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.

‘Washita Love Child’ remembers Indigenous guitarist Jesse Ed Davis’ prolific music career
Indigenous guitarist Jesse Ed Davis played alongside iconic musicians in the 1970s and 1980s. His life, career and ancestors are remembered in a recent book by author Douglas Miller.
Marcel Ophuls, who chronicled 20th century conflict and atrocities, dies at 97
“There’s a relationship between attention span and morality,” Ophuls said. The filmmaker commanded his audience’s attention in four-plus-hour documentaries like The Sorrow and The Pity and Hôtel Terminus.
Photos: Minnesota theater marquees shine with lights, neon, action
In towns large and small across Minnesota, the bright, ornate marquees of historic theaters still beckon passersby to purchase tickets for a movie, concert or play. Here’s a look at some of the remaining beauties.
‘Crime of the century’ exhibit at Little Falls museum explores impacts of Lindbergh kidnapping
Public fascination with the kidnapping case of aviator Charles Lindbergh’s son has continued for nearly a century, with many books, movies, documentaries and websites devoted to conspiracy theories.
Social media is influencing how authors promote their books. Here‘s how
Social media is changing the way writers are promoting their books. Author Rebecca Makkai talks about her decision to take a break from writing the blurbs commonly seen on the backs of book jackets.
5 new books this week spotlight Joe Biden, the WNBA, rivers, migrants and autofiction
New books out this week look at everything from pressing political concerns — “Original Sin” — to perspective-altering riddles about life itself, like in “Is A River Alive?” and “The Book of Records.”