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.

Cube Critics: Stay up to date with our weekly art and culture chats with MPR News’ Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle, Max Sparber, Aron Woldeslassie and guests. Listen to or read Cube Critics here

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.

 Fabienne Josaphat’s ‘Kingdom of No Tomorrow’ explores gender equality in the Black Panthers
In her new novel, “Kingdom of No Tomorrow,” Fabienne Josaphat sets a love story in the middle of the Black Panthers uprising to explore the passion and price of activism.
Secrets feed on time in the masterful novel ‘Mothers and Sons’
Adam Haslett’s compelling novel focuses on the strained relationship between an asylum lawyer and his mother. It’s a beautiful appreciation of the all-too-human mess of life.
Van Gogh or no? Painting found at Minnesota garage sale stirs controversy about authenticity
A New York-based art research firm believes a painting purchased from a garage sale in Minnetonka for $50 is by the famous Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. But the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has twice denied its authenticity.
Croissants and roses: The May Day Cafe reopens as a worker cooperative
The May Day Cafe in Minneapolis, a longtime community hub, reopened on Friday as the worker-owned May Day Cafe Workers Cooperative, after raising over $100,000 in small donations and securing city funding, ensuring the beloved cafe remains in the hands of its workers and the community.
Women share stories of connection and support in ‘Locker Room Talk,’ up for MN Book Award
For the first time since 2006, the Minnesota Book Awards include a category for anthologies. One of the finalists is the story collection “Locker Room Talk: Women in Private Spaces.”
‘This Is Fine’ meme-inspired portrait and other works by Minneapolis artist Russ White
Minneapolis artist Russ White, known for his bright, photo-realist portraits of Minnesota locals, presents “Sitters,” a series of eight acrylic and digital collage paintings at Gallery 120 in Inver Grove Heights that explores complex beauty and themes of abundance.
Sioux Chef Sean Sherman traces ancestry on PBS show ‘Finding Your Roots’
Owamni owner Sean Sherman, also known as the Sioux Chef, joined Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer to talk about his experience finding his familial roots.