Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Warns Residents About Financial Telephone Scam

Via an August 13 News Release:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Warns Residents About Financial Telephone Scam

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is warning residents about telephone scams in which individuals pose as representatives of local law enforcement agencies. These individuals are telling residents that there is a warrant out for their arrest because they missed a federal jury date. The phone scammers tell residents that they will be arrested unless they pay a fine, and often suggest purchasing gift cards, calling the scammer back, and reading them the numbers on the cards. The victim is then told to contact their local Sheriff’s Office to get a federal number for proof that the warrant has been cleared.

HCSO and other law enforcement agencies will never contact individuals via phone or email to ask for any kind of payment. If individuals receive such a call, they are advised to NOT provide any personal information to the caller. Rather, they should record the caller’s number, save any voicemails that may have been left by the caller, and contact their local law enforcement agency.

Individuals should not rely on caller ID or recorded messages to verify the origin of a phone call. In some cases, phone scammers are able to use technology to appear as if they are calling from a legitimate law enforcement or government agency number. Scammers have also been known to create fraudulent recorded messages that identify their number as originating from law enforcement.

If you are uncertain about the identity of a caller, hang up the phone, locate the official phone number of the agency, and call the number directly.

Thank You to MacPhail and Everyone Who Helped Make the 2019 National Night Out in the Mill District a Success

Article by Claudia Kittock, Photos by Dave Tinjum

Two months ago, Roque Diaz, the Director of School Partnerships at MacPhail Center for Music, contacted me about discussing National Night Out. Roque had an idea, and that idea was for MacPhail to take the lead in this year’s National Night Out. He wanted to know if Friends of the Mill District would be interested in partnering with MacPhail on this project.

I quickly suggested a meeting with David Tinjum of Mill City Times. We discussed holding the event in Gold Medal Park and soon had the cooperation of Emanuel Housing, Bihi Abdirizak, Open Eye Theater, the staff of The Legacy, Wildflyer Coffee, and scores of neighbors. Everyone and every group we asked said, “Yes! I’ll be there.” Our goal was to bring neighbors out to the park to get to know each other while enjoying music, food, a photo booth, a puppet show, coffee, and so much more.

Click on the picture below to view the entire photo set:

What happened on August 6 surpassed all our hopes. We had a wonderful crowd of hundreds of neighbors, fabulous music, a great puppet show, root beer floats, free coffee, games, picnic dinners, and conversation all around. August 6 was the epitome of what it means to be a community. We ARE stronger together, and that evening was a step in that process. Let’s keep the momentum going.

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About Claudia Kittock

Claudia is a resident of the Mill District. In addition to writing for Mill City Times, she is a founding Board Member of Friends of the Mill District. Claudia is the author of Health Through Chaos, mentors young adults at YouthLink, and has served on the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA).

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Contact: claudia@millcitymedia.org 

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

Editor's note - This is an ongoing series of updates as the North Loop Reconstruction and Pedestrian Improvements project.

North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements

The North Loop Reconstruction & Pedestrian Improvements Project consists of two separate projects:

1. A full street reconstruction along 3rd St N between 10th Ave N and 5th Ave N
2. A pedestrian improvement project generally bounded by 10th Ave N on the north, 1st Ave on the south, West River Parkway on the east, and 4th St N on the west

North Loop Reconstruction Updates

WORK THIS PAST WEEK

5th Ave N

• All underground utility work completed
• All soil corrections completed
• Started placing gravel in preparation for paving

7th Ave N

• Began curb and gutter placement
• Began driveway placement
• Light foundations and conduit installed

8th Ave N

• Curb and Gutter placed at the Washington end
• Started preparations to reinstall salvaged granite curb

9th Ave N

• Curb and gutter placed at Washington and partially along the west side of 9^th Ave  N

3rd St N

• Finished salvaging brick pavers and granite curb
• Completed pavement removals, with the exception of the south sidewalk
• Finished water work
• Started sanitary and storm work

WORK ANTICIPATED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS WEEK AND NEXT WEEK

5th Ave N

• Placement of the first lift of asphalt tentatively scheduled for Wednesday August 14,local access to 5^th Ave N between Washington Ave and 5^th St N will be open; however, plan for delays entering and leaving the area
• Curb and gutter installation will follow asphalt placement
• Driveway installation is scheduled to begin the week of August 19

7th Ave N

• Finish placement of driveways, once the driveway has reached the required strength to carry traffic a gravel ramp will be placed at the roadway end of the driveway apron
• Start placement of sidewalks
• Placement of the second lift of asphalt tentatively scheduled for August 15^th – 16^th

8th Ave N

• Install granite curb
• Placement of the second lift of asphalt at Washington tentatively scheduled for August 14^th – 16^th

• Once the second lift of asphalt is placed local access from and to Washington Ave will be allowed
• Concrete crews may begin the installation of concrete parking bays

9th Ave N

• Placement of the second lift of asphalt at Washington tentatively scheduled for August 15^th – 16^th
• Once the second lift of asphalt is placed local access from and to Washington Ave will be allowed

3rd St N

• Complete underground utility work
• Begin amending poor soils
• Begin grading and bringing in aggregate in preparation for paving

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

North Loop Pedestrian Improvements Updates

The concrete crews are off site until the end of the month, however the sewer and water crews will be doing intermittent work in the next few weeks.

