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.

'Dear Friend' is a fraught and unusual memoir
Yiyun Li's first book of nonfiction is an unusual memoir -- one that examines her depression and suicidal thoughts by drifting through her memories and thoughts on literature.
Joseph Wapner, star of 'The People's Court,' dead at 97
"The People's Court," on which Wapner decided real small-claims from 1981 to 1993, was one of the granddaddies of the syndicated reality shows of today.
Family representative: 'Titanic' actor Bill Paxton has died
A family representative says prolific and charismatic actor Bill Paxton, who played an astronaut in "Apollo 13" and a treasure hunter in "Titanic," has died from complications due to surgery.
U.S. immigration authorities are barring entry to a Syrian cinematographer who worked on a harrowing film about his nation's civil war, "The White Helmets," that has been nominated for an Academy Award.
Actors bring old radio dramas to the stage
In public performances as well as podcasts, classic audio plays are finding new ears.
Hippo Campus releases first album
The Twin Cities-based band Hippo Campus released its first full-length album today.
Holly Miranda, Ani DiFranco release Standing Rock protest song
Brooklyn singer Holly Miranda released a song, a cover of an obscure late-'70s science-fictional folk song, that she'd been working on for two months in support of protesters.