
Gondola Project 2025
Gondola Project 2025 (noon - sunset)
A full weekend of legal, live graffiti painting on functional freight trains, from some of the world's greatest graffiti artists. At the end of the weekend, the trains depart on their own journeys across the contiguous 48 States. Be the first to see the art in process on Saturday and as finished works of art on Sunday. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in "Spray & Take" graffiti projects, see "Jam Walls" in action, talk with the artists, and purchase limited edition brand merch.
Artists:
WANE ONE, Nick Fury, BIAFRA CBS, WUNDR CBS, HOPE4 HM IPC NSF X MUCH HM, FEM9 KMS, STUNl KMS, CYFI, TRACE, EMER AKB, KNEW186, SHOCK UC MSK, Wyle Coyote, The Funky Diabetic, DAESK, and Sprayfinger students
Location: N 30th Avenue (Between N 2nd St & N Pacific St) Minneapolis, MN 55411
Agenda:
Sat. July 26: Enjoy live music curated by a pro DJ, unleash your creativity at "Spray & Take" art zone, connect with local and national artists, and grab some tasty bites from local food trucks.
Sun. July 27: Stop by to check out the finished trains before they roll out on Monday morning!

Whimsical Worlds
Whimsical Worlds: Crafting Fairy and Gnome Doors with Polymer Clay with Deidre Greene
The recommended age is 12+ and the limit for the class number is 10 people per class.
Class Description:
Embark on a creative journey into the enchanting realm of miniature art by crafting your own fairy or gnome door using polymer clay. These delightful doorways serve as charming decorations for gardens, homes, or as imaginative additions to fairy gardens. Throughout this hands-on class, you'll learn essential polymer clay techniques to design and create a unique miniature door, bringing a touch of magic to your surroundings.
What You'll Learn:
Polymer Clay Basics: Understand the properties of polymer clay, including conditioning, blending, and color mixing. Design Techniques: Plan and sketch your door's design, choosing from various themes and styles. Sculpting and Assembly: Learn how to shape and assemble components, adding intricate details like textures, handles, and decorative elements. Baking and Finishing: Gain knowledge on properly baking your creations for durability and applying finishes for a professional look.
Class Details:
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Materials Provided: A selection of polymer clays in various colors, sculpting tools, and embellishments.
Skill Level: Suitable for beginners and intermediate crafters alike.
What to Bring: An apron or old shirt, and any personal embellishments you'd like to incorporate.
Why Attend? This class offers a unique opportunity to explore your creativity, learn new crafting skills, and create a personalized piece of art. Whether you're looking to adorn your garden with a whimsical entrance or add a magical touch to your home, the fairy and gnome doors crafted in this class will be a testament to your imagination and newfound skills.
Instructor Bio:
Deidre Greene is a local artist , painter and muralist who teaches Art at a Northeast charter school.
This Cultural Districts Art Fund program activity is funded by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department in the City of Minneapolis.

Grand Opening & Block Party
Pillsbury Creative Commons Launches Hub for Arts and Economic Development in South Minneapolis
Grand Opening & Block Party – July 26, 2025

Sound Rx - A Mental Health in Music Showcase
Sound Rx - A Mental Health in Music Showcase
A one day pop up event exploring the many ways sound heals through live music, lecture, and experimentation. This event will include panels, workshops, and presentations focused on ways in which sound and music can be used as a medium for healing and therapy.
This event will be hosted at multiple spaces at Slam Academy in Northeast Minneapolis.
Address: 1121 Jackson Street NE, Suite 142. Minneapolis, MN 55413
For questions and more information contact: James patrick
Email: jp@slamacademy.com
Phone: +1 (651) 500-6111
Event link: https://www.instagram.com/soundrxmpls/

Fakoly Drum & Dance Conference
Workshops July 25th - 27th 2025
Performance July 26th, 7:30pm
Center For Performing Arts
3754 Pleasant Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN

Lowry Ave North | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Lowry Ave North | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Cultural Districts Arts Fund initiative: The Cultural District Ambassador Program supports one ambassador in each Cultural District to work closely with community (local business, cultural venues, organizations, etc.), Arts & Cultural Affairs department staff, the other Cultural District ambassadors and Minneapolis Arts Commissioners to leverage arts and culture to identify site-responsive community needs with focus on community building, well-being and the economic vitality of the Minneapolis Cultural Districts.

