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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.

'The Resisters' could use a little more resistance

'The Resisters' could use a little more resistance

Gish Jen's new novel takes place in a dystopian future country called AutoAmerica, where the swamp-dwelling underclass — called "Surplus" — are set against the fair-skinned, land-dwelling "Netted."
by Annalisa Quinn

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Rochester Civic Theatre financial situation prompts tough questions from City Council

Rochester Civic Theatre financial situation prompts tough questions from City Council

When the Rochester Civic Theatre announced that its executive director had resigned, board members said it was because he wanted to spend more time with this family in Wisconsin. But new details about the theater’s finances raised additional questions about who is ultimately responsible for the theater’s financial health.
by Catharine Richert

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A widow, not a wife: 'Smacked' explores an ex-husband's secret addiction

A widow, not a wife: 'Smacked' explores an ex-husband's secret addiction

Eilene Zimmerman didn't learn of her ex-husband's addiction to cocaine and opioids until after his death. "This had happened in front of us, and we hadn't recognized it," she says.
by Terry Gross

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In Ben Passmore's latest, 'Sports Is Hell' and the world is on fire

In Ben Passmore's latest, 'Sports Is Hell' and the world is on fire

Passmore's timely new graphic novel is set in an unnamed city whose football team has just won the Super Bowl, setting off fiery riots. It's a biting satire of political action, race and capitalism.
by Etelka Lehoczky

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In a dark future, these 'Upright Women' bring hope

In a dark future, these 'Upright Women' bring hope

Sarah Gailey's new novella is set in a dystopian future where the United States resembles the Old West, and bands of women on horseback distribute government-approved media to distant villages.
by Jason Heller

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Photos: The Intergalactic Krewe Of Chewbacchus parades in New Orleans

Photos: The Intergalactic Krewe Of Chewbacchus parades in New Orleans

In New Orleans, arguably the most far-out pre-Mardi Gras parade is staged by the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus. "Anything that you want to nerd about is welcome in the Chewbacchus parade," says one of the krewe's captains, Brooke Ethridge.
by Melissa Block

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Coincidence distracts from the creeps in 'The Other People'

Coincidence distracts from the creeps in 'The Other People'

C.J. Tudor's latest follows a man obsessed with proving his young daughter — supposedly killed in an accident — is still alive. It's atmospheric, but slightly shakier than Tudor's past books.
by Bethanne Patrick

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Winona playfully responds to Winona Ryder's Super Bowl ad

Winona playfully responds to Winona Ryder's Super Bowl ad

Tourism officials in Winona have created their own tongue-in-cheek website in response to the “Stranger Things” star’s web page. It's called WelcomeToTheRestOfWinona.com. Visitors to that site might notice that it looks a little familiar.
by Nancy Yang

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After a life in pictures, Mia painting curator Patrick Noon retires

After a life in pictures, Mia painting curator Patrick Noon retires

After leading the Minneapolis Institute of Art's paintings department for 22 years, Patrick Noon retires Friday. He has guided the department through two building expansions and acquired some 200 paintings for the museum’s collection.
by Euan Kerr

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