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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.

Minneapolis could host Sundance Film Festival in 2027

Minneapolis could host Sundance Film Festival in 2027

The Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the U.S., is considering relocating from Park City, Utah, due to issues like traffic, high rental prices and weather challenges. Minneapolis is one of the cities that has submitted a proposal to host the festival.
by Max Sparber

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Rocker, writer and teacher: Remembering Laurie Lindeen of Zuzu’s Petals

Rocker, writer and teacher: Remembering Laurie Lindeen of Zuzu’s Petals

Laurie Lindeen, the founder and frontwoman of the influential Minneapolis indie rock band Zuzu’s Petals and a beloved teacher and writer, died suddenly from a brain aneurysm at the age of 62 on July 1.
by Alex V. Cipolle

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Ask a Bookseller: ‘Hula’ by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes

Ask a Bookseller: ‘Hula’ by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes

Jhoanna Belfer of Bel Canto Books in Long Beach, Cal., recommends the novel “Hula” by Jasmine ‘Iolani Hakes.
by Emily Bright

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Arts Briefs: Leadership change at Minnesota Orchestra

Arts Briefs: Leadership change at Minnesota Orchestra

Arts Briefs: Leadership change at Minnesota Orchestra; Plus: Black grandmothers in White Bear Lake and the Minnesota Dance Theatre and School picks a new program director.
by Max Sparber

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The shadow fighters of the Civil War

The shadow fighters of the Civil War

Historian Patrick O’Donnell spotted an intriguing roadside marker and then spent six years researching a part of the Civil War long forgotten. His new book, “The Unvanquished,” tells the story shape-shifting spies, fearless guerilla fighters and military leaders straight out of a movie.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Cube Critics discuss ‘The Bikeriders’ and ‘Atlas’

Cube Critics discuss ‘The Bikeriders’ and ‘Atlas’

Cube Critics Max Sparber and Matt Mikus discuss a brand new ‘60s outlaw motorcyclist film and a film about really big robot that feels like it was written by a robot.
by Max Sparber and Matt Mikus

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‘Tangled’: Madison Rubenstein paints what it feels like to live with invisible illness

‘Tangled’: Madison Rubenstein paints what it feels like to live with invisible illness

Madison Rubenstein, a painter and visual artist from Bloomington, creates large-format paintings in their Minneapolis studio, drawing on experiences of chronic illness and disability.
by Alex V. Cipolle

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When and where to watch fireworks this holiday weekend across Minnesota

When and where to watch fireworks this holiday weekend across Minnesota

The soggy start to July has put a damper on some Independence Day celebrations and activities, but fireworks will happen as planned in many cities and towns across the state. Here’s a list of events set to light up the sky.
by Madelyn Bonkoski

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Vandalism or art? Seniors at Episcopal Homes learn about the art of graffiti with new mural

Vandalism or art? Seniors at Episcopal Homes learn about the art of graffiti with new mural

Residents of a senior housing facility in St. Paul took an interest in the art of graffiti after classes were offered by Twin Cities graffiti artist Peyton Scott Russell. He is known for his 12-foot mural of George Floyd he created for George Floyd Square in 2020.
by Chandra Colvin

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'Love is Blind' is mired in lawsuits. What does that mean for reality TV?

'Love is Blind' is mired in lawsuits. What does that mean for reality TV?

New Yorker writer Emily Nussbaum discusses the lawsuits brought forth by the “Love is Blind” cast members, and reflects on how reality TV has impacted our culture. Her new book is “Cue the Sun!”
by Terry Gross

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