Northeast Minneapolis Arts District

Three-Time Winner (2015, 2022, and 2023) of the #1 Arts District in USA Today's 

Readers' Choice Travel Award. 

"There is nowhere else in the entire world like the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District."  Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey, August 2023

Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, a 501(c)(3) organization, is  the guardian of this city-designated “one square mile” District, home to more than 1,200 working artists!   Our mission is to catalyze the  innovative spirit  of artists through  generative  community arts  development.  We carry out our mission by:

• Advocating for the preservation and expansion of space used to produce art;

• Amplifying the voices and careers of artists in the District;

• Encouraging thoughtful community-connected economic growth, tourism and worldwide cultural artistic exchanges.

Initiatives supported by funds raised through this campaign: 

• Consultations with northeast Minneapolis developers wishing to integrate art from local artists into their building design:  https://northeastminneapolisartsdistrict.org/developer-tips/.

• A dedicated street presence in the ground floor of the new Timber and Tie building.  Watch for more information about this public space in 2024.

• Public conversations with elected officials and candidates for office about their visions for the Arts District and their personal commitment to the artists who live and work here. 

• Partnering with NEMAA on its Fall Open Studios to provide free shuttle transport throughout the District.

• Honoring the efforts of visionaries upon whose talents this district was founded and whose passions ensure its vibrant future.  At the historic Ritz Theater on October 2, the Arts District hosted the 2023 Vision Awards honoring Barbara Bridges, John Hock, Diane Loeffler (posthumously), Herman Milligan, and Piotr Szyhalski.  An open reception followed at Rogue Buddha Gallery.   

•Creation of the annual Northeast Calendar (5,000 free copies featuring original art; artists are paid), the monthly e-newsletter Arts District News, and the monthly Arts Insights page in the Northeaster newspaper, all serving to broadcast the breadth and depth of artmaking in the District.