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.

Parting thoughts: Fine-tuned to the little things in life
Amy Tobin's musical career took her to Miami and Jamaica, where she played reggae with the likes of Ziggy Marley. She served as concertmaster of the St. Paul Civic Symphony from 2008 until her death in January.
Humans of Minneapolis: The stories all around us
Stephanie Glaros stops strangers on the street to get their stories -- and their pictures. Now, the portraits are available in a new book. The name is a nod to the popular project Humans of New York.
Melissa McCarthy's 'Spicey' and Alec Baldwin's Trump return to 'SNL'
Melissa McCarthy got a lot of attention for her enraged impression of White House press secretary Sean Spicer last week. This week she was back, along with Alec Baldwin reprising Donald Trump.
Prince's music streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music
"For You" is one of 19 Prince albums now available on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
Neil Gaiman on 'Norse Mythology': Looking for Thor's Hammer
Author Neil Gaiman first encountered the Norse gods in the pages of old Marvel Comics reprints, when he was 6 years old. Now, he's written his own versions of these ancient tales of gods and monsters.
'There is no good card for this': What to say when 'condolences' isn't enough
Have you ever struggled with how to be there for a friend in pain? If so, you're not alone. Illustrator Emily McDowell says her new book is a "guide for how to show up ... after you've sent the card."
2017 Grammys: Adele upsets Beyonce, Chance arrives, politics pop (slightly)
Adele swept the major categories over Beyonce, David Bowie posthumously won every award he was nominated for and the Grammys sometimes obliquely addressed a charged political climate.
'The Unbanking of America': When banks aren't the best option
The traditional banking system is no longer meeting the needs of Americans who live paycheck-to-paycheck, Lisa Servon argues in her new book.