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.

Broadcasters face challenges in major upgrade to over-the-air TV
As viewers continue to depend on free over-the-air TV, stations in the Twin Cities and across the country are making major changes to the way they broadcast the signals, with the promise of better reception and sharper pictures.
Ask a Bookseller: 'The Twelve Hours of Christmas'
Looking for a new read-aloud Christmas book? Amber Collins of Soul Book Nook in Waterloo, Iowa recommends “The Twelve Hours of Christmas,” written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Bea Jackson.
Poet Major Jackson on writing poetry that connects
At an event for MPR members earlier this fall, poet Major Jackson, host of APM’s daily poetry podcast The Slowdown, told host Kerri Miller that writing poetry is a physical, sometimes even violent, experience. Listen to their whole conversation.
Art Hounds: Opera, a cappella and theater
The a cappella group Johnson Street Underground entertains audiences at their holiday concert this Saturday at Winona Arts Center. New Native Theatre’s play “A Christmas in Ochopee” runs through this weekend. Skylark Opera Theatre stages “The Gift of the Magi” in St Paul. 
People have been searching for this song from 'The X-Files' for 25 years. Until now
A song playing in the background of one episode has fascinated and eluded fans for more than two decades as they sought to track it, and the musicians, down. Now that mystery has finally been solved.
Minnesotans remember Twin Cities artist and activist Tou Ger Xiong
Colombian authorities on Wednesday were investigating the alleged kidnapping and killing of Minnesotan Tou Ger Xiong. He’s being remembered as a multifaceted community activist, motivational speaker, storyteller, comedian and rap artist.
James Patterson awards $500 bonuses to 600 employees at independent bookstores
Hundreds of employees at independent bookstores, from Chapter One in Victoria, Minn., to The Cloak & Dagger in Princeton, N.J., will be receiving $500 holiday bonuses from author James Patterson.
Two beloved Christmas classics just joined the National Film Registry
Every year, the Librarian of Congress selects 25 movies to be added to the National Film Registry. This year, the list included “Home Alone” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”