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.

April 24, 2018 12:00 AM

'Beneath a Ruthless Sun,' cruelty and injustice burn hot

Gilbert King returns to Lake County, Fla., in his new book, which tells the tangled story of a rape accusation, a racist sheriff, and a mentally disabled white man railroaded and stuck in an asylum.

by Jean Zimmerman

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April 24, 2018 12:00 AM

Asylum-seeking student says nothing can stand between him and poetry

Allan Monga of Portland, Maine recently won the right to compete in the national Poetry Out Loud festival. He was initially barred because he's an asylum seeker and not a U.S. citizen.

by Ari Shapiro

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April 23, 2018 7:49 PM

Autonomous weapons would take warfare to a new domain, without humans

Former special operations agent Paul Scharre helped create U.S. military guidelines on autonomous weapons. His new book Army of None, looks at the advances in technology, and the questions they raise.

by Ari Shapiro

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April 23, 2018 6:42 PM

Prince heirs sue Illinois hospital over care during overdose

Prince's heirs are suing Walgreens and the Illinois hospital that treated him after he suffered a drug overdose just a week before he died.

by The Associated Press

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April 23, 2018 10:36 AM

'Bring The War Home' shows 'lone wolf' terrorists are really part of a pack

Kathleen Belew's new book explores the impact of the Vietnam War on America's white power movement; Belew says that movement was behind a lot of domestic terror attacks attributed to "lone wolves."

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

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April 23, 2018 9:46 AM

Cornbread Harris turns 91

What many consider Minnesota's first rock and roll record, the Augie Garcia Quintet's "Hi Yo Silver," featured James "Cornbread" Harris on piano when it was recorded in 1955. Harris turns 91 today. He still performs regularly and tonight he'll be playing at a birthday party in his honor at the Grand Cafe in Minneapolis. Last year, Harris stopped by our studios and spoke with Tom Weber and Andrea Swensson. While he was here he played a song called "Cool Rider." Harris says he wrote it about the aspirations he had for his son who would become the highly successful record producer Jimmy Jam Harris.

by Cathy Wurzer

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April 23, 2018 12:00 AM

Muggles rejoice: 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' is now on Broadway

The play, co-written by J.K. Rowling, opened on Sunday and picks up where the last novel left off, with Harry sending his son off to Hogwarts.

by Jeff Lunden

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April 23, 2018 12:00 AM

'Art of the Wasted Day' makes a case for letting the mind wander

Patricia Hampl's sharp new book argues that daydreaming is a vital part of life. Maureen Corrigan says, after reading it, "you'll understand more of what makes life worth living."

by Maureen Corrigan

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April 22, 2018 5:15 PM

During painful time, newly released music brings joy to Prince's family

The album features the work of Prince's late father, jazz musician John L. Nelson. John Nelson's daughter Sharon Nelson called it a "dream come true" to hear her father's music.

by Nina Moini