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.

Breath and beat: Terrell X’avion brings rhythmic fire to MacPhail
Musician Terrell X’avion, an improvisational jazz beatboxer and storyteller, brings his deeply personal album “Transformation to Terrell X” to the MacPhail Center for Music, blending rhythm, lyricism and interactive performance.
The power of film music in storytelling
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the power of music written for films.
Out to Lunch: Minneapolis musician Laamar doesn’t want to be pigeonholed
Geoffrey Lamar Wilson’s project Laamar quickly rose to fame in the Twin Cities music scene after writing songs about racial and social justice. His first full-length album, coming out in 2025, will be an expansion in both content and music.
A legacy of joy: Chanhassen Dinner Theatre’s artistic director Michael Brindisi dies
Michael Brindisi directed 130 productions during his 37-year tenure, shaping the Twin Cities theater scene with his infectious enthusiasm, deep respect for actors and unwavering commitment to storytelling.
'Chilling effect': Arts organizations react to end of DEI initiatives from fed agency
The NEA will no longer fund arts programs that promote DEI or "gender ideology." The federal agency has cancelled grants that have funded programs for underserved communities for more than 20 years.
First Avenue workers ratify first union contract
More than 200 workers at First Avenue and all of the music venues it owns and operates have ratified their first union contract.
Oscar presenters will include Halle Berry and Emma Stone. Here‘s what to know about the show
After devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards are going forward. The academy on Tuesday announced that Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb and Bowen Yang have been added to the presenting lineup.