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.

March 28, 2017 8:00 AM

Aaron Copland didn't like his famous nickname

He was known as the Dean of American Composers. "That's just a name that somebody pinned up," Copland said. "It doesn't mean a thing."

by Cody Nelson

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March 28, 2017 6:39 AM

How for-profit colleges sell 'risky education' to the most vulnerable

Tressie McMillan Cottom worked in enrollment at two for-profit colleges, but quit because she felt uncomfortable selling students an education they couldn't afford. Her new book is "Lower Ed."

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March 28, 2017 4:00 AM

107-year-old northern Minn. woman leaves behind stories of moonshine, priests

Elsye McGuire's early life reads like "Little House on the Prairie" -- if it were written for adults, and Pa ran an illegal moonshine still in the swamp behind his house.

by John Enger

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March 27, 2017 10:03 AM

Forget F. Scott: In 'Z,' Christina Ricci tells Zelda Fitzgerald's story

There's a common misconception (popularized by Ernest Hemingway) that Zelda Fitzgerald ruined her husband's life. The truth, Ricci says, is much more complicated.

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

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March 27, 2017 8:56 AM

Elvis Costello customized 'Less Than Zero' lyrics for American listeners

The song is about Oswald Mosely, but when performing in America, Costello would change the lyrics so that it would be about Lee Harvey Oswald. He assumed Americans had never heard of Oswald Mosely.

by MPR News Staff

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March 27, 2017 8:49 AM

If you could make your own holiday, what would it celebrate?

March 26 was National Make Up Your Own Holiday Day. It's an opportunity to reflect on the things in life that are worth celebrating -- whether it's the importance of voting, kindness or hairdos. Here are some ideas from members of our Public Insight Network.

by MPR News Staff

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March 27, 2017 8:18 AM

Tale as old as time: The dark appeal of 'Beauty and the Beast'

Disney's new live-action extravaganza is just the latest retelling of this classic fairy tale. But why do Beauty and her Beast have such a hold on us? And why are there so many versions of their tale?

by Genevieve Valentine

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March 25, 2017 5:00 AM

'A little bit dark, a little bit odd, always absolutely beautiful': The short stories of Carys Davies

Bookstore owner Lisa Sharp doesn't usually pick up short story collections; she prefers a full-length novel. But Carys Davies's stories broke that streak.

by Tracy Mumford