn but very well-told tale.
by Michael Schaub

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
What don't you talk about with your mom?

What don't you talk about with your mom?

A book of essays from a diverse, accomplished array of writers reveals the ways our mothers fail us and we fail them -- and poses the question of how much a tough conversation could close those rifts.
by Danielle Kurtzleben

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!