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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.

Politics Friday: Mark Dayton calls perseverance a 'prerequisite for success' as he reflects

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talk speaks with former Gov. Mark Dayton about his new autobiography. Also, a conversation with the state’s party chairs about the upcoming midterm election as voting begins.
by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez

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Talking Volumes: Marlon James on his deeply personal novel ‘The Disappearers’

We launched our new season of Talking Volumes with a book that’s already been declared a masterpiece — Marlon James’ incredible new novel, “The Disappearers.”
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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MN Shortlist Sept. 18-24: A Native comic con, the 20th Arab film fest, mural mania, 'naughty’ crop art and more

MN Shortlist Sept. 18-24: A Native comic con, the 20th Arab film fest, mural mania, 'naughty’ crop art and more

The AICHO Comic Con in Duluth, Mizna’s Twin Cities Arab Film Festival, the Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival in St. Paul and the “Deviant Crop Art Show” at Can Can Wonderland are among this week’s picks.
by Alex V. Cipolle, Emily Bright and Chandra Colvin

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Art Hounds: Ice-fishing comedy, a forgotten founder and a new Moorhead play

Art Hounds: Ice-fishing comedy, a forgotten founder and a new Moorhead play

This week’s Art Hounds recommend the queer comedy “Eelpout” in Lanesboro, a musical play about Finnish American founder John Morton and a staged reading in Moorhead.
by Emily Bright

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After 53 years, the Guthrie is 'Waiting for Godot' again

After 53 years, the Guthrie is 'Waiting for Godot' again

The Guthrie returns to Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” for the first time since 1973, with David Strathairn making his Guthrie debut.
by Alex V. Cipolle

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Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay brings reality TV to Big Lake, other Minnesota cities

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay brings reality TV to Big Lake, other Minnesota cities

Fans heard the news and staked out the Big Lake eatery to snap photos of the British cooking star behind Hell’s Kitchen and other shows. Lake Cafe reopened Wednesday after several days of filming. Ramsay has been spotted in North St. Paul and is expected in Wayzata.
by Feven Gerezgiher

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Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore

Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore

Ed Sheeran's tour of North and South America was plunged into chaos when four of his supporting acts quit in solidarity with the rapper Macklemore, who was dropped for making pro-Palestinian comments.
by The Associated Press

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High winds drop the curtain on one of Minnesota's last drive-in movie theaters

High winds drop the curtain on one of Minnesota's last drive-in movie theaters

Minnesota used to be dotted with dozens of drive-in theaters where you could watch a movie under the stars in your car. But only four remain in the state. And in northwestern Minnesota, one of them was forced to shut down for the season after a storm tore it down.
by Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval

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