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.

Critical DMs: Staging hockey at Theater in the Round
Critical DMs are lightly edited Slack conversations by members of the MPR News arts team about Minnesota art and culture. This week, arts editor Max Sparber and arts reporter Jacob Aloi discuss a play about Canadian women’s hockey.
Looking forward, looking back: The Current celebrates 20 years
The Current celebrates 20 years of fostering music discovery and community with special events, anniversary programming, and a renewed commitment to supporting artists and engaging audiences locally and beyond.
‘Emilia Pérez’ leads Oscar nominations with 13, setting record for a non-English language film
An embattled movie industry has lined up behind the Netflix narco-musical about transgender identity “Emilia Pérez” in Oscar nominations Thursday. Another musical — “Wicked,” the smash Broadway adaptation — came away with nearly as many nominations.
After 100 years of waiting, a Latino Museum is proposed for St. Paul
The Minnesota Latino Leadership Alliance is advocating for a proposed Minnesota Latino Museum, aiming to raise $20 million for a cultural center in St. Paul’s historic West Side Flats, with hopes to open by 2029 to celebrate and preserve Latino arts, heritage and community.
20 years On Air: The Current’s impact on Minnesota music
MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks with some of the voices behind Minnesota Public Radio’s alternative music station, The Current, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this week.
Civil rights expert: How to bridge Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Trump’s inauguration
Civil rights expert john a. powell, author of the recently published book “The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong,” addresses the dual occasions of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration day and how to bridge the two.
Photos: Sculptures from artists in Stillwater for the World Snow Sculpting Championship
Twelve teams from around the world finished their chiseling and carving on Saturday, where they on the banks of the St. Croix River since Wednesday. Team Mongolia, also known as Team Falcon, won with their sculpture titled “Voice.”