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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.

'A different way of understanding the story'

'A different way of understanding the story'

Bookseller Jhoanna Belfer recommends a graphic memoir by Mira Jacob, about the realities of growing up in the U.S. as a person of color.

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Centuries of debutantes dish about being put on display in 'The Season'

Centuries of debutantes dish about being put on display in 'The Season'

Kristen Richardson traces the history of the practice, with firsthand accounts from diaries and letters, finding political strife, social upheaval and machinations to keep out so-called undesirables.
by Genevieve Valentine

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In 'The Second Sleep,' the world may end, but life goes on

In 'The Second Sleep,' the world may end, but life goes on

Robert Harris' genre-bending new book at first appears to take place in a medieval setting — and then you realize the young priest at its center is holding a cracked, defunct, centuries-old iPhone.
by Ilana Masad

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Antarctic research takes the cake in these science-inspired confections

Antarctic research takes the cake in these science-inspired confections

A former sous chef at Antarctica's McMurdo Station is creating cakes inspired by her colleagues' research projects. She says cake can be a gateway to conversations people might otherwise shy away from.
by Emily Vaughn

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Interactive art installation lets strangers talk to each other across the border

Interactive art installation lets strangers talk to each other across the border

Searchlights illuminate the sky between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, but they have nothing to do with border enforcement. They're part of a large-scale binational art installation.
by Mallory Falk

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'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood': Can you say 'sincere' and 'heartening'?

'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood': Can you say 'sincere' and 'heartening'?

Marielle Heller's new film isn't Fred Rogers' story — it's the story of two damaged outsiders (Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys) finding a connection that overcomes the darkness in their childhoods.
by Ella Taylor

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In new book, journalist alleges Russian links to mysterious deaths abroad

In new book, journalist alleges Russian links to mysterious deaths abroad

BuzzFeed News editor Heidi Blake says Russian agents in Britain killed exiled Russian oligarchs, security officials and others critical of the Kremlin. Her new book is From Russia with Blood.
by Dave Davies

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'Crying Laughing' will have you doing both

'Crying Laughing' will have you doing both

Lance Rubin's new novel follows an aspiring young comedian as she navigates the rough waters of romance, improv and her father's failing health, with plenty of laughs to light the darker moments.
by Alethea Kontis

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'Mary Toft; or, the Rabbit Queen' asks big questions about small animals

'Mary Toft; or, the Rabbit Queen' asks big questions about small animals

Dexter Palmer's new novel is based on the strange true story of a woman who confounded the medical and scientific establishments of 18th century England by claiming she'd given birth to rabbits.
by Jason Heller

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