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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.

2 portraits of young men face off — and show a story about race in the history of art

2 portraits of young men face off — and show a story about race in the history of art

Thomas Gainsborough's 18th century painting “Blue Boy” inspired 21st century painter Kehinde Wiley, and they're being shown across from each other at the Huntington Art Museum near Los Angeles.
by Susan Stamberg

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Jill Riley on the Rolling Stones show and a possible Congressional Gold Medal for Prince

Jill Riley on the Rolling Stones show and a possible Congressional Gold Medal for Prince

Jill Riley of The Current speaks with Cathy Wurzer on Minnesota Now and plays some musical selections. Plus, MPR News producer and stand-up comedian Aron Woldeslassie entertains us about lutefisk.

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Trump's strategy to overturn the 2020 election didn't work. Next time it might

Trump's strategy to overturn the 2020 election didn't work. Next time it might

Robert Costa's book “Peril,” which he co-wrote with Bob Woodward, goes inside Trump's war room on the eve of the Jan. 6 insurrection. Costa says the 2024 election could trigger a constitutional crisis.
by Terry Gross

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A novel ended George Rabasa's writing career — and then jolted it back to life

A novel ended George Rabasa's writing career — and then jolted it back to life

George Rabasa’s novel “Undressing Lavinia,” the story of a Mexican woman facing cancer in Minnesota, was so tough to get down on the page, he quit writing entirely. Then a chance glance on his computer gave the book and his writing a new lease on life.
by Euan Kerr

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Art Hounds: Dance meditation considers movement across borders

Art Hounds: Dance meditation considers movement across borders

Ananya Dance Theatre performs “Dastak: I Wish You Me” for an in-person audience at O’Shaughnessy in St. Paul. Other Art Hounds picks — a puppetry extravaganza that teaches Cherokee and a “private conversation” through mixed media in Fergus Falls.
by Emily Bright

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In a new book, Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen envision a more unified America

In a new book, Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen envision a more unified America

In an NPR interview, the former president and the iconic musician speak about spreading hope amid widespread division and about the "critical patriotism" of Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A."
by Sharon Pruitt-Young, Audie Cornish, Matt Ozug and Courtney Dorning

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Twin Cities Ballet tells Dracula story on stage at the Ames Center

Twin Cities Ballet tells Dracula story on stage at the Ames Center

Twin Cities Ballet artistic director Denise Vogt tells Cathy Wurzer about her original ballet, “Dracula,” performed to music by Minnesota composer Simon Sperl.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Song of the Day: 'It's Been Too Long' by The Whispers

Wednesday’s “Song of the Day” on Minnesota Now comes from KMOJ general manager and DJ Freddie Bell — and if you like R&B, it’s a good one.
by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

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