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.

No signs of forced entry or a carbon monoxide leak in Gene Hackman’s death
Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead inside a New Mexico home, as well as a dog. The door to the home was open when a maintenance worker discovered their bodies, an affidavit says.
As inspiration for ‘The Brutalist,’ famed St. John’s Abbey Church gains renewed interest
Completed in 1961, the strikingly unique Abbey Church is the flagship of St. John’s, and a heralded example of modern architecture. It’s also the inspiration for “The Brutalist,” one of the favorites to win best picture at Sunday's Academy Awards. 
Theater Mu meets the political moment with a world premiere play 
Theater Mu’s world premiere of “Fifty Boxes of Earth,” a play by Ankita Raturi reimagining Dracula through themes of xenophobia, colonialism and trans identity, faces political scrutiny and potential funding loss under federal DEI rollbacks.
Minnesota artists travel to the Outsider Art Fair in New York
New York’s Outsider Art Fair will feature work from five artists with Interact, a St. Paul-based arts center supporting artists with disabilities, marking a long-awaited milestone for the organization.
Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa and dog were dead for some time, warrant shows
Gene Hackman was found dead Wednesday in a mudroom and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found dead in a bathroom next to a space heater. Authorities said Thursday that foul play isn’t suspected, but they haven’t disclosed how the couple died and said an investigation was ongoing.
Art Hounds recommend one-act plays, two generations of artists and art of the fjords
Art Hounds recommend Theatre Du Mississippi’s One Act Play Festival, “Reflections and Conversations: Monica Rudquist and Jerry Rudquist” and the exhibit “Sund: Notes from the Sea.”
‘Just devastation’: Closing of Joann fabrics and crafts store creates a void for Minnesota creatives
Joann Inc., which was formerly known as Jo-Ann Fabrics, operates 21 stores in Minnesota, from Hutchinson to Hibbing. This week, the company announced the closure of all 800 stores.
Lengthy cleanup, outpouring of support for Minneapolis businesses affected by water main break
It’s been nearly two weeks since a broken water main in Minneapolis flooded a building housing several longtime small businesses. They’re still cleaning up and figuring out next steps, as friends, neighbors and customers show their support.