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 14, 2017 1:54 PM

St. Paul poet Danez Smith shines in the national spotlight

Danez Smith's latest collection, "Don't Call Us Dead," just landed on the longlist for the National Book Award. The collection explores what it's like to be young, black and gay in America.

by Marianne Combs and MPR News Staff

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September 14, 2017 8:57 AM

Husker Du founder Grant Hart passes away at 56

His former bandmate Bob Mould tweeted: "Grant Hart was a gifted visual artist, a wonderful story teller, and a frighteningly talented musician. Everyone touched by his spirit will always remember."

by MPR News Staff

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September 14, 2017 4:00 AM

St. Paul writer Vince Flynn hits the big screen

Coming years after his death, the release of the film "American Assassin" is an emotional event for the author's family.

by Euan Kerr

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September 14, 2017 4:00 AM

Art Hounds: Art on the walls at MCAD

This week on Art Hounds: A major new mural at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, a Fergus Falls exhibit about mental health, and "Nadia."

by Marianne Combs

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September 14, 2017 12:00 AM

Author Attica Locke: In America, we walk 'side by side' with our past

Attica Locke's novel 'Bluebird, Bluebird' is set in Texas where her family roots stretch back to slavery. The family didn't go north during the Great Migration, she explains: 'We said: No, Texas is ours, too.'

by Rachel Martin

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September 14, 2017 12:00 AM

A sequel to 'Wind in the Willows'? It's delightful

Kij Johnson works fresh magic with an old story in 'The River Bank,' a sequel to 'The Wind in the Willows' that introduces two new characters, Miss Mole and Miss Rabbit, but keeps the original's charm.

by Amal El-Mohtar

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September 13, 2017 3:15 PM

'History of Wolves' bears down on the Booker

Win or lose, the book's Minnesota author is enjoying a major honor.

by Euan Kerr

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September 13, 2017 10:14 AM

Man Booker Prize shortlist announced

The 2017 nominees for the U.K.'s top literary prize include a hefty dose of marquee authors, such as Paul Auster. But the list also features a pair of debuts, from Minnesota native Emily Fridlund and from Fiona Mozley.

by Colin Dwyer

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September 13, 2017 8:55 AM

X lead singer: 'Now is my favorite time in the band'

X will be performing Wednesday night at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The show will feature the same four people who founded the band in Los Angeles 40 years ago.

by MPR News Staff