Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*
Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol
Already have an account?
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

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.

How Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' became a political controversy

How Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' became a political controversy

The country music star is known for his songs about rural life, but critics, especially those on the left of the political spectrum, say his latest music video takes the nostalgic themes too far.
by Emily Olson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Pipestone carvers preserve revered Native spiritual tradition in Minnesota prairie

Pipestone carvers preserve revered Native spiritual tradition in Minnesota prairie

Under the tall prairie grass outside this southwestern Minnesota town lies a precious seam of dark red pipestone that, for thousands of years, Native Americans have quarried and carved into pipes essential to prayer and communication with the Creator.
by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Local brass band transforms George Floyd Square with music

Local brass band transforms George Floyd Square with music

In the wake of the police murder of George Floyd in May 2020, Butchy Austin was looking for a way to grieve and connect to his south Minneapolis community. He dusted off his trumpet and walked from his home to the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. And he played.
by Jon Collins

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Mankato-born singer Mary Jane Alm celebrates a storied musical career

Mankato-born singer Mary Jane Alm celebrates a storied musical career

Mary Jane Alm dipped a toe in the music business 50 years ago and since then has swept up numerous Minnesota Music Awards, including Artist of the Year, and inductions into the Mid-America and Minnesota Music Halls of Fame.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alanna Elder

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Southern Minnesota musicians and fans gather for workshops, concerts in second annual festival

Southern Minnesota musicians and fans gather for workshops, concerts in second annual festival

The Minnesota Original Music Festival kicks off Wednesday and runs through Sunday, bringing together musicians in southern Minnesota for live performances and educational opportunities.
by Cathy Wurzer and Gretchen Brown

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

In 'Silver Nitrate,' a cursed film propels 2 childhood friends to the edges of reality

In 'Silver Nitrate,' a cursed film propels 2 childhood friends to the edges of reality

Set in Mexico City in 1993, Silvia Moreno-Garcia's latest novel is steeped in cinematic history and lore, as well an eerie well of myth that recalls H.P. Lovecraft, albeit in a more progressive form.
by Jason Heller

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

3 lessons past Hollywood strikes can teach us about the current moment

3 lessons past Hollywood strikes can teach us about the current moment

Hollywood actors and screenwriters are on strike simultaneously for the first time since 1960. When — and how — might things resolve this time? Experts tell NPR what recent history can teach us.
by Rachel Treisman

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

In 1963, she left Minneapolis for Mattel. She designed Barbie clothes for 35 years

In 1963, she left Minneapolis for Mattel. She designed Barbie clothes for 35 years

Carol Spencer, a fashion designer from Minneapolis, spent 35 years designing outfits for Barbie. She drew inspiration from designer brands like Dior and Chanel, and believes Barbie has endured because people from different walks of life found their own connection to the doll.
by Sam Stroozas and Alex V. Cipolle

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Duluth musician Gaelynn Lea debuts new play, continues work to make stages more accessible

Duluth musician Gaelynn Lea debuts new play, continues work to make stages more accessible

Seven years since winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, Duluth musician Gaelynn Lea has played hundreds of gigs around the world, scored a Broadway play and become an influential advocate for disability awareness.
by Dan Kraker

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.