CANDY BOX Dance festival
CANDY BOX Dance festival (Cedar Ave S cultural district)
April 21-26, The Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave S.
The CANDY BOX Dance Festival is a week-long dynamic sampling of featured performances, masterclasses, and in-progress showings, hosted by ARENA DANCES. The festival features both emerging and established choreographers, Happy Hour work-in-progress performances, and master class offerings. Learn more at https://www.arena-dances.org/candybox/
Flavor World Grand Opening
Join 2024 Vibrant Storefront Awardee, Flavor World for their grand opening at their new downtown storefront, in Harmon Place.
This team has completely overhauled the old Fast Print location and is excited to show their new gallery and print shop. Open night will feature a gallery exhibition of returning Flavor World artists, live screen-printing, giveaways, refreshments, DJ’s, and a celebration of all things Flavor World has been over the past seven years!
Where: Flavor World - 1218 Harmon Place
When: Friday, April 25th from 6–10 p.m.
Parking: Street parking is free after 6 p.m.
This Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts is funded, in part, by the City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department.
ART LIVES HERE: Eastside's Creative Workshop Series | Central Ave Cultural District
Crop Art-making!
Join us for a 3-hour hands-on crop art workshop with Liz Schreiber. Learn about the craft, fair entry details & more while creating a 7.5” square piece.
Hoop Jams
Hoop Jams is 2 hours of flow, fun, and community.
This event is free and open to public in Central Ave Cultural District. There will be plenty of extra hoops and toys to share—
OPEN SCREEN: THE FORUM
Open Screen: The Forum is a three-week gathering of filmmakers, photographers, and artists who see image-making as a means for connection, resistance, and cultural storytelling at Public Functionary from May 1 - May 18.
ART LIVES HERE: Eastside's Creative Workshop Series | Central Ave Cultural District
Beginning Still Life!
Artist Karen Chan will lead the class step-by-step through the process of painting in acrylic. No experience is necessary; all levels are welcome. Materials will be provided during this FREE in-person class.
OPEN SCREEN: THE FORUM
Open Screen: The Forum is a three-week gathering of filmmakers, photographers, and artists who see image-making as a means for connection, resistance, and cultural storytelling at Public Functionary from May 1 - May 18.
Minneapolis Music Summit
Minneapolis Music Summit - a gathering to celebrate and connect the Minneapolis music ecosystem
Presented by Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs and Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance
When: 11AM-5PM, Saturday, May 10, 2025
Where: Green Room, 2923 Girard Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Free, RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/MPLSMusicSummit2025
Lake Street East | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Lake Street Arts & Culture Convening series
Facilitated by Lake Street Council, Charise Canales
RSVP: email to charis@lakestreetcouncil.org
OPEN SCREEN: THE FORUM
Open Screen: The Forum is a three-week gathering of filmmakers, photographers, and artists who see image-making as a means for connection, resistance, and cultural storytelling at Public Functionary from May 1 - May 18.
Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts Application Deadline
Do you focus on visual, performing, literary, media, traditional, digital and public arts? Apply for a rent subsidy award from our Vibrant Storefronts program! The Arts & Cultural Affairs (ACA) Department is looking for artists, creatives and arts organization to re-imagine vacant storefronts in Downtown Minneapolis.
- Applicants must be from MN and commit to a 2-year lease
- Applicants must be Minnesota residents and be able to work in-person throughout the term of their work on this Program. Preference will be given to Minneapolis residents.
- Applicants must be local individual artists or artist groups/teams with professional artistic resumes spanning a minimum of three years or arts/culture service organizations that can demonstrate a minimum of three years of programmatic history.
- Applicants must focus on one or more of the following artistic and community-building practices: visual, performing, literary, media, traditional, digital and public arts as well as design and craft and those working in non-traditional media.
