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.

From Timberwolves to State Fair werewolves: Joe Mande’s comedy special makes many Minnesota connections
Joe Mande’s new Hulu comedy special, “Chill,” filmed at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis in January 2024, humorously explores his Minnesota roots, including experiences with the Timberwolves, the State Fair and the vibrant local comedy scene.
Power Pair: ‘The Laundry Guy’ and the music critic
MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation with Pioneer Press pop music critic Ross Raihala and his partner Patric Richardson, author of “Laundry Love” and “House Love.”
Blake Lively accuses 'It Ends With Us' studio of harassment and smear campaign
In a legal complaint, the actor says co-star Justin Baldoni and his team launched a smear campaign as a way to silence Lively's narrative about his and a producer's alleged repeated sexual harassment.
'Gravy Day' is an Australian tradition inspired by an unlikely Christmas song by Paul Kelly
December 21 isn’t just four days before Christmas for many in Australia. It’s “Gravy Day,” inspired by one of the most unlikely Christmas songs ever written. Singer Paul Kelly's 1996 composition “How to Make Gravy” is one of that country’s most popular holiday songs, even though its setting is a letter written from a prison inmate to his brother, ostensibly to pass along a recipe for the family's Christmas dinner.
A bereaved single father navigates a new path forward in ‘I Will Do Better’
Charles Bock’s achingly honest new memoir, “I Will Do Better,” begins on his daughter’s third birthday — the same day he is planning his wife’s funeral.
Saturday is the winter solstice. Make the most of the shortest day of the year
Saturday marks the shortest day of the year and the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. NPR has compiled plenty of expert tips for celebrating the solstice and weathering winter.