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.

The Beatles sang 'All You Need is Love' on the first worldwide TV broadcast
The Beatles were in a London recording studio. They sang along to a prerecorded backing track and were surrounded by a group of celebrities including Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Keith Moon.
Organizer hopes boxing will keep kids busy, and safe
A summer enrichment program in north Minneapolis aims to give young people skills and confidence, while also keeping them out of potential trouble.
Four ways to improve your life through nonfiction
A new stack of nonfiction offers tips on everything from workplace etiquette to catching more Z's. Dive in for life advice.
Pop culture's mixed messages to women
Movies are often not made by or for women and female-led movies tend to limit their casting to white, young women.
Books become a bridge out of grief in 'The Futilitarians'
Anne Gisleson was reeling from a series of family tragedies when she began meeting with friends to discuss books and life in post-Katrina New Orleans. Her new book chronicles a year of those meetings.
U2's anthem about doubt hit No. 1
It was the second single from the "Joshua Tree" album to top the charts.
A festival of short plays about Native life
The National Native American Ten Minute Play Festival offers audiences and performers a rare chance to experience Indian humor and language onstage.
Editorial cartoonist Steve Sack on 36 years of commentary, caricature
Pulitzer-Prize winning cartoonist Steve Sack has captured six presidents as well as countless governors, senators and representatives in his career. His new book is a look back at political history, in caricature.
NPR has compiled 50 songs you can enjoy while watching Monday's solar eclipse.
The backstories of the books you loved growing up
Bruce Handy's new book takes an emotional, intuitive look at the world of children's books, from 'Goodnight Moon' to 'Charlotte's Web,' which he calls 'a mastery novel of ideas' about life and death.