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.

June 6, 2016 2:22 PM

Exploring 'The Story of Autism'

A new book, "In a Different Key: The Story of Autism," by John Donvan and Caren Zucker, tracks the history of the diagnosis from 75 years ago to today.

by MPR News Staff

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June 6, 2016 1:54 PM

Essayist Sloane Crosley dives into fiction with 'The Clasp'

Sloane Crosley launched her writing career in nonfiction, but her debut novel lets her "be free from the constraints of reality," she said.

by MPR News Staff

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June 6, 2016 9:17 AM

Cat videos and all, the internet may be humankind's greatest masterpiece

In her new book "Magic and Loss," Virginia Heffernan makes the case for the Internet as art. Just look at Twitter, she says. "It's hard to think of a time when poetry was more powerful."

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June 6, 2016 8:56 AM

Percy Sledge's 'When a Man Loves a Woman' was No. 1 50 years ago

One night, Sledge says he was feeling so blue over a breakup that he couldn't bring himself to sing pop tunes. Instead he improvised what would become the lyrics to this song.

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June 6, 2016 6:00 AM

Scott Frank on relearning to write

Scott Frank has written screenplays for years, including for blockbusters like "Minority Report." But when it came to writing his first novel, he felt like a beginner.

by MPR News Staff

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June 5, 2016 12:00 AM

Exploring the 'quiet New York' with Emma Straub

Straub's new book, "Modern Lovers," is a tale of old friendships, secrets and family entanglements set in a part of Brooklyn writers often ignore: leafy, largely residential Ditmas Park.

by Lynn Neary

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June 5, 2016 12:00 AM

'Black Gods Of The Asphalt' takes basketball beyond the court

When you see a bunch of guys playing street basketball you might not just see a game. In his new book, "Black Gods of the Asphalt," author Onaje Woodbine shows how it's also a spiritual experience.

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June 4, 2016 4:00 AM

St. Paul plaza memorializes photographer Gordon Parks

A park space beside the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul is being eyed as the site for a memorial to the late filmmaker, composer and photographer Gordon Parks, who started his career in the city.

by Tim Nelson

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June 4, 2016 12:54 AM

Boxer Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest Of All Time,' dies at 74

The man considered the greatest boxer of all time inspired millions by standing up for his principles during the 1960s, and by always entertaining -- in the boxing ring and in front of a microphone.

by Tom Goldman

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June 4, 2016 12:00 AM

Slavery scars a transatlantic family tree in 'Homegoing'

Yaa Gyasi's debut novel follows the family lines of two separated half-sisters in 18th-century Ghana: One is married off to an Englishman, while the other is sent to America and sold into slavery.

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