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.

June 12, 2023 4:01 AM

6 takeaways from the 2023 Tony Awards

The theater was sweltering. There was no script. And yet it was a swift, entertaining show.

by Jennifer Vanasco

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June 11, 2023 10:05 PM

Tony Awards 2023: Here's the list of major winners with photos

History was made, as Alex Newell became the first nonbinary actor to win a Tony and J. Harrison Ghee the second. We'll be updating this winners list throughout the night.

by Jennifer Vanasco

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June 11, 2023 4:01 AM

To rebuild Notre Dame's fire-ravaged roof, carpenters use centuries-old techniques

When fire engulfed the Paris landmark in 2019, the intricate maze of medieval beams supporting the roof fell to the cathedral floor. Experts are working to restore the church by the end of 2024.

by Eleanor Beardsley

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June 9, 2023 4:50 PM

Little Free Library launches Indigenous initiative

Little Free Library launched a program providing culturally relevant books to Indigenous communities across the U.S. and Canada.

by Mathew Holding Eagle III

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June 9, 2023 3:56 PM

Arts Briefs: Art for the birds

In this week’s Arts Briefs, art to prevent bird collisions, a retrospective of one of the Walker’s biggest donors and Irish music. Also in Absolute Bleeding Edge: How do we talk about art monsters?

by Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber

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June 9, 2023 1:22 PM

How music venues can make concerts accessible to more people

Minnesota musicians and members of disability communities describe what it would take to create more welcoming live music spaces.

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June 9, 2023 12:10 PM

Fire fans and a flaming octopus: See this fire troupe's free show in Minneapolis

Northern Fire Dynamic is putting on a free fire performance at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. The group formed in 2017 and now at 33 members, the community shares skills, leadership and performances with one another as they flow with fire.

by Robyn Katona

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June 9, 2023 11:00 AM

What it really means to be all-American

Joe Milan Jr.’s debut novel, “The All-American,” circles around questions of identity. Can you be American without the paperwork to prove it?

by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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June 9, 2023 5:48 AM

Relationships are the true heart of 1940s dystopian novel 'Kallocain'

Karin Boye's novel is an outlier in that it was authored by a woman and, though narrated by a man, still expresses interest in women's inner life and acknowledges the subtleties of sexism.

by Ilana Masad

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June 9, 2023 4:00 AM

Orchestrating stories: St. Paul’s Film Score Fest challenges the norms of filmmaking

Film Score Fest is a unique film festival that pairs filmmakers with composers to create original scores for short films, promoting collaboration and networking in the process.

by Jacob Aloi

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