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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.

With the 'I Am' books, you are a hero too

With the 'I Am' books, you are a hero too

Our kids' books columnist Juanita Giles reports that, stuck at home with her family, she's turned to the I am series, by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, for stories about relatable heroes.
by Juanita Giles

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Daily dose of sweetness: Minnesota Orchestra reminds you of the light

Even though the coronavirus pandemic has put a pause on their season, musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra are finding ways to share their tunes with you.
by Nancy Yang

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Tomie DePaola, author of 'Strega Nona,' has died

Tomie DePaola, author of 'Strega Nona,' has died

The author and illustrator — who, by his own reckoning, worked on more than 270 titles — died Monday at age 85. Among his classics is the Caldecott winner “Strega Nona,” a seemingly ancient folk tale.
by Anastasia Tsioulcas

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The Thread: Three spies you must meet

The Thread: Three spies you must meet

As we turn to books both new and familiar during this time of isolation, this week’s Thread post introduces you to three spies.
by Kerri Miller

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Authors, publishers condemn the 'National Emergency Library' as 'piracy'

Authors, publishers condemn the 'National Emergency Library' as 'piracy'

Citing the coronavirus, the Internet Archive expanded its lending program for the digital copies of millions of books. But many writers and publishers say it is sharing their work without permission.
by Colin Dwyer

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Singer John Prine in critical condition with COVID-19 symptoms

Singer John Prine in critical condition with COVID-19 symptoms

The family of John Prine said Sunday that the singer-songwriter is critically ill and has been placed on a ventilator while being treated for COVID-19-type symptoms.

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Country singer Joe Diffie dies of coronavirus complications

Country singer Joe Diffie dies of coronavirus complications

Country singer Joe Diffie, who had a string of hits in the 1990s with chart-topping ballads and honky-tonk singles like “Home” and “Pickup Man,” has died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 61.
by The Associated Press

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Samantha Irby: 'This is the glamorous life of a writer"

Samantha Irby: 'This is the glamorous life of a writer"

Irby's new essay collection is “Wow, No Thank You.” She says it was inspired by moving from Chicago to Kalamazoo and feeling like a fish out of water, with no friends and a strange house.
by Scott Simon

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Uncovering the secrets of a fallen ruler in 'Empress Of Salt And Fortune'

Uncovering the secrets of a fallen ruler in 'Empress Of Salt And Fortune'

Nghi Vo's new novel is poised at the end of one empire and the beginning of another, as a cleric and their talking-bird assistant set about uncovering the dangerous secrets of a forgotten palace.
by Jessica P. Wick

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