2013: A look at the year’s top arts stories
Any way you slice it, 2013 was a big year for the arts. While the orchestras and their respective contract battles dominated the news, plenty of other major events kept the year humming along, and we paid our final respects to a number of great artists and arts supporters. Here's a look back at the year, month by month.
January:
The College of Visual Arts announces it will close, followed shortly by the resignation of CVA's President Ann Ledy.
Southern Theater survives, thanks to downsizing
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Former Wallets front man Steve Kramer passes away
The 400 Bar may be gone, but its stories live on
Prince to play six last-minute shows at the Dakota
February:
The Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra perform with Osmo Vanska for the first time in half a year, but still reject latest offer by orchestra management.
Randy Reyes is named successor to Rick Shiomi as Artistic Director of Mu Performing Arts.
Northern Spark moves to St. Paul
March:
Walker lays off eight staffers
Cabooze manager Jason Aukes passes away
'Snowbate' revived for filmmakers
Native American artists take back the headdress
April:
Lanesboro named top "small town art place"
SPCO musicians ratify contract, ending months-long lockout
A group called CVA Action tries to mount a rescue of the College of Visual Arts
And the winners of this year's Sally Awards are...
Remembering actor Phil Kilbourne
May:
Minnesota Orchestra cancels rest of season
Terminated, Chris Kluwe becomes 'The Terminator'
Prominent Twin Cities concert promoter Sue McLean passes away
Inspiring Lakeland teen Zach Sobiech passes away
June:
MN Fringe Festival hires new Executive Director
'Transformative' gift of Japanese art comes to MIA
Breaking ground for a new Ordway Hall
Minnesota Orchestra audit finds no legal problems, but raises question of unused funds
The audacity of Low: What does a band 'owe' us when we pay to see them perform?
The Suburbs announce first new album in 27 years
July:
Minnesota Orchestra cancels summer series; labor dispute continues
Thousands in back taxes ride on one question: Is Venus de Mars a professional or amateur artist?
August:
Minnesota Orchestra management rejects mediation proposal
The Replacements make a triumphant return at Riot Fest in Toronto
September:
Photos: A new Orchestra Hall is ready — and waiting
Minnesota Opera to tackle Stephen King horror novel
Ordway's 'Miss Saigon' angers Asian-American artists
October:
The Artists' Quarter will close at the end of 2013
'Miss Saigon' protest draws hundreds
First Avenue buys the Turf Club
Orchestra lovers left wondering about the future after Vanska, Kernis call it quits
Somali Artifact and Cultural Museum fills void for those who left country
Hollywood turns to Minneapolis for 'Captain Phillips' casting
St. Paul plans to renovate and reopen historic Palace Theatre
Locals Holly Henry and Ashley DuBose end their run on The Voice
November:
Give to the Max Day raises $17M despite tech issues
Minnesota Orchestra negotiations collapse -- again
Remembering arts supporter Sage Cowles
'12 Years a Slave' director adds second Minneapolis appearance
First Avenue employee and former 400 Bar manager Billy Sverkerson passes away
December:
Minnesota Orchestra board posts $1.1 million deficit
Guthrie Theater reports first deficit in 18 years
Minneapolis a cappella group Home Free wins NBC's The Sing Off
So what was your top arts story of 2013? What are we missing? Share your thoughts in the comments section.