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.

Book 'without borders' by 80+ artists lets kids color outside the lines
Children are invited to use their imaginations to fill in the blanks in "Coloring Without Borders." The bilingual book was created to help immigrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border.
In 'Never Too Late,' finally, a guide for adults going to college
There are hundreds of books about picking the best college. But let's face it: Most of them are written for high schoolers. A new book offers a roadmap for older students.
What happens in a partial government shutdown
What's open? What's closed? A look at the impact of the partial government shutdown.
That was this year? MPR News' best photos of 2018
Our staff and freelance photographers have crossed the state and country to make these images, and we hope they can help you stop and feel, something we haven't had much of a chance to do this year.
The latest album is mostly made up of songs that Jayhawks leader Gary Louris initially wrote for other artists like Jakob Dylan and Carrie Rodriguez. He wrote it with the Dixie Chicks.
The poet of Minnesota, Vietnam and mythical men
Robert Bly is probably best known for his controversial nonfiction book 'Iron John.' But as a poet, he's conjured deeply resonant imagery of nature and war for 60 years, as his 'Collected Poems' reveal.
Prodigy and persistence: Meet Twin Cities painter Fina Mooney
An up-and-coming painter from northeast Minneapolis who's won awards and international scholarships, Fina Mooney may be prepared to settle an age-old artistic debate: Are artists born or made?