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.

How 'American Assassin' took a long, twisting path to film
A movie featuring the indomitable fictional terrorism fighter Mitch Rapp is about to hit movie screens nationwide -- four years after his creator, author Vince Flynn, died from prostate cancer.
'Young people who do extraordinary things' are the norm in Marie Lu's YA world
The bestselling young adult author specializes in dystopian fiction. Her latest, 'Warcross,' is set in the not-too-distant future, and draws on Lu's time working in the video game industry.
When current events were captured in paintings
The Minneapolis Institute of Art offers an exhibit of pictures that were meant to keep a contemporary record of important happenings in the 18th century.
Electronic musician blends Middle Eastern, Western rhythms
How a Syrian musician has made a home—and music—in Minnesota. Samer Saem Eldahr, known on stage as Hello Psychaleppo, creates electronic songs in part by sampling old Arab musicians.
A toilet is the star of India's hit rom-com
She loves him. He loves her. But she loves indoor toilets even more. And he is not a fan. Can they find happiness? The plot of "Toilet: A Love Story" addresses a very real issue in rural India.
Color coated: DNR expects a glorious Minnesota fall leaf season
Stop complaining about all that summer rain. It's about to help deliver a spectacular fall, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Thursday as it launched its seasonal fall color finder map.
In a complaint filed in early August, Gregory Miller, the former artistic director for the Rochester Civic Theater, contends that he was wrongfully terminated and he is now seeking at least $50,000 in damages.
Allman died May 27 from liver cancer. His new album comes out Friday.