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.

MN Shortlist: Slow Burns & Bright Lights — 6 Picks for Nov. 21–27
As parade season kicks in and the evenings arrive early, this week’s picks offer a mix of music, theater and small-scale surprises. From Duluth’s gingerbread “city” to a new festival of collaborative work in Minneapolis, here are six solid ways to make the most of the week ahead.
College radio's comeback: Why people are tuning in
College radio is making a comeback. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with two students who help run college stations. They’ll get into what makes it special and why it's worth tuning in. 
Here are the winners of the 2025 National Book Awards
Author Rabih Alameddine won for his novel The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother). Other winners include a book for young people about orphans on the run in Iran during World War II.
Minnesota’s second romance-only bookstore brings the small-town charm
Hey Darling opened in October 2024 on Main Street in Austin. Owner Trish Marin said she wants small town residents of the state to experience the sense of belonging a romance bookstore can bring.