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.

What is your favorite monster?
What’s your favorite monster? Thursday at 9 a.m., MPR News guest host Jacob Aloi and guests talk about some of the otherworldly creatures that span all cultures — from the Yōkai of Japan, and the bigfoots of North American forests to Cookie Monster and Count Chocula.
A new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center emphasizes the influence, power of girls
The Smithsonian’s “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” exhibit is now on display at the Minnesota History Center. It celebrates the impact that girls have had on history and spotlights women’s basketball legends from the state.
'Misty of Chincoteague' author life's work lives at University of Minnesota. A new book uncovers her collection
Whether you’re eight or in your eighties, you’re likely familiar with the best-selling children’s book author Marguerite Henry. Her book “Misty of Chincoteague” is one of the most popular children’s books of all time.
Community, culture and healing at 3rd Precinct:  Coalition presses for cultural district
In Minneapolis, community group Confluence and the 3000 Minnehaha Coalition are using art and public gatherings to challenge the city’s proposal for a “Democracy Center” at the site of the former 3rd Precinct police station, instead advocating for a community-driven space focused on healing, placemaking and local culture.
Phil Lesh, founding member of Grateful Dead and influential bassist, dies at 84
Grateful Dead founding member Phil Lesh has died at age 84. Lesh was a classically trained violinist and jazz trumpeter who found his true calling reinventing the role of rock music's bass guitarist. 
Unsung Americans with Minnesota‘s own Sharon McMahon
Sharon McMahon went viral in 2020 when the former government teacher took to Instagram to battle misinformation. Now the Minnesotan is out with a book that combines her passion for history with her belief that everyday people can influence democracy in “The Small and the Mighty.”
A Minnesotan’s story collection is climate fiction but it captures increasingly familiar reality
When Ashley Shelby of St. Paul began working on her short story collection back in 2016, she thought she was writing weird fiction about the impacts of climate change.