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.

'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?”
At 91, a Nigerian artist who reimagined the crucifixion gets a Smithsonian show
Bruce Onobrakpeya was unafraid to challenge the conventions of the art world — and was celebrated for it. This giant of African art is basking in the joy of his first Smithsonian solo exhibition.
Cube Critics discuss ‘Ren Faire’ and ‘Hannah Einbinder: Everything Must Go’
Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Aron Woldeslassie talk about a Shakespearean drama at a Renaissance Festival and a pretty good comedy special.
A look backstage: Inside the lives of DJs
MPR News host Angela Davis talked with two women who are professional DJs. Companies, sports teams, families and non-profit leaders hire them to plan music for events and get the party going.
Can you create your own luck?
Social scientist Mark Robert Rank says: not really. You can and should work hard. Talent plays a role. But random chance has far more to do with success than sheer determination.
The journey to pink pride: The ‘sickly sweet’ art of Duluth’s Cherry Koch
Cherry Koch, a Duluth artist awarded a grant for her “Homebody” project, explores themes of identity, trauma and religion through surrealist portraits of friends holding dollhouse-sized structures she builds.