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.

Art Hounds: 'Uncle Vanya,' but make it hilarious
It’s a Minnesota music double music feature on Art Hounds this week. The Winona Symphony Orchestra performs, featuring Minnesota composer Libby Larsen. The Bakken Ensemble celebrates the bassoon. And “Life Sucks” at the Open Eye Theatre in Minneapolis.
Smashing: The artists behind the pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo hosts an annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, where local artists carve intricate designs into thousands of pumpkins. Managed by Brian Christensen, the workshop produces up to 8,000 pumpkins each year, with a focus on wildlife themes.
'The House of Doors' offers an ingenious twist, exploring how literature works magic
The writer W. Somerset Maugham plays a central role Tan Twan Eng's entrancing new novel that encompasses at-the-time risky interracial and homosexual love stories and a scandalous murder trial.
U.S. book bans are taking a toll on a beloved tradition: Scholastic Book Fairs
Scholastic created a separate fair category for diverse books, which it says is to help schools navigate the complexities of book bans. Librarians accused the company of caving to censorship.
Actor Piper Laurie, known for roles in 'Carrie' and 'The Hustler,' dies at 91
She received Academy Award nominations for the 1961 poolroom drama “The Hustler,” the horror classic “Carrie” in 1976, and the romantic drama “Children of a Lesser God” in 1986.