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 6, 2017 12:56 PM

5 overlooked books of 2016

The "best of" lists are bursting with brilliant reads, but here's a handful of titles that deserve a little more time in the spotlight.

by Tracy Mumford

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January 6, 2017 8:56 AM

Coming soon: Semisonic to release first new music in a long time

The group's bassist John Munson recently told sister station The Current that they'll be recording new tracks in the coming months.

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January 6, 2017 6:00 AM

What we're reading: The most popular books at Minnesota libraries

Minnesota library users, it seems, love three things: thrillers, World War II dramas and the idea of organizing their lives.

by Tracy Mumford

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January 6, 2017 4:00 AM

Twin Cities 'b-girls' hang tough in a 'b-boys' dance world

Breaking, the dance art born in the streets of 1970s New York City, continues to thrive around the country. Women in Minnesota's close-knit community are making sure they're heard, and seen. Take a look.

by Sam Harper

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January 6, 2017 12:00 AM

Does social media inspire creativity or stifle it?

What is the impact of feeding the social media machine?

by Kerri Miller and Marcheta Fornoff

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January 5, 2017 10:55 AM

105-year-old cyclist rides 14 miles in an hour en route to a world record

"I am not here to be champion. I am here to prove that at 105 years old you can still ride a bike," Frenchman Robert Marchand said.

by Laura Wagner

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January 5, 2017 9:21 AM

Roxane Gay on good men, bad men and 'Difficult Women'

Gay's new short story collection explores women's lives and issues of race, class and sex. But she says the book could easily have been called "Difficult Men."

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January 5, 2017 7:59 AM

McCartney recorded 'Penny Lane' vocals 50 years ago

The Beatles were at Abbey Road Studios in London recording sessions for their eighth studio album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." "Penny Lane" didn't make it onto that album, though.