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

FREESTYLE CELEBRATION
FREESTYLE CELEBRATION
Sunday July 6
12-7p
Northrop King Building Ste 332
“Freestyle Celebration” is a street style community event from the hosts of Womxn, Hip Hop, and House sessions at Hothouse!

Cultural District Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering | West Broadway
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.

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
TC Jazz Festival and Leslie Parker Dance Project Present an experiment pt. II

Heated Discussion
The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center is proud to announce the opening of "Heated Discussion," a new exhibit featuring the innovative works of renowned artists Ta-Coumba Aiken and Christopheraaron Deanes. The exhibit will be on display from April 26th to June 21st, 2025 in CAFAC’s Nokomis Gallery. This exhibition highlights a unique dialogue between two artists who utilize vitreous enamel as a medium to explore the connections that shape our human experience.

Unity Fest | East lake Street Cultural District Arts Fund Event
Unity Fest on June 21, 2025 at Eat Street Crossing, Minneapolis
Hi-Cotton: Norf Star
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the streets of Emerson & Broadway on the Northside of Minneapolis will come alive for “HI COTTON NORF STAR: THE BLOCK PARTY,” a celebration commemorating 115 years of the Great Migration and honoring Black celestial knowledge. This day-long community event invites all generations to engage in a powerful space of joy, remembrance, and imagination

BACK TO YOUR ROOTS VOGUE NIGHT ON JUNETEENTH
June 19, 6:30-10:00p
LUSH THEATER & LOUNGE
FREE for dancers, FREE for spectators

Lowry Ave North | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Lowry Ave North | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Cultural Districts Arts Fund initiative: The Cultural District Ambassador Program supports one ambassador in each Cultural District to work closely with community (local business, cultural venues, organizations, etc.), Arts & Cultural Affairs department staff, the other Cultural District ambassadors and Minneapolis Arts Commissioners to leverage arts and culture to identify site-responsive community needs with focus on community building, well-being and the economic vitality of the Minneapolis Cultural Districts.

Whimsical Worlds
Whimsical Worlds: Crafting Fairy and Gnome Doors with Polymer Clay with Deidre Greene
The recommended age is 12+ and the limit for the class number is 10 people per class.
Class Description:
Embark on a creative journey into the enchanting realm of miniature art by crafting your own fairy or gnome door using polymer clay. These delightful doorways serve as charming decorations for gardens, homes, or as imaginative additions to fairy gardens. Throughout this hands-on class, you'll learn essential polymer clay techniques to design and create a unique miniature door, bringing a touch of magic to your surroundings.
What You'll Learn:
Polymer Clay Basics: Understand the properties of polymer clay, including conditioning, blending, and color mixing. Design Techniques: Plan and sketch your door's design, choosing from various themes and styles. Sculpting and Assembly: Learn how to shape and assemble components, adding intricate details like textures, handles, and decorative elements. Baking and Finishing: Gain knowledge on properly baking your creations for durability and applying finishes for a professional look.
Class Details:
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Materials Provided: A selection of polymer clays in various colors, sculpting tools, and embellishments.
Skill Level: Suitable for beginners and intermediate crafters alike.
What to Bring: An apron or old shirt, and any personal embellishments you'd like to incorporate.
Why Attend? This class offers a unique opportunity to explore your creativity, learn new crafting skills, and create a personalized piece of art. Whether you're looking to adorn your garden with a whimsical entrance or add a magical touch to your home, the fairy and gnome doors crafted in this class will be a testament to your imagination and newfound skills.
Instructor Bio:
Deidre Greene is a local artist , painter and muralist who teaches Art at a Northeast charter school.
This Cultural Districts Art Fund program activity is funded by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department in the City of Minneapolis.

ART LIVES HERE: Eastside's Creative Workshop Series
ART LIVES HERE: Eastside's Creative Workshop Series
COMPAS Teaching Artist Katrina Knutson will guide you through the basics of this traditional Norwegian folk art, which originated from the rural, working-class people of Norway in the 1700s. We will use the basic brush strokes to create beautiful flower patterns, great for handmade gifts and cards.

Hothouse Dance Event
KRUMP Qualifier Session
Saturday May 31, 5:30-8:30p
Logan Park Community Center gymnasium
FREE for dancers, FREE for spectators

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.

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
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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!

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.