- Accepted applicants will be awarded partial or full rental costs of a featured Participating Property
- Maximum rent subsidy award amount is $50,000 per year, per applicant for two years
Application deadline: May 16 at 4:30 p.m. CST
Visit our website to learn more & apply today! Vibrant Storefronts — Arts & Cultural Affairs - City of Minneapolis (mplsartsandculture.org)
Oromo Irreechaa: Community Conversations
Oromo elders are meeting with community members on May 17 and the spring Irreechaa on the mountain event is on May 31. Both events are open to the public.
Minneapolis Arts Commission Meeting
The Minneapolis Arts Commission is the policy body responsible for advising on the commissioning, placement and maintenance of works of art purchased, accepted and owned by the city and produced or created with public funds. The Commission is represented on all artist selection panels and regularly reviews and acts upon recommendations by the Public Art Advisory Panel.
Arts Commission meetings are open to the public. Meeting schedules and agendas are available online.
ART LIVES HERE: Eastside's Creative Workshop Series | Central Ave Cultural District
Beginning Still Life!
Artist Karen Chan will lead the class step-by-step through the process of painting in acrylic. No experience is necessary; all levels are welcome. Materials will be provided during this FREE in-person class.
Cultural District Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering | West Broadway
Invitation to Join: Cultural District Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Cultural Districts Arts Fund Initiative: Community Engagement & Advancing the 2040 Plan
Artists are more than creators—they are community members, business owners, and advocates who bring diverse perspectives to city planning. As Minneapolis implements its 2040 Plan, how do we ensure artists needs are met? This session will explore the vital role of artists in shaping inclusive programs in cultural investment that are site-responsive and unique to our neighborhood.
A complimentary lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/edhc3pq
Facilitator:
West Broadway Area Business, Cultural District Arts Ambassador
When:
Saturday, May 24
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Open to the public
Where:
Jay and Rose Phillips Foundation, 927 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Questions?
Contact the West Broadway Business & Area Coalition:
Kristel Porter: kristel.porter@westbroadway.org
General Inquiries: grants@westbroadway.org
✨✨✨✨
Stay Connected:
Sign up for the ACA newsletter to learn about new opportunities, including the 2025 Cultural Districts Arts Fund programs. New application dates will be announced in February.
Subscribe Here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MPLS/subscriber/new?topic_id=MPLS_188
For Cultural Districts Arts Fund program questions:
Contact Meena Mangalvedhekar: meena.mangalvedhekar@minneapolismn.gov
We look forward to seeing you there!
Celebrate Indigenous Place — A Poetry Service Announcement
Join Heid E. Erdrich and a cohort of poets convened and commissioned as part of her fellowship from the Academy of American Poets at The Loft Literary Center on May 30.
Oromo Irreechaa: Spring Mountain
One of the fun parts of this festival is seeing multiple types of cultural dresses from across the 11 regions of Oromia, Ethiopia. Each region has its own unique cultural clothes and our families will dress similarly to show off their regional pride.
BEFORE CHICAGO AVE
BEFORE CHICAGO AVE will engage the public in multifaceted expressions of Indigenous identity, providing a paid professional opportunity for Native artists to collaborate across discipline and tribal nations.
Cultural District Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering | West Broadway
Invitation to Join: Cultural District Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Cultural Districts Arts Fund Initiative: Walking Tour & Visioning the Future for Artists & Community
Join us for an interactive walking tour along the corridor to explore opportunities for a transformed commercial landscape that truly serves artists and the broader community. We’ll examine the lack of continuity in commercial ownership, discuss barriers to artist-led business development, and envision what meaningful, long-term change could look like in one, three, or five years. Who are the key decision-makers in this process? What would it take to make a more artist-friendly corridor a reality? Let’s walk, talk, and strategize together.
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/436feez
Facilitator:
West Broadway Area Business, Cultural District Arts Ambassador
When:
Saturday, June 14
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Open to the public
Where:
Broadway Flats, 2505 N Penn Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Questions?
Contact the West Broadway Business & Area Coalition:
Kristel Porter: kristel.porter@westbroadway.org
General Inquiries: grants@westbroadway.org
✨✨✨✨
Stay Connected:
Sign up for the ACA newsletter to learn about new opportunities, including the 2025 Cultural Districts Arts Fund programs. New application dates will be announced in February.
