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.

Couple gets engaged with a ‘Frog and Toad’-inspired book at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul
Lily Tschudi-Campbell and Cassidy Foust’s love story includes a passion for children’s literature, the “Frog and Toad” series and the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul.
Building awareness for missing, murdered Indigenous relatives through art
Every year, Feb. 14 marks a day of remembrance for missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. In south Minneapolis, a community screen-printing event brought Indigenous community members and allies together to prepare art for the day’s rallies and marches. 
Breath and beat: Terrell X’avion brings rhythmic fire to MacPhail
Musician Terrell X’avion, an improvisational jazz beatboxer and storyteller, brings his deeply personal album “Transformation to Terrell X” to the MacPhail Center for Music, blending rhythm, lyricism and interactive performance.
Out to Lunch: Minneapolis musician Laamar doesn’t want to be pigeonholed
Geoffrey Lamar Wilson’s project Laamar quickly rose to fame in the Twin Cities music scene after writing songs about racial and social justice. His first full-length album, coming out in 2025, will be an expansion in both content and music.
A legacy of joy: Chanhassen Dinner Theatre’s artistic director Michael Brindisi dies
Michael Brindisi directed 130 productions during his 37-year tenure, shaping the Twin Cities theater scene with his infectious enthusiasm, deep respect for actors and unwavering commitment to storytelling.
'Chilling effect': Arts organizations react to end of DEI initiatives from fed agency
The NEA will no longer fund arts programs that promote DEI or "gender ideology." The federal agency has cancelled grants that have funded programs for underserved communities for more than 20 years.