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.

October 31, 2025 4:00 AM

MN Shortlist: From the Fitzgerald to Transexual, Transylvania — 9 picks for Oct. 31 to Nov. 6

As October gives way to November, the Twin Cities lean into transformation — through ritual, remembrance and a little rock ‘n’ roll. From the fiery puppetry of Barebones to the haunting harmonies of “Carmina Burana” at the Fitzgerald, it’s a week where art and afterlife mingle freely.

by Jacob Aloi, Anika Besst, Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber

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October 30, 2025 4:00 AM

War, exile, resilience: New play centers voices of Minnesota Ukraine community

A new Minneapolis play, created from firsthand stories of Ukrainians living in Minnesota during the ongoing war, offers a rare and intimate look at resilience, loss and the fight to hold onto hope.

by Alex V. Cipolle

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October 30, 2025 4:00 AM

Art Hounds: Halloween edition

This week, we’ve got a haunting Brechtian satire, a live-orchestra horror film experience and a time-traveling musical take on a sci-fi classic — all just in time for Halloween. Recommendations from Peter Rachleff, Tristan Crawford and Syd Bauer.

by Emily Bright

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October 28, 2025 10:10 AM

The new $50M Literary Arts Fund will support independent publishers and nonprofits

A coalition of seven charitable foundations has established a Literary Arts Fund to support independent publishers and nonprofit organizations. The fund will distribute at least $50 million in grants over the next five years.

by The Associated Press

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October 25, 2025 5:14 PM

June Lockhart, beloved mother figure from 'Lassie' and 'Lost In Space,' dies at 100

The actor, whose career spanned films, TV dramas and soap operas, was beloved for her roles in "Lassie" and "Lost In Space." She died on Thursday of natural causes, a family friend said.

by The Associated Press

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October 25, 2025 8:00 AM

Ask a Bookseller: ‘Auditions for the Fox’ by Martin Cahill

Liz Bernoskie of Poor Richard’s Books in Frankfort, Ky., recommends “Auditions for the Fox” by Martin Cahill.

by Emily Bright

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October 25, 2025 7:00 AM

Two Twin Cities theaters take on authoritarianism in fall offerings

The two theater directors were initially unaware of each other’s upcoming productions when they picked their seasons. However, once they figured out that both of their shows handled a similar theme, they decided to start promoting the plays as a sort of a thematic series.

by Jacob Aloi

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October 24, 2025 1:48 PM

Books about race and gender to be returned to school libraries on some military bases

The order is to be implemented at school libraries on military bases in Kentucky, Virginia, Italy and Japan. Students and their families claimed their First Amendment rights had been violated when officials removed the books to comply with President Trump’s executive orders.

by Elizabeth Blair

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October 24, 2025 1:44 PM

New books this week dance between genres — and deserve your attention

New releases this week include a feminist history of modern Russia, and a candid portrait of Gish Jen’s relationship with her mother. Plus, new novels from Philip Pullman and Claire Louise-Bennett.

by Colin Dwyer