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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.

From Louis Erdrich to Kurt Vonnegut, a reading list for social distancing

From Louis Erdrich to Kurt Vonnegut, a reading list for social distancing

In a time of change and turmoil, many listeners are turning to books for entertainment and comfort. Listeners and book experts nominated their favorites during a recent conversation on MPR News with Kerri Miller.
by Breann Schossow

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Musicians move their shows online, but it's not a living

Musicians move their shows online, but it's not a living

In the days since Minnesota bars and concert halls and other performance venues were ordered to close, many artists have moved their shows online. They offer livestreamed house concerts, pop-up performances and other opportunities for people to enjoy their talent via the internet.
by Marianne Combs

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Bob Dylan releases epic new song, 'Murder Most Foul'

Bob Dylan releases epic new song, 'Murder Most Foul'

The iconic songwriter surprised fans at midnight with a 17-minute song about the assassination of JFK.
by Lauren Onkey

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What to read in a time of isolation

What to read in a time of isolation

In times of isolation, a good book may be your closest companion. We explore fiction to turn to during challenging and isolating times.
by Kerri Miller, Marcheta Fornoff and Breann Schossow

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'Tigers, Not Daughters' is haunting — with or without a ghost

'Tigers, Not Daughters' is haunting — with or without a ghost

In Samantha Mabry's new novel, three prickly sisters are haunted, maybe literally, by their fourth, who's died in an accident. She has a message for them, but they may be too sunk in grief to hear it.
by Caitlyn Paxson

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New York comes alive — literally — in 'The City We Became'

New York comes alive — literally — in 'The City We Became'

Three-time Hugo Award winner N.K. Jemisin turns her attention to our world in her new book — or at least, a version of our world in which cities can be born in human form to fight evil.
by Steve Mullis

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Multiple Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally dies at 81

Multiple Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally dies at 81

One of America’s great playwrights whose prolific career included winning Tony Awards for the plays "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "Master Class" and the musicals "Ragtime" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman," has died. Terrence McNally died Tuesday of complications from the coronavirus. He was 81.
by The Associated Press

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In 'The Glass Hotel,' the disasters are smaller but still disruptive

In 'The Glass Hotel,' the disasters are smaller but still disruptive

Emily St. John Mandel's powerful new novel follows a troubled brother and sister who get involved with a crooked hotel magnate whose Ponzi scheme destroys the lives of his investors.
by Michael Schaub

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