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.

18 albums just old enough to vote
This election's youngest voters were born in 1998. So were these records, which all turn 18 this year. (Feeling old yet?)
Midwest Paul Cook will be performing Tuesday night at the 331 Club in Minneapolis.
Make America bake again: A history of cake in the U.S.
From the waste-not ethos behind Angel Food Cake, to the science fads that sparked chocolate cake, "American Cake" tells a story of immigration and ingenuity.
Artist aims to show Landscape Arboretum in a new light
Bruce Munro will use miles of fiber-optic cable to illuminate the winter night.
Minneapolis felon tries to trace his life's path in new memoir
Zeke Caligiuri grew up in Minneapolis just as the city was earning the nickname "Murderapolis." He wrote his memoir behind bars, where he is serving a 34-year sentence for robbery and murder.
Soothing stories from A Beautiful World
This election season has brought into the spotlight plenty of things that are wrong with the world. As Election Day brings the contentious contest to a close, take a listen to some of the things that are going right.
Theater groups venture onto the political stage
As Minnesotans go to the polls Tuesday, local theater companies will be participating in the political process too. Scheduled events include an election-night party for people without a party.
Would you learn a second language for love?
When Lauren Collins fell for a Frenchman, she didn't speak French. They could communicate in English, but she couldn't help but wonder: What was she missing?
How Cyndi Lauper put her stamp on 'True Colors'
The original arrangement had a gospel ballad feel, but one of the songwriters says Lauper "dismantled that sort of traditional arrangement and came up with something that was breathtaking and stark."
For Tippi Hedren, Hitchcock's scares came off-screen
In her new memoir, "Tippi," the actress speaks frankly about Hollywood, her career, and her complicated relationship with Alfred Hitchcock -- who made her a star, but also made her life hell.