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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.

'Lucy By The Sea' succeeds at capturing disruptions, anxieties of pandemic

'Lucy By The Sea' succeeds at capturing disruptions, anxieties of pandemic

Elizabeth Strout's latest is a chronicle of a plague year — and also of the main character's growing insights into herself, her family, and their changing relationships during this period.
by Heller McAlpin

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American theater is changing — here's why

American theater is changing — here's why

In the first of our six-part series, NPR's Bob Mondello explains how the theater that most Americans see is being transformed.
by Bob Mondello

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From the archives: Lauren Groff discusses 'Matrix' at Talking Volumes

From the archives: Lauren Groff discusses 'Matrix' at Talking Volumes

This Friday’s Big Books and Bold Ideas will feature a conversation with Maggie O’Farrell, whose new book “The Marriage Portrait,” is set in 16th century Italy. That’s not unlike Lauren Groff’s 2021 hit, “Matrix,” which plays out in medieval France. So for this week’s deep cut, enjoy Groff talking with MPR News host Kerri Miller at last year’s Talking Volumes.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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New report finds a coordinated rise in attempted book bans

New report finds a coordinated rise in attempted book bans

According to PEN America, a growing number of local political and advocacy groups have focused their attacks on books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and characters of color.
by Andrew Limbong

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Ask a Bookseller: an award-winning graphic novel, soon to be a series

"American Born Chinese" by prolific cartoonist Gene Luen Yang was the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award back in 2006. Disney released a first look at an 8-episode series based on the novel, starring Michelle Yeoh, among other big-name actors.
by Emily Bright

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'Minneruvian' artist explores identity in new Minneapolis exhibit

'Minneruvian' artist explores identity in new Minneapolis exhibit

Melodee Strong drew on her parents’ backgrounds and her own upbringing in St. Francis, Minn. in an exhibit now open.
by Jacob Aloi

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Talking Volumes: Karen Armstrong on 'Sacred Nature'

The 2022 season of Talking Volumes launched Sept. 14 with Karen Armstrong and MPR News host Kerri Miller returning to the Fitzgerald Theater stage.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Q&A: Author Boyah J. Farah reflects on being Black in America

Q&A: Author Boyah J. Farah reflects on being Black in America

In his memoir, “America Made Me a Black Man,” Farah tells of what American blackness has meant to him, from his childhood in Somalia to his adolescence in the Northeast — to his return to Somalia.
by Leah Donnella

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A fall tradition: Bringing in the wild rice harvest

This is the season for collecting wild rice across northern Minnesota. Ricers have been out in canoes harvesting the crop from lakes and rivers. To preserve that rice, and give it the trademark nutty, smoky flavor involves a process of parching, jigging, winnowing and fellowship.
by Dan Gunderson

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