REMAINING WORK ON THIS PROJECT

 1st St N

• 2^nd Ave SE corner
• 4^th Ave SE and NE corner

 2nd St N

• 1^st Ave N - All corners
• 2^nd Ave N – NE, SE and SW
• 3^rd Ave N – All, currently the City is working in this intersection, pedestrian ramps will be done after the sewer work is complete
• 5^th Ave N – SE corner
• 8^th Ave N – South side and NE corner
• 10^th Ave N – SE and SW corners

4th St N

• 10^th Ave N – NE corner
• 7^th Ave N – South side

 Other

• All signal installation will start late in September due to long lead times on materials
• Remaining concrete work will continue through September

For more information on this project, visit the project website.

Miscellanious

Stakeholder Meeting -These meetings are informal, held biweekly and intended to offer residents and businesses on the job an opportunity to get construction updates, ask construction and access related questions.

Sate/Time: August 21, 7:30 am to 8:30 am

Location:  Corner Coffee 514 N 3rd St #102

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Contact Information

Project Manager:

Stephanie Malmberg, stephanie.malmberg@minneapolismn.gov, 612-673-3365

Chief Field Inspector:

John Benjamin, john.benjamin@minneapolismn.gov, 651-443-1096

New Fillmore Minneapolis to Become One of America's Most Beautiful Music Halls

Via an August 8 News Release:

New Twin Cities Concert Venue Scheduled to Open in February 2020

Plans to create one of the most beautiful venues in the United States were unveiled today for The Fillmore Minneapolis music hall, that will pay tribute to both the roots of the Minneapolis music scene and to one of the most legendary music halls in the history of rock. The concert venue, next to Target Field Station at 521 N. 5th Street in Minneapolis, is slated to open for shows in February 2020.

The 36,000-square-foot, 1,850-person capacity Fillmore Minneapolis will continue Live Nation’s growth in the Twin Cities market.  Live Nation is a long time promoter in the area, having produced shows in venues such as Target Field, U.S. Bank Stadium, Xcel Energy Center, Target Center, The Armory, The Hennepin Theaters and more for many years.  The last two years in particular have seen rapid expansion with the addition of operations at Varsity Theater, the booking of the 2019 Basilica Block Party, and a show count that has more than doubled over that period. Minneapolis talent buyer Tamsen Preston will book for The Fillmore Minneapolis whose music lineup announcement is scheduled for October.

The state-of-the-art intimate venue featuring incredible sightlines plans to host 175 concerts and events per year. The Fillmore Minneapolis music hall, VIP lounge and private box seats feature thoughtful design elements, including Fillmore nostalgia from the original San Francisco venue, traditional signature Fillmore red velvet drapes, a wood dance floor, murals, chandeliers and other local Minneapolis features to ensure a night out at the Fillmore will always be special. Box seats and premium tickets are on the venue’s mezzanine level, featuring custom artwork paying homage to Prince. Also, on the mezzanine level will be the luxurious BG’s Lounge, named for legendary Fillmore promoter Bill Graham, showcasing framed Fillmore posters featuring Minnesota artists and bands who have played at The Fillmore music venues. BG’s—with its unique elevated vibe—is planned to be the premium club within a club for fans to relax pre- and post-shows and even book for private parties.

“The Fillmore Minneapolis will be a redefined concert experience for the Twin Cities, and we’re thrilled to unveil this unmatched venue right next to Target Field near downtown in the North Loop,” said Ron Bension, president, Live Nation’s Clubs & Theaters division. “At every Fillmore we welcome our guests to make a night of it, not just with our incredible lineup of world-class performers, but also with delicious food, inventive cocktails and craft beers.”

Around the country, Fillmore music halls pay tribute to an early Fillmore San Francisco tradition of placing a basket of apples in the lobby with a sign encouraging guests to take one or more. It was Fillmore San Francisco music promoter Bill Graham’s way of saying “You’re family when you’re in this house.”

The Fillmore Minneapolis is being built in partnership with United Properties. For more information, visit fillmoreminneapolis.com, Facebook, along with Twitter and Instagram @FillmoreMPLS.

Joining San Francisco, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Denver, Detroit, Miami, Charlotte, NC and Silver Spring, MD, The Fillmore Minneapolis will be the 9th one in the country. The concert venue will be paired with a restaurant, Trax Burgers and Bar, slated to open in mid-February and an Element by Westin Hotel, which will open early 2020. 