Subscribe Here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MPLS/subscriber/new?topic_id=MPLS_188
For Cultural Districts Arts Fund program questions:
Contact Meena Mangalvedhekar: meena.mangalvedhekar@minneapolismn.gov
We look forward to seeing you there!
Minneapolis Arts Commission Meeting
The Minneapolis Arts Commission is the policy body responsible for advising on the commissioning, placement and maintenance of works of art purchased, accepted and owned by the city and produced or created with public funds. The Commission is represented on all artist selection panels and regularly reviews and acts upon recommendations by the Public Art Advisory Panel.
Arts Commission meetings are open to the public. Meeting schedules and agendas are available online.
Unity Fest | East lake Street Cultural District Arts Fund Event
Unity Fest on June 21, 2025 at Eat Street Crossing, Minneapolis
27th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival
Saturday, June 21 at 4 p.m. at Cedar Cultural Center
an experiment pt II with Leslie Parker & Collaborators is presented as part of the 27th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival. This FREE offering is a live performance of dance and music with Leslie Parker & Collaborators, and with guest artists coming from many different communities locally as well as across the United States.
Sunday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Cedar Cultural Center
Join us for an experiment pt II. an additional offering - the second part of the experience.
Tickets here: https://www.thecedar.org/.../an-experiment-pt-ii-with...
27th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival
Saturday, June 21 at 4 p.m. at Cedar Cultural Center
an experiment pt II with Leslie Parker & Collaborators is presented as part of the 27th Annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival. This FREE offering is a live performance of dance and music with Leslie Parker & Collaborators, and with guest artists coming from many different communities locally as well as across the United States.
Sunday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Cedar Cultural Center
Join us for an experiment pt II. an additional offering - the second part of the experience.
Tickets here: https://www.thecedar.org/.../an-experiment-pt-ii-with...
Sound Rx - A Mental Health in Music Showcase
Save the date. Event details will be posted here.
Minneapolis Arts Commission Meeting
The Minneapolis Arts Commission is the policy body responsible for advising on the commissioning, placement and maintenance of works of art purchased, accepted and owned by the city and produced or created with public funds. The Commission is represented on all artist selection panels and regularly reviews and acts upon recommendations by the Public Art Advisory Panel.
Arts Commission meetings are open to the public. Meeting schedules and agendas are available online.
Lake Street East | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Lake Street Arts & Culture Convening series
Facilitated by Lake Street Council, Charise Canales
RSVP: email to charis@lakestreetcouncil.org
Minneapolis Arts Commission Meeting (Copy)
The Minneapolis Arts Commission is the policy body responsible for advising on the commissioning, placement and maintenance of works of art purchased, accepted and owned by the city and produced or created with public funds. The Commission is represented on all artist selection panels and regularly reviews and acts upon recommendations by the Public Art Advisory Panel.
Arts Commission meetings are open to the public. Meeting schedules and agendas are available online.
Hoop Jams
Hoop Jams is 2 hours of flow, fun, and community.
This event is free and open to public in Central Ave Cultural District. There will be plenty of extra hoops and toys to share—
Vibrant Storefronts Site Visits
Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon Uptown – Hennepin & West Lake Street
· 1426 West Lake Street
· 2922 Hennepin Ave
· 3006 Hennepin Ave (Brochure now live!)
· 3001 Hennepin Ave – suites 1170 / 1175 combined
Minneapolis Arts Commission Meeting
The Minneapolis Arts Commission is the policy body responsible for advising on the commissioning, placement and maintenance of works of art purchased, accepted and owned by the city and produced or created with public funds. The Commission is represented on all artist selection panels and regularly reviews and acts upon recommendations by the Public Art Advisory Panel.
Arts Commission meetings are open to the public. Meeting schedules and agendas are available online.
