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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: Author Ashley C. Ford on her debut memoir, ‘Somebody’s Daughter’

From the archives: Author Ashley C. Ford on her debut memoir, ‘Somebody’s Daughter’

This week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas features a conversation with author and activist Frederick Joseph about his new book, “Patriarchy Blues.” We decided to whet your appetite for that discussion by replaying this one with Ashley C. Ford. Both Ford and Joseph were shaped by daunting childhood experiences and have emerged with powerful lessons about gender, race and class in America.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Art and Artists in MN: Diversity, data and discussion

Join MPR News, Art Hounds and the APM Research Lab for a celebration of the art and artists that have been essential to Minnesota’s communities.
by Denzel Belin

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Ada Limón named new U.S. poet laureate

Ada Limón named new U.S. poet laureate

Ada Limón was named as the nation's 24th poet laureate by the Library of Congress. She will take over from Joy Harjo, who has held the position since 2019.
by Meghan Collins Sullivan

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Sleepy Eye theater revives, diversifies, with 'West Side Story'

After a six-year hiatus and the pandemic, Sleepy Eye Community Theater is reviving with a production of “West Side Story.” With the re-opening, reaching into new diverse audiences and actors is a priority for the theater group.
by Hannah Yang

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Author Leila Mottley on her breakout first novel, 'Nightcrawling'

Author Leila Mottley on her breakout first novel, 'Nightcrawling'

Leila Mottley was just 17 when she began writing what is already one of the breakout novels of the summer. “Nightcrawling” explores police corruption, patriarchy, poverty and what it means to young Black women who are often expected to carry it all.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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'O' takes readers on a journey of abandonment and reclamation

'O' takes readers on a journey of abandonment and reclamation

In her third poetry collection, Zeina Hashem Beck is graceful her defiance of fitting self into a box. She embraces the multitudes – mother, citizen, poet, warrior – and presents herself as one whole.
by Jeevika Verma

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Little Asia Market brings Asian American makers and artists together in Minneapolis

It’s summertime and Minnesota Now is highlighting community gatherings across the state. Today host Cathy Wurzer talked with Wone and Youa Vang, the co-creators of the Little Asia Market popping up this weekend.
by Cathy Wurzer and Simone Cazares

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