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.

Minnesota's Gretchen Carlson on how to confront, report and end sexual harassment
Anoka native Gretchen Carlson found fame as Miss America 1989. Her name filled headlines again last summer when she sued Fox for sexual harassment. Her new book, "Be Fierce," offers practical advice for women dealing with workplace harassment.
It tells the story of a teenage couple on a date at the movies who fall asleep and don't wake up until 4 a.m., way past their curfew. Don Everly reported that the song had been banned in Boston when it first came out because it was considered sexually suggestive.
Dan Buettner on the happiest places in the world
Pleasure, purpose and pride: Those are three paths to a happy life, the author says. In his latest book, Buettner examines the places where people live the happiest lives -- Denmark, Singapore and Costa Rica -- and what sets them apart.
Gord Downie, singer of The Tragically Hip, dies at 53
The man who helmed one of Canada's most-beloved bands for more than 30 years died Tuesday night of complications from brain cancer, according to his family.
When interracial love brought a palpable risk
Penumbra's production of "Wedding Band" observes the 50th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia, the landmark civil-rights decision.
Violent Femmes to play First Avenue
The Violent Femmes are playing a sold-out show Wednesday night at First Avenue in Minneapolis.
'Death in the Air' revisits 5 days when London was choked by poisonous smog
Kate Winkler Dawson's new book chronicles The Great Smog of 1952, when moist air from the Gulf Stream stalled for days over London, mixing with poisonous gases and causing more than 12,000 deaths.
The Minnesota Timberwolves begin a new season Wednesday night when they take on the Spurs in San Antonio.
George Saunders wins Man Booker prize for 'Lincoln in the Bardo'
It's the second year in a row that an American writer has taken home the prestigious literary award.