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.

'In the North' – Minnesota’s first independent Indigenous museum opens in an 'ironic' location
The former Enbridge-occupied building in Park Rapids, Minn., where activists once protested the Line 3 pipeline, has been transformed into Giiwedinong, an independent museum highlighting Indigenous perspectives on treaty rights and environmental justice.
This Australian writer might be the greatest novelist you've never heard of
Helen Garner, 80, embraces the many-sidedness of life. Her books crackle with curiosity and unpredictability — they win big prizes, kickstart controversies and say things other people rarely dare.
Hollywood studios break off strike talks with actors
Strike talks have broken off between Hollywood actors and studios. The alliance of studios and streaming services that negotiates with actors says the two sides are so far apart in their contract talks that there is no point in continuing. 
Book ban attempts on the rise in Minnesota schools
Occasional parent concerns about a book have morphed into confrontations with groups and parents coming in with long lists of titles they see as inappropriate. It’s happening across the nation and in Minnesota, where Bloomington schools face pressure to remove dozens of titles.
Art Hounds: Pine City blues
This week, Art Hounds recommend the play “The Pavilion” at Lyric Arts in Anoka, the Afro-Atlantic Playwright Festival at Illusion Theater in Minneapolis, and Owen Brown's interactive exhibit “Myriorama” at the Veronique Wantz Gallery in Minneapolis. 
Endless entertainment: The TV shows, films and plays to watch
Fall brings a fresh slate of stories to screens and theaters everywhere. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Star Tribune columnist Neal Justin about the new shows worth a binge, and with MPR News arts editor Max Sparber about the plays you can find in theaters across the Twin Cities.