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.

Whiting Awards announce 10 winners, aiming to honor future bookshelf staples
Since it began in 1985, the annual prize has recognized emerging writers. And while you may not know the winners announced Wednesday, their futures are bright -- if previous winners are any indication.
Officials to turn over Prince investigative files to family
John Goetz, an attorney for Prince's siblings, says prosecutors agreed to give him the medical examiner's autopsy investigation this week. Goetz and his clients must keep the data confidential.
Appetites: The growth of Lenten fish fry in Minnesota
The Lenten fish fry has blossomed, and no one does it quite like The Church of St Albert the Great in South Minneapolis. For the first six Fridays in lent, 125 volunteers come together to serve up baked and fried tilapia, cheesy mashed potatoes and coleslaw to an overflow crowd.
"Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley was number one on the Billboard pop chart 30 years ago. Over the years, the song has been subjected to a fair amount of ridicule. Nick Lowe made a pointed attack on the song's lyrics in his composition "All Men Are Liars."
'Let's No One Get Hurt' is a lyrical, powerful coming-of-age story
Jon Pineda's new novel follows a young girl living with her father in an old boathouse, somewhere in the Southern United States. It's a well-written book that manages to be both honest and poetic.
Free ice cream at Dairy Queen! It's for a good cause
With large portions of the country preparing for heavy snow, severe storms or tornadoes on Tuesday, the first day of spring, Dairy Queen is handing out free ice cream cones.
Fifty years ago Tuesday, the Twin Cities-based band The South 40 recorded a live album at a club in Robbinsdale called Someplace Else.