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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.

Your stories: Recognizing acts of kindness

Your stories: Recognizing acts of kindness

We asked MPR listeners to tell us about an act of kindness they experienced this year.
by Emily Bright

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'Here We Are: American Dreams, American Nightmares'

'Here We Are: American Dreams, American Nightmares'

Immigrants come to the United States filled with hope. But as NPR contributor Aarti Shahani shares in her new memoir, the American dream can quickly become the American nightmare.
by Chris Farrell and Kelly Gordon

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Holiday movies that stand the test of time

A new crop of Christmas movies are made each year, but only a few become beloved classics that people look forward to re-watching around the holidays. Stephanie Curtis, the movie maven, joins Angela Davis to discuss her favorite Christmas movies and why they stand the test of time.
by Jim Bickal, Stephanie Curtis and Angela Davis

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Trove of recipes dating back to Inquisition reveals a family's secret Jewish roots

Trove of recipes dating back to Inquisition reveals a family's secret Jewish roots

Many Jews were forced to convert during the Inquisition, a history often lost to their descendants. Finding recipes adhering to Jewish food customs helped one woman unearth her family's hidden past.
by Greg Allen

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Innocence Lost: Could it happen again?

Innocence Lost: Could it happen again?

Many survivors say while the Children’s Theatre has made significant changes, the broader community’s culture of silence remains.
by Marianne Combs

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Audio reflections: MPR News reporters share memorable sound from 2019

Audio reflections: MPR News reporters share memorable sound from 2019

When MPR News reporters are in the studio, crafting those in-depth stories that listeners rely on every day, ear-grabbing background sound is usually on the checklist of things to do. 2019 saw many stories that provided some of those unique sounds. We compiled a list of reporter favorites.
by Mike Moen

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In Chicago, Hanukkah now has its own pop-up bar experience

In Chicago, Hanukkah now has its own pop-up bar experience

The two creators of the new Hanukkah-themed bar saw a void in the pop-up scene. Neither is Jewish, but they did enough research to be able to serve up matzo ball soup, latkes, and boozy jelly donuts.
by Michel Martin

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