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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.

Days after director’s resignation, Rochester Civic Theatre finances under scrutiny

Days after director’s resignation, Rochester Civic Theatre finances under scrutiny

News of the theater’s financial woes comes on the tails of a rebirth for the organization. In 2017, accusations of sexual harassment by the theater’s former executive director unraveled during a dispute between volunteer actors and board leadership.
by Catharine Richert

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When institutions are used as stages, people lose trust, book argues

When institutions are used as stages, people lose trust, book argues

We now think of institutions less as formative and more as performative, less as molds of our character and more as platforms for us to stand on and be seen, says National Affairs Editor Yuval Levin.
by Steve Inskeep

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'A Castle In The Clouds' is a grand hotel romp

'A Castle In The Clouds' is a grand hotel romp

Kerstin Gier's new young adult novel takes place at a grandly faded resort high up in the Swiss Alps, where young intern Sophie is surrounded by a complex, international cast of characters.
by Alethea Kontis

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The not-so-life-changing magic of self-help books

The not-so-life-changing magic of self-help books

Are self-help books actually helpful? That's the question Kristen Meinzer sought to answer in her upcoming book, How to Be Fine: What We Learned From Living by the Rules Of 50 Self-Help Books.
by Shereen Marisol Meraji

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Art Hounds: Wednesdays with My Grandma's Cardigan

Art Hounds: Wednesdays with My Grandma's Cardigan

This week Art Hounds recommend checking out the band "My Grandma's Cardigan," plus James Rone's album release party and an exhibition on women's voting rights.
by Marianne Combs

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'American Dirt' publisher cancels author tour after threats

'American Dirt' publisher cancels author tour after threats

Flatiron Books, publisher of the controversial new novel, has canceled the remainder of author Jeanine Cummins' book tour after what it called "specific threats" to both the author and booksellers.
by Petra Mayer

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'Election meltdown is a real possibility' in 2020 presidential race, author warns

'Election meltdown is a real possibility' in 2020 presidential race, author warns

Law professor Richard Hasen is sounding the alarm about Russian hacks, voter suppression and other threats to the 2020 election. "There's lots of ways that things could go south," he says.
by Terry Gross

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Watch: Winona stars in Winona Ryder's Super Bowl ad

Watch: Winona stars in Winona Ryder's Super Bowl ad

The actress returned to her birthplace earlier this month to film the spot, which finds her building her own website with photos of Winona — the city, not her, because that would be a little weird.
by Nancy Yang

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Autopsy: St. Paul rapper Lexii Alijai died of accidental overdose

Alijai, a 21-year-old rising star in the Twin Cities music scene, died Jan. 1 from a mix of fentanyl and alcohol, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner said Tuesday. The agency ruled it an accident. A police investigation continues.
by MPR News Staff

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