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.

September 8, 2016 4:00 AM

Fulfilling a promise in stone: Pipestone National Monument

The Pipestone National Monument, the oldest of Minnesota's National Park units, is a living intersection of history, native culture and a promise.

by William Lager

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September 8, 2016 12:00 AM

How NYC's first Puerto Rican librarian brought Spanish to the shelves

When Pura Belpré became a librarian in 1921, she couldn't find Spanish language books for kids -- so she wrote them herself. Belpré would go on to become a champion of bilingual library programs.

by Neda Ulaby

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September 7, 2016 4:28 PM

An eerie road trip novel that mixes marriage and madness

Hannah Pittard's new novel digs at an uncomfortable truth: Sometimes the one you love can drive you crazy. Hours in a car on tornado-ravaged roads doesn't help things.

by MPR News Staff

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September 7, 2016 2:23 PM

Americans aren't reading less -- they're just reading less literature

A new study from the National Endowment for the Arts shows that in the past year only 43 percent of American adults read poetry, plays, short stories or novels.

by Tracy Mumford

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September 7, 2016 1:13 PM

2016 Minnesota State Fair sets record with 1.9 million attendees

More than 1.9 million people attended the 2016 Minnesota State Fair making it the best attended in state history.

by Associated Press

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September 7, 2016 12:21 PM

Facebook and mortality: Why your incessant joy gives me the blues

Has the social media site been good for our mental health or not? The evidence isn't straightforward, researchers say, despite lots of study. How Facebook makes you feel may depend on how you use it.

by Jon Brooks

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September 7, 2016 11:37 AM

Final painting by outdoors artist Redlin to be unveiled

The Redlin Art Center in South Dakota is putting the final painting by the late outdoors artist Terry Redlin on display to raise awareness about the disease that robbed him of his talent.

by Associated Press

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September 7, 2016 11:17 AM

Asteroid named for Freddie Mercury is announced on his birthday

The celestial body was discovered in the same year Mercury died at age 45. It was dedicated to the singer in honor of what would have been his 70th birthday, his bandmate Brian May announced.