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.

‘Worry’ is a disturbing and honest picture of what it’s like to be in your 20s
Alexandra Tanner’s debut novel, “Worry,” centers two sisters in their 20s struggling with the love, anxieties and truths that they hold about each other.
Art Hounds: Folk tales cast in silver
Norwegian folk silver in Duluth. Plus “Voices Unveiled” celebrates the Persian New Year (Nowruz) and “Phantom Loss” tells a story of family, ghosts and generational trauma.
Stages of discovery: Exploring Shakespeare’s enduring appeal as the Guthrie prepares to open three of his plays
In advance of The Guthrie opening “Richard II,” “Henry IV” and “Henry V,” three experts look at Shakespeare’s ability to resonate across cultures and generations.
Art exhibit showcases importance of the Mississippi to tribes at headwaters and delta
The title of the exhibit spans three languages: “Abijijiwan” in Ojibwe, “Ukeyat Yanalleh” in Houma and “The Water Flows Continuously” in English.
Critical DMs: McKnight Printmaking Fellowship Exhibition explores a paper version of domestic secrets
Critical DMs are lightly edited Slack conversations between members of the MPR News arts team. This week, Arts Editor Max Sparber and Senior Arts Reporter and Critic Alex V. Cipolle discuss the current show at the Highpoint Center for Printmaking.
‘Always truth in their story’: How one author talks across political divides
Author Mónica Guzmán says she’s the proud, liberal daughter of conservative parents. She wrote a book about how she navigates challenging political discussions — and how the rest of us can use the same techniques to preserve important relationships. 
Kevin Hart takes home his Mark Twain Prize for American humor
Kevin Hart received the 25th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at The Kennedy Center Sunday night. Fellow comedians Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and Chelsea Handler were there to roast him.