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.

Summer Music Series: Tufawon shares his experiences as an artist and activist
Tufawon visited The Current's studio to record a session and share with hosts Andrea Swensson and Tom Weber his experiences as a globetrotting hip-hop artist and activist.
What it's like to be an immigrant in a time of uncertainty
Author Dina Nayeri left Iran when she was ten years old. In a discussion sparked by her new book, "Refuge," listeners called in to share their own stories of immigration, belonging and fear.
In 'Good Booty,' our hot and heavy love affair with pop music
Sex is such an inextricable part of pop music, it's easy to overlook, but NPR Music critic Ann Powers rectifies that in her new book, a portrait of America's obsession with sex as it manifests in pop.
Swift wanted to drive ex crazy with 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together'
In an interview with USA Today, she said her ex "made me feel like I wasn't as good or as relevant as these hipster bands he listened to. So I made a song that I knew would absolutely drive him crazy."
Art Hounds: Photos of Prince before he was famous
This week, the Art Hounds recommend "Prince Pre-Fame," a dance concert and a local music festival in St. Cloud.
Aspen Ideas Festival: Walter Isaacson on how we can be more like da Vinci
The best-selling biographer says that while we can't be Albert Einstein or Sir Isaac Newton, we can all try to be more like da Vinci. "We can try to be curious -- playfully curious and inquisitive, which was his ultimate trait," he said.
How the books you read growing up still matter
Author Ann Hood absolutely devoured books as a child, and many still stick with her today. What book was a formative read for you, growing up?