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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.

Art Hounds: A bluegrass Christmas in Lanesboro

Art Hounds: A bluegrass Christmas in Lanesboro

Commonweal Theatre presents the bluegrass holiday musical "Sanders Family Christmas." Plus, Art Hounds recommend American Roots Revue at the Dakota and UNI Arts STP at Cedar Cultural Center.
by Marianne Combs

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National Book Awards handed to Susan Choi, Arthur Sze and more

National Book Awards handed to Susan Choi, Arthur Sze and more

The novelist and poet joined Sarah M. Broom, László Krasznahorkai, Ottilie Mulzet, and Martin W. Sandler as winners Wednesday night — receiving $10,000 and a medallion for their front covers.
by Colin Dwyer

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New acts rule Grammys as Lizzo, Lil Nas, Eilish lead in noms

New acts rule Grammys as Lizzo, Lil Nas, Eilish lead in noms

The Grammys are screaming “Cuz I Love You” to Lizzo: The breakthrough singer-rapper scored a whopping eight nominations, including bids for the top four awards, making her the show’s top-nominated act.
by The Associated Press

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'They Will Drown' isn't a whodunit, it's a who-is-it?

'They Will Drown' isn't a whodunit, it's a who-is-it?

Johannes Anyuru's unusual speculative mystery They Will Drown in Their Mothers' Tears follows two seemingly ordinary (at first) Swedish citizens dealing with the aftermath of a shooting.
by Bethanne Patrick

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'Frozen II' lets it go ... darker

'Frozen II' lets it go ... darker

Yes, there's another earworm-ballad, but the sequel at least attempts to course-correct for the pernicious princess obsession that the Disney corporation unleashed on the world in the first place.
by Glen Weldon

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Bakken Museum announces plans for major renovation

Bakken Museum announces plans for major renovation

The renovation involves the entrance, lobby, classrooms and gallery space in the 21-year-old lower-level wing of the museum near Bde Maka Ska.
by Emily Bright

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Eat like the ancient Babylonians: Researchers cook up nearly 4,000-year-old recipes

Eat like the ancient Babylonians: Researchers cook up nearly 4,000-year-old recipes

Written on four tablets, three of which date back no later than 1730 B.C., the recipes are considered to be the oldest known. And they taste pretty good, says a scholar who re-created them.
by Maria Godoy, Peter Breslow and Scott Simon

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In 'Christmas in Austin,' family struggles are a gift to readers

In 'Christmas in Austin,' family struggles are a gift to readers

In Benjamin Markovits' new novel, a far-flung family reunites in their home town of Austin for Christmas, bringing all their baggage. And while it's an emotional book, it never descends into pathos.
by Michael Schaub

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'The Pursuit of William Abbey' travels a twisty path

'The Pursuit of William Abbey' travels a twisty path

Claire North's new book starts with a doctor witnessing an atrocity in Africa in 1884, but becomes a spy thriller, a horror story, a supernatural mystery and an indictment of capitalism and empire.
by Jason Sheehan

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