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.

Why some college students aren’t reading books
Last fall, The Atlantic triggered a national conversation about students and reading when they published an article about elite college students who don’t read books. On this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas, host Kerri Miller talk with writers who’ve also taught college literature classes about what they are seeing.
British rapper Stormzy banned from driving for using phone behind wheel of his Rolls-Royce
British rapper Stormzy has been banned from driving for nine months after admitting that he drove his Rolls-Royce through London while using his phone. The 31-year-old whose real name is Michael Ebenazer Owuo Jr. is known for bringing the grime genre of rap into the commercial mainstream.
Heart and Hearth: An MPR News special broadcast
As nights remain cold and daylight is meager, nothing sounds better than warming by a fire with loved ones. Help celebrate this time of year with “Heart and Hearth,” a special broadcast from MPR News.
St. Francis school board gets pushback on controversial book buying plan
Board members in the district north of the Twin Cities are under pressure to rethink their plan to use a conservative website to help choose books to buy for school libraries. Their superintendent warns it would violate state law. The school board chair says the ACLU may intervene.
Longtime Minnesota blues band faces uncertainty after front man suffers stroke
The Lamont Cranston Band has been playing at venues across the state and country since 1969. Front man Pat “Lamont” Hayes had a stroke in December, putting the band’s future in limbo.