City of Minneapolis seeks applicants for Arts Culture Vibrant Storefronts funding

The City of Minneapolis has officially opened applications for its Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts initiative, which expands into Uptown and Loring Park after a successful pilot in Harmon Place. This initiative aims to enhance the city's vibrancy and support local artists and creative entrepreneurs, fostering a thriving cultural ecosystem. Mayor Jacob Frey noted the program's positive impact, with once-empty shops now bustling with artistic activity, thus building creative neighborhoods that attract residents and businesses. Ben Johnson, Director of the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, emphasized the importance of creating cultural hubs for the community's growth and transformation. The program, rooted in the recommendations from Frey's Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Workgroup, aligns with the broader Minneapolis 2040 vision.

A virtual information session for interested applicants is scheduled for March 21, followed by site visits on April 11, 12, and 19. The application deadline is set for May 16, with awardees announced in late June. This initiative not only provides financial support but also offers essential space for artists to present their work and engage with the public.