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.

Ask a Bookseller: 'Dear Mothman'
The story follows Noah Romano, an autistic, transgender sixth grader grappling with the death of his best friend.
MPR News' favorite summer reads
Summer is all about the classic beach read and while the season may be coming to a close, bookworms across the newsroom shared their favorite picks.
Minnesota novelist Julie Schumacher on 'The English Experience'
Cantankerous professor Jason Fitger returns to anchor Minnesota author Julie Schumacher’s latest novel and the last in his trilogy. This time, he is forced to chaperone a group of inept and needy students on a study abroad program.
'Wednesday's Child' deals in life after loss
The stories in Yiyun Li's book focus chiefly on people trying to put themselves together after loss, dealing with anguish that takes its time and rises from its dormancy at unexpected moments.
At the Minnesota State Fair this year, arts reporters Alex V. Cipolle and Jacob Aloi spoke with James Beard Award winning chef and Time 100 Influential Person Sean Sherman, known for the famous Minneapolis restaurant Owamni. Missed the interview at the State Fair? Listen to it here.
'Holly' is one of Stephen King's most political novels to date
“Holly” is a gripping crime novel — one that's very close to the traditional King horror aesthetic. The author hasn't been shy about his politics, but this is one of his most political books to date.
Minneapolis writer weaves scams, sibling ties into new novel
You’ve likely heard of capable kids who are basically the adults in their family. That's definitely true of Drew, the central character of Minneapolis writer Laura Zimmermann's darkly humorous new young adult novel “Just Do This One Thing For Me.”