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.

Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan dead at 46
O'Riordan died in London, where she was recording, publicist Lindsey Holmes said. The cause of death wasn't immediately available.
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam turn 51 years old Monday. In 1987, they came out with their Billboard-topping hit "Lost in Emotion."
Inspirational speeches for Martin Luther King Day
Hear inspirational speeches from the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Walton of Harvard Divinity School and former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.
Kaveh Akbar is poetry's biggest cheerleader
Akbar, a poet himself, waves his pom poms for the form at DiveDapper, a site dedicated to in-depth interviews with his favorite poets. He says he wants to live his life "in joyful service" to poetry.
When 'The Perfect Nanny' is anything but
Leila Slimani's breakout novel, inspired by true stories of killer caregivers, chronicles the complex relationship between a mother and her babysitter.
'This Could Hurt' is a workplace saga with heart
Jillian Medoff has spent years in the corporate world, and she puts that experience to good use in this story of a hard-charging boss whose devoted staff has to cover for her when she starts to slip.
Reproductive freedom lies just outside the U.S. border in 'Red Clocks'
Leni Zumas' new novel follows five women in an Oregon town, living in an alternate reality where abortion and IVF are illegal -- a world that Zumas says "could happen next week."
In a time of wishes, two books for young readers
Bookseller Carla Ketner has two recommendations that explore the power, magic and consequences of wishes.
Tune-Yards to debut new album at MicroShow
Tune-Yards has a new album called "I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life," which will be released next week.