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.

As theaters struggle, many independent cinemas in Los Angeles are finding their audience
In a time when streaming and a pandemic have radically transformed cinema consumption over the past decade, a growing number of mostly younger people are contributing to a renaissance of the Los Angeles independent movie theater scene. 
Meet the latest St. Paul icon: A nearly three-story tall loon statue (no lasers included)
The Midway neighborhood in St. Paul got a new addition this week, a ginormous loon statue. The 33-foot-tall and 88-foot-wide bird is positioned outside of Allianz Field near the light rail stop.
A dance for a world in crisis: Ananya Dance Theatre presents ’Antaranga: Between You and Me’
Ananya Dance Theatre’s “Antaranga: Between You and Me” is a feminist dance piece that explores themes of healing and care in response to global conflicts.
Talking Volumes: Alice Hoffman on ’When We Flew Away’
Novelist Alice Hoffman’s new middle grade book, “When We Flew Away,” imagines Anne Frank’s life before her family was forced into hiding. She joined MPR News host Kerri Miller on stage for Talking Volumes to talk about the emotional arc of re-creating Frank’s too-short life.
Actress Maggie Smith, star of stage, film and ’Downton Abbey,’ has died aged 89
Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969 and won new fans in the 21st century as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” has died at 89.
Investigation reveals widespread corruption in Korean adoption system
Sara Docan-Morgan is the author of, “In Reunion: Transnational Korean Adoptees and the Communication of Family.” She spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about it.