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.

September 26, 2017 9:00 AM

When Michael Jackson had trouble finding a duet partner

Jackson initially asked Barbra Streisand and Whitney Houston to sing "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" with him but they declined.

by MPR News Staff

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September 26, 2017 4:00 AM

CSA — with a twist — aims to create 'deeper understanding' of Hmong art, farmers

ArtCrop intends to highlight the importance that agriculture plays in the Hmong culture, while also drawing attention to the parallel challenges that artists and farmers face: That despite value in their work, both often struggle to thrive.

by Nancy Yang

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September 26, 2017 12:00 AM

Jennifer Egan's 'Manhattan Beach' is a gorgeous tribute to NYC and its seaport

Jennifer Egan's sweeping new historical novel doesn't just draw from the classic catalog of New York stories -- it also takes its place among them.

by Maureen Corrigan

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September 26, 2017 12:00 AM

James McBride's 'Five-Carat Soul' is a gem

The National Book Award-winning writer's debut story collection includes stories both straightforward and surreal. NPR's critic calls it 'brash, daring and defiantly original.'

by Michael Schaub

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September 25, 2017 9:25 AM

The inspiration for Buddy Holly's 'That'll Be the Day'

In 1956 Buddy Holly and his drummer Jerry Allison went to see a movie in their hometown of Lubbock, Texas. They saw "The Searchers" starring John Wayne.

by MPR News Staff

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September 25, 2017 12:00 AM

Thread Book Hour: Sherman Alexie on the aftermath of the 'Native American Apocalypse'

MPR's Kerri Miller interviews author Sherman Alexie as part of the "Talking Volumes" series at the Fitzgerald Theater. He's written a memoir about his mother, "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me."

by MPR News Staff

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September 24, 2017 12:00 AM

'Significant Zero': Inside the video game industry

Videogame writer Walt Williams describes his Red-Bull-and-Adderal-fueled advancement in a competitive and secretive industry. Critic Jason Sheehan says the book 'plays out ... like a videogame.'

by Jason Sheehan

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September 23, 2017 12:00 AM

A 'completely hypnotic' book to spend the afternoon with

"I emerged from the book and realized three hours had passed, and I was done with it," said bookseller Vanessa Martini. "I had no idea what had happened to my life."

by Tracy Mumford