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.

'Six Wakes' is a nerve-tingling interstellar murder mystery
In Mur Lafferty's latest, six crewmembers wake up to horror on a malfunctioning spaceship -- the artificial gravity is gone, and blood floats in the air. It's up to them to find out what happened.
Masaya Nakamura, the "Father of Pac-Man" who founded the Japanese video game company behind the hit creature-gobbling game, has died. He was 91.
Today's Morning Edition music is from the Shirelles with "Mama said."
Minnesota Book Awards finalists announced
The finalists in nine categories were selected by a group of 27 judges from around the state.
Looping, twisting 'Number 11' may be the perfect book for our time
Jonathan Coe's new novel is a black-hearted satire about the crumbling of modern Britain, and the point at which childhood gives way to a cold assessment of the world as it is, not as we dream it.
John Hurt, 'Elephant Man' star and character actor, dies at 77
Hurt recovered from a career lull in the '90s to take key supporting roles in movies such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Snowpiercer and last year's Jackie, and was a recent incarnation of Doctor Who.
With wisdom, humor and regret, an 85-year-old takes a walk
Bookseller Jenny Lyons says "Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk" is a beautiful escape of a novel, and that you'll fall in love with the heroine after only a chapter.
For the first time, U.S. wins elite Bocuse D'Or culinary competition
The competition pits 24 chefs against each other and is billed as the "most demanding and prestigious reward in world gastronomy," started by legendary French chef Paul Bocuse.
Making it work: Mankato teen brings her style to 'Project Runway Junior'
With her nose ring, glittered eyebrows and love of sequins, Hawwaa Ibrahim is used to standing out in a crowd -- but not having thousands of people watch her on TV.