CDAF Program Applications Due
The Arts & Cultural Affairs (ACA) department is looking for more artists and art enthusiasts to demonstrate their love for Minneapolis. The Cultural Arts Districts Fund (CADF) provides a series of financial awards. The goal is to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and equitable future for Minneapolis through its seven Cultural Districts.
The two funding opportunities will:
· Support temporary pop-up arts activations
· Support existing and new cultural festivals, events, cultural centers, community arts centers, galleries and studios, healing arts centers, community celebrations, art markets, art-centered events, art-focused block parties, parks, plazas, streets, and arts educational events.
The city's seven Cultural Districts include:
· 38th Street
· Cedar Avenue South
· Central Avenue
· East Lake Street
· Franklin Avenue East
· Lowry Avenue North
· West Broadway
Application deadline: April 15 at 4:30 p.m. CST
Apply today! https://mplsartsandculture.org/cultural-districts-arts-fund
Culture Knight
Culture Knight Pop Up
Sunday, April 13·2:00 – 3:30pm
TAP IN Kitchen & Cocktails, 2618 Lowry Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411, USA
Enjoy a DJ set from mxkenna and experimental sounds with special guests to be announced. Food and drink specials, giveaways and more.
Hoop Jams
Hoop Jams is 2 hours of flow, fun, and community.
This event is free and open to public in Central Ave Cultural District. There will be plenty of extra hoops and toys to share—
Vibrant Storefronts Site Visits
Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Loring Park / Harmon Place
· 1629 Hennepin – suites 100 & 150
· 1621 Hennepin Ave
· 1635 Hennepin Ave – suite 200 (second level suite)
· 519 Oak Grove – enter on the west side of the building facing the Walker (look for playground)
· 1200 Nicollet
Vibrant Storefronts Site Visits
Open House Site Visits Itinerary:
Friday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to Noon Downtown – 1st Ave North
· 430 1st Ave North – suite 140 (Just listed!)
· 401 1st Ave North
· 400 1st Ave North
· 314 1st Ave North
· 300 1st Ave North – two studios/suites
Hoop Jams
Hoop Jams is 2 hours of flow, fun, and community.
This event is free and open to public in Central Ave Cultural District. There will be plenty of extra hoops and toys to share—
ART LIVES HERE: Eastside's Creative Workshop Series | Central Ave Cultural District
Crop Art-making!
Join us for a 3-hour hands-on crop art workshop with Liz Schreiber. Learn about the craft, fair entry details & more while creating a 7.5” square piece.
Black Dance Improvisation Festival 2025
Cultural Districts Art Fund | Cedar Ave S
Mixed Blood, Pillsbury House + Theatre, Leslie Parker Dance Project, and the Center for Performing Art co-present Black Dance Improvisation (BDI) Festival 2025.
Cultural District Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering | West Broadway
Invitation to Join: Cultural District Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Cultural Districts Arts Fund Initiative
Topic: Supporting Artists & Growing Creative Businesses
How can we better support artists, increase their revenue, and integrate their work into our daily lives? Join us for a dynamic conversation on funding opportunities at every stage of business development and explore ways to uplift local creatives through sustainable economic strategies.
A complimentary lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cjjv8js
Facilitator:
West Broadway Area Business, Cultural District Arts Ambassador
When:
Saturday, March 29
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Open to the public
Where:
EMERGE Career and Technology Center, 1834 Emerson Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Questions?
Contact the West Broadway Business & Area Coalition:
Kristel Porter: kristel.porter@westbroadway.org
General Inquiries: grants@westbroadway.org
✨✨✨✨
Stay Connected:
Sign up for the ACA newsletter to learn about new opportunities, including the 2025 Cultural Districts Arts Fund programs. New application dates will be announced in February.
Subscribe Here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MPLS/subscriber/new?topic_id=MPLS_188
For Cultural Districts Arts Fund program questions:
Contact Meena Mangalvedhekar: meena.mangalvedhekar@minneapolismn.gov
We look forward to seeing you there!
