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.

April 14, 2017 8:21 AM

The dark side of Easter: Foods named for Judas offer taste of treachery

Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, is the archvillain of Easter week (though he has his defenders). He also has an intriguing range of food and drink named after him -- from cake to bread to beer.

by Nina Martyris

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April 14, 2017 8:10 AM

Fitzgerald didn't satisfy this author, so she wrote her own 'Gatsby'-inspired novel

Stephanie Powell Watts' 'No One Is Coming to Save Us' isn't quite a retelling of 'The Great Gatsby'; instead, it uses similar themes to tell a story about black characters in a declining furniture town.

by Ari Shapiro

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April 14, 2017 7:00 AM

Poetry Friday: War, water and migration

To celebrate National Poetry Month, we are showcasing weekly poems from Graywolf Press, Milkweed Editions and Coffee House Press.

by Tracy Mumford

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April 14, 2017 4:00 AM

Classical rap: Dessa meets the MN Orchestra

The hip-hop artist says the transition feels like moving from a wakeboard to a destroyer.

by Euan Kerr

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April 13, 2017 12:00 PM

At 92, director Peter Brook engages the world

Battlefield," now starting a brief run at the Guthrie, tells a story that's millennia old, and as fresh as this week's news.

by Euan Kerr

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April 13, 2017 10:49 AM

Sculptor of Wall Street bull says 'Fearless Girl' horns in on his work

Arturo Di Modica is not happy that the Fearless Girl now staring down his Charging Bull has effectively turned it into a villain. He and his lawyer are now asking that the new statue be removed.

by Colin Dwyer

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April 13, 2017 10:34 AM

All roads lead back to Florida in 'Sunshine State'

Sarah Gerard's lucid, atmospheric essay collection draws on her experiences growing up in Florida for a candid memoir that mixes first-person memories with thoughtful big-picture reporting.

by Jason Heller

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April 13, 2017 9:11 AM

File this under nostalgia: New book pays tribute to the library card catalog

Today, people use the antique wooden cabinets to store their knick-knacks. But these card catalogs once held the keys to a world of information. A new Library of Congress book explores their history.

by Andrew Limbong

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April 13, 2017 6:42 AM

File this under nostalgia: New book pays tribute to the library card catalog

Today, people use the antique wooden cabinets to store their knick-knacks. But these card catalogs once held the keys to a world of information. A new Library of Congress book explores their history.

by Andrew Limbong

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April 13, 2017 4:00 AM

Art Hounds: 350 movies, a music festival and Emily Dickinson

This week on Art Hounds: the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, the Midwest Music Fest and a marathon reading of Emily Dickinson's poetry.

by Marianne Combs

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