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.

Young Vietnamese church group spreads vibrant culture of lion dancing in Twin Cities
To celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon, Minneapolis-based DTG Lions have been performing lion dancing, a traditional form of dance where two dancers move in sync to mimic a lion.
Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift merchandise selling like hotcakes — including this ignitable cake by a Minnesota baker
There are ignitable cakes that burn away a Chiefs logo to reveal Swift’s image underneath. Sweatshirts are emblazoned with “Kelce’s Best Catch” and “Go Kansas City Swiftie.” It is part of what has been described as the Swift effect.
Stage musical of Prince's 'Purple Rain' finds a fitting place to make its 2025 debut — Minneapolis
The world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s film and album “Purple Rain” is set for spring 2025 at an appropriate place — Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis. 
Virginia music teacher Annie Ray started an orchestra for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She just won a Grammy for music education, and a $10,000 grant for her school.
Diablo Cody's new goth rom-com 'Lisa Frankenstein' is a Midwestern 'coming of rage'
Diablo Cody is known for the Oscar-winning movie Juno, which she wrote while living in Minnesota. More recently, she won a Tony for her Broadway adaptation of the Alanis Morissette album, Jagged Little Pill. Diablo Cody is the pen name of Brook Maurio. She’s originally from Chicago, but her time in Minnesota shows up in her work again and again.