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.

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.

On a northern Minnesota island, arts and inspiration find safe harbor
A small island on Rainy Lake near the Canadian border was once home to a legendary Minnesota environmentalist. Now it’s a place for introspection and inspiration for artists and nature lovers.
South Dakota lacks incentives that could lead to movies set there to be filmed there
Several movies that have been set in South Dakota haven’t actually been filmed there. The state is one of only nine states without such tax or other incentives. A film released last month, “Americana” is set in South Dakota, but was filmed in New Mexico, which has a minimum tax credit of 25 percent.
Journalist Brian Goldstone talks about America's homeless problem in his new book
It used to be, if you had a job in America, you could usually afford to put a roof over your head. There’s no longer the case, says journalist Brian Goldstone in his sobering new book, “There is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America.”
MN Shortlist, Sept. 19-25: Trixie Mattel at Avant Garden and more
Minnesota Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended arts events from MPR News, this week including dance from Ananya Dance Theatre, French literature and crop art at Farm Aid.
From Italy to Powderhorn, the American Porch (and PorchFest) endures
At the 2025 Venice Biennale, Minneapolis designers Ross Altheimer and Maura Rockcastle unveiled a massive porch at the U.S. Pavilion as a symbol of community and togetherness, echoing local Minnesota PorchFests like Powderhorn’s, where porches become neighborhood stages for music, food and connection.
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