Arts and Culture

Art Hounds: From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here or listen or read the stories here.

Cube Critics: Weekly art and culture chats with MPR News’ Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle, Max Sparber, Aron Woldeslassie and guests. Listen or read here.

Reviews: Our dedicated reviewers offer 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 the reviews here.

Art Friend: Everyone needs an art friend. Introducing Art Friend from MPR News, a new segment with the MPR News arts team. Art spaces can feel exclusive and art can be confusing, obtuse, 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 the stories here.

Our arts coverage is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Art Hounds: Shakespeare in a sculpture park
Art Hounds discuss “Twelfth Night” at Franconia Sculpture Park, Teatro del Pueblo’s “Love in a Time of Hate” and “The Seeker” at Lake Superior
Marshall Pride provides a cathartic homecoming for small town drag performers
Drag shows are now a staple of the entertainment scene in the Twin Cities and other larger Minnesota towns. Some of the performers grew up in rural Minnesota. Some of those small towns host drag shows of their own, and these performers are taking the opportunity for a cathartic homecoming. 
Author Gabrielle Zevin to speak in Minneapolis for the paperback release of 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow'
“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” is a New York Times best-selling book about love, art and video games. MPR News reporter Kyra Miles spoke with author Gabrielle Zevin ahead of her visit to Minneapolis.
Bobby Z talks about 40 years of Prince’s ‘Purple Rain,’ upcoming musical
Prince’s album “Purple Rain” turned 40 on Tuesday. The man behind the beat of the album, record producer and musician Bobby Rivkin “Bobby Z,” joined Minnesota Now to talk about the iconic record and upcoming musical.
'Inside Out 2' scores $100 million in its second weekend, setting records
In just a week and a half, “Inside Out 2” has become 2024’s highest-grossing film to date, surpassing “Dune: Part Two.” “Inside Out 2” will likely blow through the $1 billion mark in about a week.
The late 'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek will be honored with a U.S. postage stamp
The stamp says: “This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show ‘Jeopardy!’ for 37 seasons.” Underneath and in the show’s signature interrogative format is written: “Who is Alex Trebek?”