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.

Soul singer Sharon Jones, 60, dies
Jones, known for generating powerful, energetic performances despite her small stature while fronting The Dap-Kings for the past decade, had been fighting pancreatic cancer since 2013.
'Hamilton' to Pence: 'We are the diverse America who are alarmed'
Pence was met with boos and cheers as he came to see the show, and afterwards the diverse cast and crew delivered a pointed statement about what they believe really makes America great.
Ask a bookseller: Atomic Books in Baltimore
Benn Ray, one of the owners of Atomic Books, recommends a book about the Satanism paranoia that swept the country in the 1980s.
'Fantastic Beasts': Potter fans grew up, so the movie did, too
"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" swoops into theaters this weekend. It has all the magic of the original "Potter" stories, but we're in the world of adults now.
Cube Critics Stephanie Curtis and Euan Kerr shared which movies are will bring your family together this Thanksgiving.
Do you finish books you don't like?
If you don't love a book, do you finish reading it anyway? Or do you move on and get another?
The term 'graphic novel' has had a good run. We don't need it anymore
Coined in an era when comics were considered "junk" culture, "graphic novel" is a hoary, meaningless, and often completely inaccurate term. Comics are comics; stop apologizing for them.
Today's Morning Edition music is from "Finnisma Di" by the Portland-based 15-piece band Pink Martini. It's from their new album "Je Dis Oui" which comes out today. You may recognize the voice on this song. It's Ari Shapiro who hosts All Things Considered on NPR.
Before his name was known at all, Seuss put creatures on the wall
Decades before he became a beloved children's book author, Theodor Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss) created a series of whimsical sculptures he called "Unorthodox Taxidermy."
A post-election reading list
The election has left people with a lot of questions. This reading list is aimed at sharing perspectives, offering insight and building understanding.