About Live Nation Clubs & Theaters

A division of Live Nation Concerts, the world’s leading live concert company, Live Nation Clubs & Theaters promotes over 25,000 shows in 1,700 venues with more than 20 million fans in attendance annually. As the world’s premier network of intimate live music venues, Live Nation Clubs & Theaters oversees legendary spaces including The Fillmore theaters, House of Blues clubs, the Academy Music Group portfolio and more.

FINNOVATION Lab Announces Second Cohort of Social Entrepreneurs for Fellowship Program

Via an August 6 News Release:

Nine Entrepreneurs Chosen for Nine-Month Program Aimed at Growing and Scaling Bold Business Ideas for Sustainable, Systems-Levels Change

FINNOVATION Lab, the social business catalyst known for helping local entrepreneurs launch and scale their ventures, selected nine early-stage social entrepreneurs to make up a second cohort within the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program. The nine-month incubator kicks off this September and will support the fellows as they foster their business ideas in pursuit of lasting social impact.

The selected fellows will receive a grant of $50,000 to cover living expenses in addition to a health insurance stipend, one-on-one mentorship, and tailored curriculum with an emphasis on leadership development and business planning and strategy. Dedicated workspace and business resources are available to the fellows in the FINNOVATION Lab space within the FINNEGANS House (817 5th Ave S. Minneapolis 55404).

The nine fellows, up from five in the first cohort, were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants who submitted ideas for mission-driven businesses that produce sustainable, systems-level change. Applicants were exceedingly diverse across race, gender, and education compared to the 2018 pool: 57% identified as people of color, 63% female or non-binary, 18% LGBTQ+, and 38% as the first in their family to attend college. After narrowing down to 20 finalists, a panel of innovation leaders judged and scored applicant pitch presentations, looking for top contenders who demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, resilience and passion, and business plans that showed potential for financial stability, growth, social impact, and innovation.

“Our first cohort exceeded all expectations. We saw a group of early-stage entrepreneurs, each building incredibly diverse businesses, accomplish individual goals to build something meaningful,” said Connie Rutledge, Managing Director at FINNOVATION Lab. “What we didn’t fully anticipate was the camaraderie and the team spirit within the group. When selecting our second cohort, we chose individuals with a wide range of skills and experiences, knowing they’d all bring something unique to the table.” 

The 20 finalists during FINNOVATION Lab's Selection Day for the Fellowship Program

The second cohort of fellows includes:

·       Lyndsey Calvin: Ascension Medical Devices is revolutionizing post-operative care for transgender women who undergo gender affirming vaginoplasty procedures through a newly developed vaginal stent.

·       Nestor Gomez Jimenez: Litty Solar brings transactive blockchain technologies to solar panel installation, aiming to speed up the adoption of renewable energy while creating accessible employment opportunities in underserved communities.

·       La’Shante Grigsby: Ju+Co Café, a social enterprise café, connects, employs, and inspires women of color through youth development, personalized coaching, and economic opportunities.

·       Judd Grutman: Vonzella aims to provide mission-driven insurance products to underserved and uninsured communities, starting with bail insurance for defendants navigating the bail process.

·       Shannon TL Kearns: Uprising Theatre Company partners with local organizations working on social justice issues to turn emotional engagement into concrete action.

·       Mohamed Malim: Epimonia supports the education and advancement of refugees, creating employment opportunities for refugees and donating 50% of profits to non-profit partners.

·       Katie Myhre: RED Market is an online marketplace connecting sustainable farmers with wholesalers, helping farmers deliver local products and build interdependent relationships with buyers.

·       Jules Porter: Seraph 7 Studios develops console video games with diverse heroes and storylines and offers an applied STEAM work-study program and summer camp.

·       Alysha Price: The Price Dynamic uses empowerment, motivational techniques, and meditation practices to support co-parenting for those working to restructure their families.

FINNOVATION Lab is the brainchild of FINNEGANS Brew Co. Founder Jacquie Berglund, an established social entrepreneur in her own right. She launched the FINNOVATION Lab following four business pillars: Leadership Development, Causes and Context of Social Problem, Human-Centered Design, and Business Planning.

“This Fellowship Program is further solidifying Minnesota as a leader in social innovation,” said Berglund. “It was hard to make our final selections because so many of our applicants were strong contenders. It’s inspiring and only makes us want to keep supporting and encouraging these types of mission-driven ideas.”  

Programming for the second cohort of the Fellowship Program will run through mid-June. It is made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation, known for its commitment to innovation and creative problem solving.

About FINNOVATION Lab

FINNOVATION Lab’s mission is to create a space for intentional and constant cross-pollination of social entrepreneurship concepts, ideas and networks. Through original programming and partnerships with organizations such as the Neighborhood Development Center, the organization empowers and provides system change leaders with venture service support and access to capital increasing and accelerating their impact. For more information, visit Finn-Lab.com. 