Black Dance Improvisation Festival 2025
Cultural Districts Art Fund | Cedar Ave S
Mixed Blood, Pillsbury House + Theatre, Leslie Parker Dance Project, and the Center for Performing Art co-present Black Dance Improvisation (BDI) Festival 2025.
Maivena’s live art & painting exhibition with Black Business Enterprises
This is more than an exhibition. it's an interactive journey through art, passion, and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with Maivena's work up close and experience the power of live artistry!
SPRING OPEN (HOT)HOUSE
Join us for our Spring Open(Hot) House on Wednesday, March 26th featuring fire arts demos, hands-on artmaking, recent student work on display, the closing of our exhibit "Beyond Metal: Metal+Anything" AND another IRON pour!
Minneapolis Arts Commission Meeting
The Minneapolis Arts Commission is the policy body responsible for advising on the commissioning, placement and maintenance of works of art purchased, accepted and owned by the city and produced or created with public funds. The Commission is represented on all artist selection panels and regularly reviews and acts upon recommendations by the Public Art Advisory Panel.
Arts Commission meetings are open to the public. Meeting schedules and agendas are available online.
38th Street | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Community conversation about how art and mental health collide
Facilitated by Marquise Bowie
CDAF Program Applications Open
The Arts & Cultural Affairs (ACA) department is looking for more artists and art enthusiasts to demonstrate their love for Minneapolis. The Cultural Arts Districts Fund (CADF) provides a series of financial awards. The goal is to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and equitable future for Minneapolis through its seven Cultural Districts.
The two funding opportunities will:
· Support temporary pop-up arts activations
· Support existing and new cultural festivals, events, cultural centers, community arts centers, galleries and studios, healing arts centers, community celebrations, art markets, art-centered events, art-focused block parties, parks, plazas, streets, and arts educational events.
The city's seven Cultural Districts include:
· 38th Street
· Cedar Avenue South
· Central Avenue
· East Lake Street
· Franklin Avenue East
· Lowry Avenue North
· West Broadway
Application deadline: April 15 at 4:30 p.m. CST
Apply today! https://mplsartsandculture.org/cultural-districts-arts-fund
Cedar Ave S | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Local Assets Mapping Activity
Facilitator: West bank Business Association
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvPZOIRsxVlnLbHEUfebkMqYadeL93aW-SmQoQyb4lXy_viQ/viewform
Lowry Ave N | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Building a Creative Climate in Chaos
Facilitator: Christopheraaron Deanes
Nonviolent Peaceforce 2143 Lowry Ave N, Suite A
RSVP: email to christopherdeanes@gmail.com
Lake Street East | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Lake Street Arts & Culture Convening series
Facilitated by Lake Street Council, Charise Canales
RSVP: email to charis@lakestreetcouncil.org
West Broadway | Cultural District Arts Ambassador-Led gathering
Invitation to Join: Cultural District Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Cultural Districts Arts Fund Initiative
Topic: Dialogue on Affordable Artists' Living & Workspace
Join the first cultural district arts ambassador-led gathering near you! This event is designed to bring together artists, community advocates, cultural organizations, cultural spaces, and affinity groups to explore shared challenges and opportunities. Together, we’ll foster community cohesion through arts and culture.
Facilitator:
West Broadway Area Business, Cultural District Arts Ambassador
When:
Saturday, February 8
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Open to the public
Where:
Northside Artspace Lofts Community Room
229 N Irving Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Get Directions
Questions?
Contact the West Broadway Business & Area Coalition:
Kristel Porter: kristel.porter@westbroadway.org
General Inquiries: grants@westbroadway.org
✨✨✨✨
Stay Connected:
Sign up for the ACA newsletter to learn about new opportunities, including the 2025 Cultural Districts Arts Fund programs. New application dates will be announced in February.
Subscribe Here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MPLS/subscriber/new?topic_id=MPLS_188
For Cultural Districts Arts Fund program questions:
Contact Meena Mangalvedhekar: meena.mangalvedhekar@minneapolismn.gov
We look forward to seeing you there!