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.

January 10, 2017 8:16 AM

Three versions of 'Singing the Blues' hit No. 1 in the UK

There were three recordings of the track by different artists at the time.

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January 10, 2017 12:00 AM

Immigration and infertility bring two mothers together over one 'Lucky Boy'

Shanthi Sekaran's new novel tells the story of a Mexican woman who has entered the U.S. without papers and an Indian-American chef struggling to have a baby.

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January 9, 2017 1:22 PM

'Dry rules in dusty books need to make sense in life': A father advises his young Muslim sons

In "Letters to a Young Muslim," Omar Saif Ghobash writes to his sons about the importance of exploring, and questioning, one's religion.

by MPR News Staff

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January 9, 2017 10:15 AM

What we can learn from 'Washington's farewell'

The tradition of giving a goodbye address goes all the way back to the nation's first president. Author John Avlon says George Washington's farewell was remarkably prescient and prophetic.

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January 9, 2017 9:19 AM

Ventura loses appeal to reinstate $1.8M verdict

Ventura took issue with "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle's claim that Kyle punched Ventura at a California bar in 2006 for offensive comments about the SEALs.

by The Associated Press

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January 9, 2017 8:57 AM

The Monkees' 'I'm a Believer' was on top 50 years ago

The song stayed in the top spot for seven weeks and ultimately became the best-selling record of 1967.

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January 9, 2017 8:46 AM

Raised in a prison, 'The Warden's Daughter' decides it's time to find a mom

Cammie O'Reilly lost her mother when she was a baby -- so she seeks out maternal support from female inmates. Author Jerry Spinelli says the book was inspired by a real-life story from his hometown.

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January 9, 2017 6:10 AM

Megadeth bassist to debut coffee shop in Minnesota hometown

David Ellefson debuts Ellefson Coffee Co. in the small, southwestern Minnesota town of Jackson on Monday.

by The Associated Press

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January 9, 2017 6:02 AM

At Golden Globes, Meryl Streep takes on Donald Trump

Meryl Streep, a prominent progressive in the arts world, did not mention Donald Trump by name when she criticized his remarks about a reporter during the campaign. But her target was clear.

by Eric Deggans