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.

Nick Offerman, Ellen Burstyn film "The House of Tomorrow" in Minnesota
The film, which is an adaptation of a novel by a Macalester College professor, features punk rock and geodesic domes. The crew spent three weeks filming in the state, from North Branch to the Macalester campus.
Can serialized fiction convert binge watchers into binge readers?
As TV dramas get better and better, publishers are getting into the game with serialized fiction. Some are even referring to what they publish as "episodes" and "seasons" rather than "books."
Can serialized fiction convert binge watchers into binge readers?
As TV dramas get better and better, publishers are getting into the game with serialized fiction. Some are even referring to what they publish as "episodes" and "seasons" rather than "books."
Writer James Alan McPherson, winner of Pulitzer, MacArthur and Guggenheim, dies at 72
McPherson, the first African-American to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, has died at 72. His work explored the intersection of white and black lives with deftness, subtlety and wry humor.
The power of service dogs to change children's lives
4 Paws for Ability, a service dog academy in Ohio, is matching dogs with children with disabilities including autism, diabetes, fetal alcohol syndrome and more. Author Melissa Faye Greene explores these relationships in her new book, "The Underdogs."
Collards and canoodling: How Helen Gurley Brown promoted premarital cooking
The legendary Cosmo editor and subject of two new biographies, knew sex sells -- and food brings in ad money. She cannily combined them with features like "After Bed, What? (a light snack for an encore)."
Minnesota author's guide to a bee-friendly backyard
With Minnesota beekeepers reporting they lost half of their bee colonies last year, some people are looking for ways to help pollinators thrive. A new book offers advice for urban gardeners.