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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.

Ask a Bookseller: 'The Twelve Hours of Christmas'

Ask a Bookseller: 'The Twelve Hours of Christmas'

Looking for a new read-aloud Christmas book? Amber Collins of Soul Book Nook in Waterloo, Iowa recommends “The Twelve Hours of Christmas,” written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Bea Jackson.
by Emily Bright

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Four holiday events for the adventurous

Four holiday events for the adventurous

For those looking for holiday events that are a little off the beaten path, we offer a selection of four delightful shows.
by Max Sparber

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Poet Major Jackson on writing poetry that connects

Poet Major Jackson on writing poetry that connects

At an event for MPR members earlier this fall, poet Major Jackson, host of APM’s daily poetry podcast The Slowdown, told host Kerri Miller that writing poetry is a physical, sometimes even violent, experience. Listen to their whole conversation.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Art Hounds: Opera, a cappella and theater

Art Hounds: Opera, a cappella and theater

The a cappella group Johnson Street Underground entertains audiences at their holiday concert this Saturday at Winona Arts Center. New Native Theatre’s play “A Christmas in Ochopee” runs through this weekend. Skylark Opera Theatre stages “The Gift of the Magi” in St Paul. 
by Emily Bright

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People have been searching for this song from 'The X-Files' for 25 years. Until now

People have been searching for this song from 'The X-Files' for 25 years. Until now

A song playing in the background of one episode has fascinated and eluded fans for more than two decades as they sought to track it, and the musicians, down. Now that mystery has finally been solved.
by Erika Ryan

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Minnesotans remember Twin Cities artist and activist Tou Ger Xiong

Minnesotans remember Twin Cities artist and activist Tou Ger Xiong

Colombian authorities on Wednesday were investigating the alleged kidnapping and killing of Minnesotan Tou Ger Xiong. He’s being remembered as a multifaceted community activist, motivational speaker, storyteller, comedian and rap artist.
by Cathy Wurzer, Gracie Stockton and Peter Cox

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Two beloved Christmas classics just joined the National Film Registry

Two beloved Christmas classics just joined the National Film Registry

Every year, the Librarian of Congress selects 25 movies to be added to the National Film Registry. This year, the list included “Home Alone” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
by Neda Ulaby

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Robert Skafte: 'He was the sweetest, kindest person'

Robert Skafte: 'He was the sweetest, kindest person'

Myron Johnson of Ballet of the Dolls remembers Robert Skafte, who was killed on Friday while working at Oak Grove Grocery.
by Todd Melby

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