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.

Cracking the big time: A giant attraction for a nutcracker-happy town
Luverne is enhancing its tourism appeal with the world's tallest 65-foot nutcracker statue, led by local business owner Vance Walgrave, aiming to attract interstate travelers with this unique landmark.
'Steamboat Willie' is now in the public domain. What does that mean for Mickey Mouse?
A 1928 movie featuring the first appearance of Mickey Mouse enters public domain on Jan. 1. But creative and commercial access to the character is complicated by both copyright and trademark law.
Q&A: Documentary looks at 2013 Hopkins High School walkout
Independent journalist Ralph L. Crowder III has directed a documentary, “Before Black Lives Mattered, the Kids Marched for Education.” He aims to highlight the influence the 2013 walkout had in a larger conversation about equality in education, as well as correct the narrative from media coverage at the time.
Crow Wing County commissioners plan to object to new state flag
Crow Wing County Commissioner Paul Koering said he’s heard a lot of displeasure from his constituents about the flag redesign. The county board plans to vote on a resolution at its next meeting on Jan. 2, which it will send to Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders.
Public libraries reveal their most borrowed books of 2023
Not all libraries track checkouts, and there isn't one definitive national list. But this year lots of people checked out “Lessons in Chemistry,” Prince Harry's memoir “Spare,” and Colleen Hoover's books.
How a pastor's faith survived 'Beautiful and Terrible Things'
Pastor Amy Butler was the first woman pastor to lead New York’s historic Riverside Church. But despite that — and partly because of it — her faith had to learn to survive the brutal realities of this world. Her new book, “Beautiful and Terrible Things,” is her journey of learning to live without fear in the messy middle.
Unity and heritage: Kwanzaa in Minnesota
Celebrated actor T. Mychael Rambo leads Kwanzaa festivities in Minneapolis, highlighting the holiday's significance in African American culture and community building.
Doctors are pushing Hollywood for more realistic depictions of death and dying on TV
Clinicians who work with people at the end of life say the most common television depictions of death aren't representative of what happens in the real world. They want to flip the script.