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.

Dictionary fans might squee: OED adds new words, because YOLO
A fusty old tome? Fuhgeddaboudit. The Oxford English Dictionary regularly updates to reflect English's evolution. The latest additions include "gender-fluid," "biatch" and a batch of Dahlesque words.
'The Fortunes' is a resonant account of the Chinese immigrant experience
Peter Ho Davies' new novel tells four separate stories, from a 19th-century tycoon and his Chinese valet to the murder of a Chinese American man in 1982. It's a revelatory, deftly structured read.
'Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle' gets a modern update
60 years ago, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle cured your parenting problems with Leadership Pills, well-mannered pigs and Ignorance Tonic. Now, her niece Missy takes up the mantle in a new series of books.
'Ghosts' takes on a tough topic for kids
Raina Telgemeier's new graphic novel follows teenager Cat and her irrepressible little sister Maya who has cystic fibrosis. The author says she hopes the story opens up conversations about loss.