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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.

Children's book 'Calvin' shows how a community can embrace a trans child's identity

Children's book 'Calvin' shows how a community can embrace a trans child's identity

Authors JR and Vanessa Ford's experience with their own child coming out inspired the story of the young transgender protagonist in their new children's book.
by Audie Cornish, Jonaki Mehta and Sarah Handel

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Art Hounds recommend shows that celebrate glamorous, artistic lives

Art Hounds recommend shows that celebrate glamorous, artistic lives

The Sound Unseen Music + Film Festival ends with “Being Bebe” about drag performer Bebe Zahara Benet. At Bryant Lake Bowl, Mistress Ginger tells the stories of Hollywood stars such as Mae West and Marlene Dietrich. And Qui Nguyen’s Dungeon and Dragons comedy “She Kills Monsters” inaugurates in-person performances at a University of Minnesota venue in the Twin Cities.
by Emily Bright

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Will Smith says he crafted a joyful image to cover the pain of the past

Will Smith says he crafted a joyful image to cover the pain of the past

As a child, Smith watched helplessly as his father beat his mother. The experience shaped him: "The mental anguish that I had to overcome was a big part of me growing into the person I am today."
by Tonya Mosley

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'Passing' — the original 1929 novel — is disturbingly brilliant

'Passing' — the original 1929 novel — is disturbingly brilliant

The movie adaptation of Nella Larsen's “Passing” is out now, and if you're less familiar with the book, critic Carole Bell describes it as a "decades-early precursor to a Patricia Highsmith novel."
by Carole V. Bell

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Minnesota poet Anthony Ceballos on his inspirations

Minnesota poet Anthony Ceballos on his inspirations

Anthony Ceballos is a Minneapolis-based writer, performance poet and first-generation descendant of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. He told host Cathy Wurzer about his artistic inspirations and read her a favorite poem of his.
by Cathy Wurzer and Ariana Rosas

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As companies look to bring remote workers back to the office, a writer asks: Why?

As companies look to bring remote workers back to the office, a writer asks: Why?

Anne Helen Petersen is the co-author of a new book on the future of remote work. She says companies need to clearly know what goal they are pursuing when asking remote workers to come back in person.
by Rachel Martin, Lisa Weiner, Catherine Whelan and James Doubek

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Louise Erdrich's disquieting new novel will keep you on your toes

Louise Erdrich's disquieting new novel will keep you on your toes

Set in a haunted Minneapolis bookshop over the course of one very momentous year, “The Sentence” is an ambitious novel, featuring a sinister ghost, a country in tumult and Erdrich's own shifting style.
by Maureen Corrigan

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