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.

'Moana 2' sails to a record $221 million opening as Hollywood celebrates a moviegoing feast
“Moana 2” brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend with $221 million in ticket sales. Studio estimates Sunday show that, combined with “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” made for an unprecedented weekend in cinemas.
Richard Flanagan’s exploration of history, family and human interconnection in ‘Question 7’
Australian author Richard Flanagan recently became the first writer to win both the Booker Prize and the Baillie Gifford Prize for Best Book of Nonfiction. The latter prize was for his memoir “Question 7.” In it he examines his own life through a series of interconnections stretching across history and spanning the globe.
‘Realization of community dreams’ — Minneapolis arts center breaks ground on major expansion
Pillsbury House + Theatre broke ground on the Pillsbury Creative Commons, a South Minneapolis expansion featuring artist housing, a theater tech training scene shop and a new KRSM Radio studio, set to open in July 2025 as a long-awaited community investment.
New book tells how the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe defended its reservation and sovereignty
“They Would Not Be Moved: The Enduring Struggle of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to Keep their Reservation” by historian and anthropologist Bruce White was published earlier this year by the Minnesota Historical Society Press. The book details the nearly 200-year fight by the tribal nation to maintain their land.
Minnesota-born comedian shares 'Tiny Pep Talks' for everyday struggles
Paula Skaggs’ new book, “Tiny Pep Talks,” co-written with Josh Linden, aims to gas us up for all the low-stakes situations in life where we might need a boost.
Critical DMs: Tomte at the American Swedish Institute
Max Sparber and Alex V. Cipolle explore the quirky, cozy and occasionally ominous Scandinavian traditions showcased in the American Swedish Institute's exhibition, "Tomte: the Gnome, the Myth, the Legend," touching on tomte's love of porridge, Santa's Sámi connections and reindeer-related marketing oddities.