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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.

Women take the lead in fighting ISIS in 'Daughters of Kobani'

Women take the lead in fighting ISIS in 'Daughters of Kobani'

Author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon recalls one of the female fighters saying "one, we were never going to let ISIS stand ... and two, we just didn't want men taking credit for our work."
by Mary Louise Kelly

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David Pogue on ‘How to Prepare for Climate Change’

David Pogue on ‘How to Prepare for Climate Change’

Record heat and warming oceans mean life on planet Earth is changing. Science and technology writer David Pogue outlined the scale of those changes and offers advice for how humans can adjust. 
by Kerri Miller and Marcheta Fornoff

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To understand police reform, law professor volunteered to join the force

To understand police reform, law professor volunteered to join the force

For four years, Rosa Brooks carried a badge and a gun and worked a minimum of 24 hours a month for the D.C. police — all on a voluntary basis. She writes about her experiences in “Tangled Up in Blue.”
by Terry Gross

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Growing pains: How one southern Minnesota city is taking steps to address diversity, inclusion

Growing pains: How one southern Minnesota city is taking steps to address diversity, inclusion

As part of the city’s strategic plan, Marshall has formed a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission. Its goal: To launch tough conversations, so that, eventually, the city becomes a more welcoming place for all of its residents.
by Hannah Yang

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Ep. 10: The Valentine's Day Industrial Complex

Ep. 10: The Valentine's Day Industrial Complex

Polar Vortex bringing you down? For episode 10 we did the one thing we in The Warming House are really, really good at: we hunkered. We hunkered down thinking about Valentine's Day!
by Nina Moini, Sean McPherson and Tiffany Hanssen

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Photos: Portrait project highlights community connections during the pandemic

Photos: Portrait project highlights community connections during the pandemic

Katie Howie has photographed more than 115 people for her project, “By a Thread: Pandemic Portraits.” She describes the project as a living history because the people she photographs also share thoughts about their lives during the pandemic. 
by Christine T. Nguyen

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A boy named 'Milo' reminds us to choose imagination over impressions

A boy named 'Milo' reminds us to choose imagination over impressions

Milo and his big sister take a long subway ride to visit their mother, who is incarcerated, in the latest collaboration from award-winning picture book duo Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson.
by Samantha Balaban

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StoryCorps: 'Just the Two of Us' songwriter found his sound in solitude

StoryCorps: 'Just the Two of Us' songwriter found his sound in solitude

William Salter, who co-wrote the popular love song, told his granddaughter that the radio kept him company during a lonely childhood. When he later found the bass, he said, "I found myself."
by Abe Selby

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Music therapy brings solace to COVID-19 patients and healers

Music therapy brings solace to COVID-19 patients and healers

Even when forced online by the pandemic, music therapy sessions continue to help patients in some ways talk therapy can't. "Music is this portal — this instrument that the brain connects with," says one therapist and COVID-19 long-hauler.
by Elizabeth Blair

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Talking Volumes: Talking Race 2021 season guide

Talking Volumes: Talking Race 2021 season guide

Minnesota Public Radio and the Star Tribune are proud to announce a special Talking Volumes series of virtual events centered around the topic of race in America. Join MPR News journalists Kerri Miller and Brandt Williams as they host engaging conversations with authors throughout the month of March.

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