Minnesota Arts

The Minnesota roots of Pixar's 'Soul'
Both co-directors of Pixar’s latest movie have Minnesota connections. It’s the story of a jazz musician’s struggle to get back to Earth after a fatal accident just minutes after getting a gig he’s been seeking his entire life. Like previous Pixar films, it works both on a child and adult level, and both Pete Docter and Kemp Powers say there is a certain amount of Minnesota in the film.
Penumbra Theatre's Sarah Bellamy on motherhood, theater and racial healing
Host Angela Davis talks with Penumbra Theatre’s artistic director Sarah Bellamy about her artistic journey and her expanded vision for Penumbra as a place where theater, wellness and social justice converge.
MIA's once-a-decade Foot in the Door show goes virtual
The fifth iteration of the exhibition, once curated by a one foot square box, takes the good with the bad of the pandemic.
Arts board announces simplified grant program for MN artists struggling in COVID-19 economy
The Minnesota State Arts Board has approved a trio of new grants meant to help artists and organizations weather the economic turmoil created by COVID-19. But artists say the new grants don't go far enough to serve historically marginalized communities.
With floral candles, Hmong sisters honor parents’ farming legacy
Each November, the Hmong American Farmers Association offers artwork people can buy alongside produce grown by Hmong farmers. This year’s art — candles featuring flowers from a Hmong family’s field — comes with a good story.
'Sound the Bells' — where Dessa and the Minnesota Orchestra meet
Years long collaboration and cross-genre learning results in “Sound the Bells” and some interesting marketing challenges.