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.

Wherefore art thou Gnocchi-o? Fair Verona has another enduring love story
Though the potato dumplings are found all over Italy, it's only in Verona that the dish inspired a pre-Lent holiday, complete with a parade, costumes and an elected Santa-esque figure, Papa del Gnoco.
Minnesota novel revisits meth crisis of the '90s
"Northern Lights" tracks a young man through a succession of small towns and counters the myth that meth affects only the poorest of the poor.
In 'The Good Immigrant,' new Americans grapple with their polarized county
Co-editor Chimene Suleyman says she doesn't want to wait for other people to decide who's a good immigrant. She wants immigrants to answer that question for themselves.
In climate change, stories have a role to play
The editors of this new anthology -- drawn from a story contest run by Arizona State University -- argue that stories are as necessary as policy and technology in the fight against climate change.
Classic books are full of problems. Why can't we put them down?
A recent study found that Dr. Seuss books can be pretty racist. It's highlighted a growing debate: Should schools teach classic books that may be problematic or trade them for socially conscious ones?
'Vacuum in the Dark' is fun, funny -- but never frivolous
Jen Beagin is a wonderfully funny writer with a knack for serious subjects. Her exuberant new novel follows a young house cleaner who grew up too fast and is trying to reinvent herself.
'The Raven Tower' rises from Shakespearean foundations
Ann Leckie's new fantasy novel is packed with family intrigue, throne-room maneuvering and nods to 'Hamlet' in its story of a son who comes home to find his father missing and his uncle in power.