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.

‘Realize how magical it is here’: Meet 6 local authors with romance novels set in Minnesota
Six local authors discuss their love-themed novels, with stories that range from hockey romances to fantasy escapades in West St. Paul. Each book takes place in our beloved Minnesota.
Grover the Muppet says he's a reporter. Not for long, joke his beleaguered peers
"As a news reporter ... I am confident to report that you are so special and amazing," Grover tweeted. Some responded with jokes about him getting laid off, a common occurrence in today's media world.
Yes, a lot of people watched the Super Bowl, but the monoculture is still a myth
Super Bowl viewership isn’t faltering in the same way broadcast, cable and awards shows are. But do we really need mass consumption of the same cultural work? Or just smart and connected consumption?
'I Love You So Much It's Killing Us Both' is a rare, genuinely successful rock novel
Mariah Stovall manages to convey the essence of punk and emo through the prose itself; this is an excellent novel, compassionate and filled with a sparkling intelligence about the human condition.
New St. Paul Public Library cards feature beloved ‘laser loon’ state flag design
Good news for devoted fans of the storied laser-eyed loon design from last year’s Minnesota state flag design competition: You can now get it on a St. Paul Public Library card. 
Carbon Sound's Julian Green and Sanni Brown on HEART BEATS and the Minnesota music scene
Content Director Julian Green and Host Sanni Brown joined MPR News with Angela Davis to talk about their newest work spotlighting DJ mixes and local musicians. 
New program aims to help immigrant-owned hair and nail salons switch to safer products
Many hair and nail products contain toxic chemicals, but switching to safer products can be costly. A new outreach program aims to help salons take the first steps.
Beyoncé releases two new songs during the Super Bowl, teasing more to come
Beyoncé teased, confirmed and dropped new music in the span of less than an hour during Sunday's Super Bowl. She released two songs, Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 carriages," promising more in March.