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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.

From the archives: Emily Bernard and the complexity of being a black woman in America

From the archives: Emily Bernard and the complexity of being a black woman in America

This week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas conversation is with Boyah J. Farah. His new book, “America Made me a Black Man,” traces his path from Somalia to the United States. Emily Bernard also knows what it is like to wrestle with being Black in this country. Enjoy her 2019 interview as you anticipate the show with Farah on Friday.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Latino superheroes are saving the day in Hollywood

Latino superheroes are saving the day in Hollywood

Many of the new movie superheroes star Latino actors or have Latino characters. Their origin stories are diverse.
by Mandalit del Barco

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Latino poets group Palabristas marks 20 years

Latino poets group Palabristas marks 20 years

Palabristas emerged in 2002 as a national poetry reading event came to town. The group’s co-founder says Latino voices were missing from it.
by Vicki Adame

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Ask a Bookseller: A Spoonful of Frogs

“A Spoonful of Frogs” was written by Casey Lyall and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Vera Brosgol. Angela Whited says she’s already read this book at story time at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, and the book was a hit with listeners of all ages.
by Emily Bright

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How independent bookstores help in the fight against book banning and why it matters

How independent bookstores help in the fight against book banning and why it matters

An Atlanta store is one of hundreds of independent booksellers across the country celebrating the freedom to read as schools, universities and public libraries face attempts to ban or restrict books.
by Fernando Alfonso III

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How art and poetry inspired Maggie O'Farrell's new novel

How art and poetry inspired Maggie O'Farrell's new novel

Full of the beauty and drama she used to bring to life the Shakespearean story of “Hamnet,” Maggie O’Farrell turns to Renaissance Italy in her new novel, “The Marriage Portrait,” where she paints a picture of a resilient young girl trying to avoid being killed by her new husband.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Art Hounds: Iranian music lights up the Ordway and Lanesboro's history in three plays

Art Hounds: Iranian music lights up the Ordway and Lanesboro's history in three plays

Art Hounds recommend the music of The Ensemble Aras in a concert featuring Minnesota musicians. Lanesboro’s History Alive! stages a combination pop-up play and walking tour, and a Minneapolis book launch features well-known authors and a comedian.
by Jacob Aloi and Emily Bright

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