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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.

Talking Volumes: A conversation with author Naima Coster

Talking Volumes: A conversation with author Naima Coster

Novelist Naima Coster joined MPR News for a wide-ranging conversation on everything from integration to parenting to books that got her through the pandemic.
by Kerri Miller and Marcheta Fornoff

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Hunter Biden's memoir 'Beautiful Things' seeks to tell just where he's been

Hunter Biden's memoir 'Beautiful Things' seeks to tell just where he's been

The account by the president's younger son is at times a harrowing journey; in the end, if not for forgiveness or sympathy, it may be about making a stand and taking whatever place he can occupy.
by Ron Elving

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Art Hounds: Northwoods painting and improv for all ages

Art Hounds: Northwoods painting and improv for all ages

Painter David Gilvik captures the colors of the Northwoods. Plus, a kids’ show streaming on YouTube from Daleko Arts and a new show from Blackout Improv.
by Emily Bright and Aron Woldeslassie

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'A Most Remarkable Creature' introduces the little-known, charismatic caracara

'A Most Remarkable Creature' introduces the little-known, charismatic caracara

Through Jonathan Meiburg's inquiring lens, readers will find themselves with a new favorite animal — a bird of prey aptly described as "one of the strangest and most wonderful animals on Earth."
by Anna Morris

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Filmmakers call out PBS for a lack of diversity, over-reliance on Ken Burns

Filmmakers call out PBS for a lack of diversity, over-reliance on Ken Burns

A group of documentarians have signed a letter to PBS expressing concerns that white stars like Ken Burns get too much airtime and resources, while filmmakers of color struggle to build careers.
by Eric Deggans

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'Captain Underpants' spinoff pulled for 'passive racism'

'Captain Underpants' spinoff pulled for 'passive racism'

The book under scrutiny is 2010's "The Adventures of Ook and Gluk" by Dav Pilkey, who has apologized, saying it "contains harmful racial stereotypes" and is "wrong and harmful to my Asian readers."
by The Associated Press

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How Rodney Scott learned to cook – and went for it, whole hog

How Rodney Scott learned to cook – and went for it, whole hog

Pitmaster Rodney Scott describes his lifelong journey as a chef and his hope for the future. "I want to take over the world with barbecue," the James Beard Award winner tells NPR.
by Avery Keatley and Steve Inskeep

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Sen. Tammy Duckworth doesn't pull punches in memoir 'Every Day Is a Gift'

Sen. Tammy Duckworth doesn't pull punches in memoir 'Every Day Is a Gift'

Duckworth was raised by a Thai-Chinese mom and American soldier dad before becoming a decorated veteran who lost both legs in combat; she was also the first U.S. senator to give birth while in office.
by Michel Martin

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