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It was a year marked by the economic recession, and one that took its toll on arts organizations both big and small. In addition we lost some local luminaries. But amidst it all there was some good news too. Read on for a recap of the major moments of 2009...

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra hosts what's believed to be the first ever 

Heart of the Beast Mask and Puppet Theater

 is dark for all of January and half of February, and temporarily lays off its staff in an attempt to trim $200,000 from its budget.

all announce significant cuts to their budgets and staff in response to the economic recession.

the premiere of Tony Kushner's latest play 

"An Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures" as part of its Kushner Festival. Last minute changes to the script 

Minnesota Orchestra announces $40million expansion

from her position as concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra.

takes effect, which dedicates a steady stream of funding from a sales tax increase for the environment and the arts

, a founding member of the Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul, dies.

 accept a wage freeze, a reduction in pension contributions, and the freezing of open positions to help the orchestra save about $4.2 million over the next three years.

gives the world a start when he suffers a minor stroke, just two months after A Prairie Home Companion celebrates its 

 in Paris opens at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

 opens in cinemas. The film is set in the brothers' native St. Louis Park - the first of their movies set in Minnesota since "Fargo."

The American Craft Council announces it's 

After 10 years of non-stop lobbying and fundraising, the new 

 leads to more than $14 million dollars donated to Minnesota non-profits through the new website 

St. Paul Pioneer Press announces theater critic 

is leaving the paper, and there are no plans to replace his position. Papatola will continue to write for the paper as a freelancer.

 announce they've balanced their budgets, and the SPCO is even lowering its ticket prices.

Arts and Culture

State of the Arts Blog

Marianne Combs

Author

An economic recession takes its toll, but amidst it all there was some good news, too.

A look back at the events of 2009

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