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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.

Ask a Bookseller: 'The Copenhagen Trilogy' introduces Danish poet Tove Ditlevsen to English readers

Ask a Bookseller: 'The Copenhagen Trilogy' introduces Danish poet Tove Ditlevsen to English readers

Deborah Reed of Cloud and Leaf Bookstore in Manzanita, Ore., recommends “The Copenhagen Trilogy” by Tove Ditlevsen (1917–1976), which was released as a single volume in English in February.
by Emily Bright

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Quiet no more: Sen. Hirono's immigrant journey fuels her fire in Congress

Quiet no more: Sen. Hirono's immigrant journey fuels her fire in Congress

Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii — one of the most outspoken Democrats in Congress — wasn't always so vociferous. She says her story, detailed in a new memoir, has driven her to "stand up to bullies."
by Michel Martin

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The ant-icipation is over: 'Juan Hormiga' is here!

The ant-icipation is over: 'Juan Hormiga' is here!

Gustavo Roldán's tale of an adventurous (if nap-prone) ant — newly translated into English — has everything you could want: silliness, adventure, daring, a cliffhanger, and a fun, satisfying ending.
by Juanita Giles

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Self-care break: Entertainment and music picks for the week ahead

Host Angela Davis talks about entertainment and music with Sean McPherson and Sanni Brown, co-hosts of hip-hop and R&B show The Message on The Current.
by Angela Davis

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'Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing' isn't just a cult memoir

'Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing' isn't just a cult memoir

Essay after essay, it becomes clear that writer Lauren Hough is drawing parallels between the Family and good ol' fashioned American Exceptionalism in all its various facets.
by Ilana Masad

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Art Hounds: Artists explore self-care during hard times

Art Hounds: Artists explore self-care during hard times

Mezzo soprano Mia Athey’s vocal showcase celebrates self-love as a remedy during the pandemic, Tori Hong and Cori Nakamura Lin’s “Growbook” offers a creative self-directed format for healing, and the Danger Committee’s juggling, knife-throwing, comedy show gives the whole family a chance to laugh.
by Emily Bright

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2021 Whiting Awards honor 10 soon-to-be-big writers

2021 Whiting Awards honor 10 soon-to-be-big writers

The winners of this year's Whiting Awards have been announced; the $50,000 prize honors emerging writers, with the aim of enabling them to concentrate full-time on their work.
by Petra Mayer

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