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.

A HUGE upheaval: A local improv theater loses two artistic staffers over issues of inclusion
HUGE Improv Theater in Minneapolis is dealing with internal turmoil and leadership changes after the co-executive and diversity and inclusion director publicly criticized a new show.
‘Anthem to the good times and the bad’: Metallica fans descend on U.S. Bank Stadium
Young and old donned their black leather, eyeliner and Metallica merch to celebrate a weekend of head-banging concerts that is said to rival Taylor Swift’s glittered 2023 attendance records.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Bitch: On the Female of the Species’ by Lucy Cooke
On The Thread’s Ask a Bookseller series, we talk to independent booksellers all over the country to find out what books they’re most excited about right now. Carolyn Chin of Books on First recommends “Bitch: On the Female of the Species” by Lucy Cooke
Infantoriums, embalmed whales and the Minnesota Ice Man: Weird State Fair tales
The Minnesota State Fair, established in 1859, is known for its unique and beloved quirks such as butter sculptures and crop art, but it has also hosted some truly bizarre events.
Critical DMs: Minnesota-made comics
Critical DMs are lightly edited Slack conversations by members of the MPR News arts team about Minnesota art and culture. This week, arts editor Max Sparber, senior arts reporter and critic Alex V. Cipolle and arts reporter Jacob Aloi discuss locally created comics.
How to defeat 'The Age of Grievance'
In his new book, columnist Frank Bruni argues that a culture of grievance in America is splintering our personal lives, sabotaging our culture and swamping our politics. But there is a way out.