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.

When process is enough: One artist reframes what success feels like
In his early 30s, Minneapolis theatermaker Kurt Engh reckons with burnout, redefines success and finds renewed purpose in the creative process over the spotlight.
Dorothy Parker’s posthumously published collection is “Poems” and Camilla Barnes’ debut novel is: The Usual Desire to Kill.” Both affirm: sharp humor can be grounded in pain.
Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein’s new book looks at ‘failed liberal policies‘
What if liberals’ penchant for scarcity has been holding America back from solving our most challenging problems? That’s the thesis of Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein’s provocative new book, “Abundance.”
‘From the Holocaust to America’: A pop-up art show features artist and survivor Lucy Kreisler Smith
A new exhibition at Vandalia Tower in St. Paul showcases more than 300 works by Lucy Kreisler Smith, a Holocaust survivor and lifelong artist, in a retrospective curated by her son, Dan Smith.
Writer turned citizen scientist offers tips on living lightly to reduce your carbon footprint
Tamara Dean, author of “Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless,” talks to MPR chief meteorologist Paul Huttner about climate change and rethinking the lifestyle choices we make to lower our carbon footprint but still live productive lives.
MN Shortlist: April 17-23
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
Art Hounds: Puppets, comedy and Minnesota’s literary roots
This week, Art Hounds highlight Cherokee-language puppetry, a comedy showcase by Hmong and Asian American performers and a deep dive into Minnesota’s poetic past.
5 notable new books that are all over the map (in a good way)
These books confront readers with the recent past and distant future, bring them to southeastern Africa and an alternative Japan, and bedeck their pages with subversive cartoons and lush landscapes.