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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.

Dickey Betts, founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, dies at 80

Dickey Betts, founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, dies at 80

The influential guitarist, songwriter and singer was best known for the song "Ramblin' Man." Betts's blues, rock and country-influenced guitar style helped define Southern rock in the 1960s and '70s.
by Chloe Veltman

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Art Hounds: A family struggles with the death of a patriarch

Art Hounds: A family struggles with the death of a patriarch

An Opera Theatre stages “The Cradle Will Rock,” Full Circle Theater stages “They Wear Teal Ribbons Around Their Tongues” and the Guild of Middle Eastern Dance performs its Spring Spectacular.  
by Emily Bright

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Kings of chaos: A review of a marathon of Shakespeare at the Guthrie

Kings of chaos: A review of a marathon of Shakespeare at the Guthrie

The Guthrie Theater stages a compelling series of Shakespeare’s historical plays, using a turntable set to dynamically explore the turbulent reigns of three English kings across generations.
by Max Sparber

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What Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse can tell us about the public domain and remix culture

What Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse can tell us about the public domain and remix culture

Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse have recently entered the public domain, making it possible for artists to use them freely. In the years to come they'll be followed by a parade of pop culture figures, from King Kong to Superman.
by The Associated Press

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Report: Last year ended with a surge in book bans

Report: Last year ended with a surge in book bans

According to PEN America, 4,349 books were banned from schools between July and December 2023, more than the entire previous school year. More than 3,000 of those bans were in Florida.
by Elizabeth Blair

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‘I chose community’: Stone Arch Bridge musician reflects on the magic of the Minneapolis landmark

‘I chose community’: Stone Arch Bridge musician reflects on the magic of the Minneapolis landmark

Clawhammer Mike and his banjo are Stone Arch Bridge fixtures. In 2022, he played at the Stone Arch over 100 times. Last year, 75. He’s exchanged life stories with people more times than he can count. But this week, with the two-year bridge construction beginning, Clawhammer had to say his temporary goodbye. It was a tough one. 
by Cari Spencer

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