Red Eye Presents: New Works 4 Weeks Festival
May 22-24, 2025: Works-in-Progress, with Bri Blakey | snem DeSellier | D Hunter | Jess Kiel-Wornson | Taylor West
May 29-31, 2025: J.H. Shuǐ Xiān | Charles Campbell
June 5-7, 2025: aegor ray | Margaret Ogas
June 12-14, 2025: Rachel Sadie Lieberman | Akiko

Central Ave | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
How Do We Build A More Artist Friendly Central Ave Cultural District?
Ashley Koudou will be hosting a series of four gatherings focused on building connections, fostering dialogue, understanding challenges, and strengthening our district's arts & culture community.
May 20th, 2024 – This session will focus on sustainability and accessibility—how we build a more artist-friendly cultural district and what role the city can play in supporting long-term creative spaces. Light food and refreshments will be provided
We’ll continue building on themes from earlier conversations and explore ways to turn community ideas into action.
Location: Eastside Co-op Community Room. 2551 Central Ave N
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Accessible Bus Lines: 17W, 10U, 10N, and 32B
Free parking available in Co-op parking lot.
Email Nia Ross at ntross.ea@gmail.com with any questions.
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdm-65tqjCcx5ibJ5Y3MofAYTrbi8aBcfZCaVZp7UV8Sln3SA/viewform

38th Street | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Ambassador-led gatherings for 38th Street: Community conversation about how art and mental health collide
Join host and facilitator, Marquise Bowie around community conversation about how art and mental health collide.
38th Street Cultural District – Local business, cultural venues, organizations, artists and arts advocates from 38th Street cultural district are invited to leverage arts and culture to identify site-responsive arts & culture community needs. Conversations will also focus on community building, well-being and the economic vitality of the Minneapolis Cultural Districts.
When: Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Time: 1 - 3 p.m.
Location: 3653 Chicago Ave South

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.

NEMAA PRESENTS THE 30TH ANNUAL ART-A-WHIRL!
NEMAA PRESENTS THE 30TH ANNUAL ART-A-WHIRL!
Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the nation, and it happens in Northeast Minneapolis! It’s a great opportunity to tour private artist studios and galleries, connect with hundreds of artists, and purchase original artwork.
This event is free and open to the public.
2025 DATES AND HOURS:
Friday, May 16th – 5:00-10:00 pm
Saturday, May 17th – 12:00-8:00 pm
Sunday, May 18th – 12:00-5:00 pm
EXPLORE | DISCOVER | CONNECT
Over 1,400 artists and galleries participate in Art-A-Whirl each year across 100+ sites, including studio buildings, galleries, and Northeast businesses.
Visit nemaa.org/art-a-whirl to access the Artist Directory, Maps, and Dining & Brew Guides. You can also check out our Art-A-Whirl Activities listings of exhibits, art demos, interactive activities, family-friendly offerings, music line-ups, and food truck locations.
NEW! We're debuting the Art-A-Whirl Passport Challenge this year — a mobile app experience where visitors collect points for prizes throughout the weekend by visiting official sites and participating in unique Art-A-Whirl activities.
The printed NEMAA Directory & Art-A-Whirl Guide will be available beginning in May throughout Northeast at studio buildings, libraries, and area businesses.
Our popular Coloring Contest is back! with drawings by by Seneca Norvell — find pre-printed at Eastside Co-Op and local libraries, or print your own at home!

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.

Lowry Ave North | Cultural Districts Arts Ambassador-Led Gathering
Cultural Districts Arts Fund initiative: The Cultural District Ambassador Program supports one ambassador in each Cultural District to work closely with community (local business, cultural venues, organizations, etc.), Arts & Cultural Affairs department staff, the other Cultural District ambassadors and Minneapolis Arts Commissioners to leverage arts and culture to identify site-responsive community needs with focus on community building, well-being and the economic vitality of the Minneapolis Cultural Districts.
Conversations and activity: Dream Board Mural
Host and facilitator: ChristopherAaron Deanes
When: Friday, May 9, 2025. Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM.
Location: The Lowry Cafe, 2207 Lowry Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1oZITevn6xyIZwnpBVcjysPs9IOW715Uy3TLMoTVWLGA/viewform?edit_requested=true

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.

Heated Discussion
The Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center is proud to announce the opening of "Heated Discussion," a new exhibit featuring the innovative works of renowned artists Ta-Coumba Aiken and Christopheraaron Deanes. The exhibit will be on display from April 26th to June 21st, 2025 in CAFAC’s Nokomis Gallery. This exhibition highlights a unique dialogue between two artists who utilize vitreous enamel as a medium to explore the connections that shape our human experience.

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.

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/

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—