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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.

Santas of color, once met with controversy, now in high demand

Santas of color, once met with controversy, now in high demand

Santa Larry made headlines in 2016 when he made his debut, because he was the first-ever African-American Santa at the Mall of America. While black and Hispanic Santas are common in other parts of the country, they're not in Minnesota.
by Riham Feshir

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Art Hounds: Fine pottery at The Phipps

Art Hounds: Fine pottery at The Phipps

Plus, Art Hounds recommend a bilingual performance of Handel's "Messiah" and a dance concert set to the soundtrack of "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
by Marianne Combs

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For December, 3 romantic holiday escapes

For December, 3 romantic holiday escapes

Get away from holiday stress and crummy weather with our romance picks for December. We've got great contemporary stories and a charming inversion of that classic Regency trope, the forced engagement.
by Maya Rodale

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Departed Strib film critic disputes plagiarism charge

Departed Strib film critic disputes plagiarism charge

Colin Covert says his borrowing of phrases from other writers constitutes "fair use."
by Euan Kerr

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Movies that unite us

Yes, Hollywood is in the business of making myths, and it can be nostalgic and not brave enough to lead the cultural change ... but sometimes they get it right.
by Kerri Miller and Jeffrey Bissoy

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'Love Child' topped the Billboard pop chart 50 years ago — and it has a sequel song

Diana Ross is the only member of the Supremes to sing on the recording; the backing vocals were provided by session singers. The song is about a woman who is concerned about having a child out of wedlock.
by Phil Picardi

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Sensory-friendly Santa trades holiday bustle for quiet time during U visit

Sensory-friendly Santa trades holiday bustle for quiet time during U visit

For children with autism or other sensory sensitivities, the long lines and loud noises of a typical visit to see Santa at the mall can be overwhelming. This Saturday, the U is hosting an event that will make the Santa visit much more tolerable.
by Nina Moini

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Mia's director will leave to head National Gallery

Mia's director will leave to head National Gallery

Attendance at the Minneapolis Institute of Art has doubled during Kaywin Feldman's tenure.
by Euan Kerr

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