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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.

John Lee Clark is pioneering an emerging language — and culture

John Lee Clark is pioneering an emerging language — and culture

In a culture where people operate at a distance from each other and their surroundings, John Lee Clark advocates for Protactile, a set of practices and language based entirely on touch and designed by DeafBlind people.
by Estelle Timar-Wilcox

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New book chronicles life of Cornbread Harris, one of Minneapolis‘ most influential musicians

New book chronicles life of Cornbread Harris, one of Minneapolis‘ most influential musicians

“Deeper Blues: The Life, Songs and Salvation of Cornbread Harris” goes inside the 97 year old’s legacy on the Minneapolis sound and music scene.
by Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

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This Minneapolis Indigenous Design Camp for teens is the first of its kind in the U.S.

This Minneapolis Indigenous Design Camp for teens is the first of its kind in the U.S.

Indigenous teens are participating in the first U.S. Indigenous Design Camp, where they craft architectural models and explore careers in architecture to address the underrepresentation of Native Americans in the field.
by Alex V. Cipolle

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‘Not a badge of honor’: How book bans affect Indigenous literature

For some authors, finding their book on a “banned” list can feel almost like an accolade, putting them right there with classics like “The Bluest Eye” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” But the reality is, most banned books never get the kind of recognition or readership that the most famous ones do.
by Christina Cala, Gene Demby, Leah Donnella, Courtney Stein, Jess Kung, Xavier Lopez, B.A. Parker and Lori Lizarraga

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Twin Cities author releases children’s books celebrating Haitian language and music

Twin Cities author releases children’s books celebrating Haitian language and music

On Saturday Djenane Saint Juste is sharing two children’s books she self-published in three languages: English, French and Haitian Creole, a language she was not allowed to learn in school.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alanna Elder

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Blindsided by ‘The Most’: This is a superb novel of a marriage at its breakpoint

The story takes place in Newark, over the course of a single day in 1957, which we experience from the two spouses’ alternating points of view. Jessica Anthony’s novel deserves to become a classic.
by Heller McAlpin

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Robert Downey Jr. is returning to ‘Avengers’ films as a villain in 1 of Marvel's Comic-Con twists

Robert Downey Jr. is returning to ‘Avengers’ films as a villain in 1 of Marvel's Comic-Con twists

Marvel Studios kicked off its return to San Diego Comic-Con with dancing Deadpool variants and a choir for a panel that included news about the next two “Avengers” films and surprise guests, including Harrison Ford. 
by The Associated Press

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40 years after 'Purple Rain,' Prince’s band remembers how the movie came together

40 years after 'Purple Rain,' Prince’s band remembers how the movie came together

Before social media, the film “Purple Rain” gave audiences a peek into Prince’s musical life. Band members say the true genesis of the title song was much less combative than the version presented in the film.
by Eric Deggans

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Ask a Bookseller: ‘The Sweet Blue Distance’ and ‘The Frozen River’

Ask a Bookseller: ‘The Sweet Blue Distance’ and ‘The Frozen River’

Call the midwife: Jolie Hughes of Morgan Hill Bookstore in New London, N.H., recommends two recent historical fiction books that both feature midwives — one real, one fictional — set at different points within American history.
by Emily Bright

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