The Southern Theater Announces the August Installment of Good Night at The Southern

Theater, Music, and Dance on The Southern Stage at 7:30 pm on August 19th

Good Night at The Southern on August 19th will offer works ranging from new pieces to revised favorites by Brenna Mosser Dance Works, multi-disciplinary artist Eric Larson, choreographer Jennifer Mack, and performing artist Queen Drea.

Brenna Mosser Dance Works will present work-in-progress Serve Id,  a modern dance quartet performed as a duet for this presentation, inspired by whitetail deer that investigates natural environments found in Minnesota. Toot, a whirlwind of collaborators, ideas, and practices led by Eric Larson, recently began rehearsals for Tweezer Burn and will be sharing initial discoveries. Jennifer Mack will be presenting 3 new works along with dancer, Hannah Benditt. A duet, "No Words just cut in Two" is based off the connection of two family members over space and time. The solo "Occultation" explores losing your grounding, feet, or self and trying to find it again from the perspective of yourself or the audience. The third piece is a brand new work, untitled as of yet.

In "From Black Wombs," created by Queen Drea and collaborators Ryan-Olivia McCoy and Jianna Reynolds, Afro-futurist sisters navigate a bleak world where due to AmeriKKKa's school to prison pipeline, there are no black men. The stress from this reality has left them disoriented and barren. Using poetry, electronica, and movement they seek to heal their wombs by laying waste to the prison industrial complex and giving birth to a NEW America.

The Southern Theater, located at 1420 S Washington Avenue, is thrilled to share the work of these artists and hopes you will join us at the bar starting at 6:30 for a local beer, glass of wine, pop, or a snack.

Tickets are Pay What You Can and are purchased at the door. All proceeds from this event will go to support the artists and The Southern Theater.

American Red Cross Urgently Needs Blood Donations!

The American Red Cross revealed they are facing a shortage of blood types A, B and O. Through their Missing Types campaign, they've issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donors to give now and help save patient lives. The Red Cross currently has less than a three-day supply of most blood types – and less than a two-day supply of type O blood – for patients. At least a five-day supply is desired.

You can help!

Donate now. Download the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule your blood or platelet donation appointment. Consider inviting a friend to join you in giving. Another way to help is to host a drive.

Water Works Excavation - A Delicate Operation

Editors Note: Mill District resident Doug Verdier has been documenting the digging taking place during late July as he monitors the progress of the excavation phase of the Water Works project. Below is a photo essay of some recent activity.

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Taken from West River Parkway side of the Columbia Mill. Digging to locate a railroad scale that was buried there years ago, and to locate depth of foundation wall. People in photo are the contractor and archaeologists who are overseeing project. They found the scale! It is said to be about 50 feet long and was used to weigh rail cars when loaded with grain. Not certain what will be done regarding the scale at this point. It’s down pretty deep.

Some of the debris excavated from around the Columbia building foundation. A lot of junk and debris was dumped there at one time.

Digging to locate base of foundation of Columbia building on West River Parkway side.

Wide shot of excavation of Columbia foundation. RiverWest is in the background.

Exterior wall of Columbia structure showing temporary stabilization.

Taken July 25, 2019 - Excavating interior of Columbia Mill wall and foundation.

Taken July 25, 2019 - Excavating interior of Columbia Mill building. Fuji Ya can be seen in background.

Closer shot of excavation showing Columbia Mill exterior wall and Fuji Ya exterior wall.

Shot of work site from S 1st Street.

Following are additional photos of excavation of Columbia Mill interior taken July 26. Workers are removing old tires and brick that were placed in window openings of the building when the foundation was filled to prevent collapse of the wall. 

Clearing old tires and debris (mostly dirt and old brick) from window openings must be done by hand to prevent damage to remaining structure.

Archeologist in foreground monitoring excavation.

July by the Numbers

Downtown real estate market update from Cynthia Froid Group:

Mpls Downtown Improvement District and Hennepin Theatre Trust launch Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival August 15–17

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) and Hennepin Theatre Trust today announced their collaboration on the inaugural Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival, which will take place next month on Hennepin and Nicollet from August 15 through 17. 

The Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival brings together artists from the worlds of visual, performing, craft and food arts and unleashes them together for the first time onto the streets of downtown for all to enjoy. This free and accessible festival breaks down barriers between the arts and downtown residents and visitors.  Festival-goers will relish in several arts-centered experiences, including chalk art installations, a short film showcase, several live performances, and an outdoor craft market. Additionally, there will be food and beverage vendors on-site to fuel the fun.  

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, August 15 

Downtown Farmers Market Preview  |  10 am-2 pm
The activities begin with a Minneapolis-Nicollet Farmer’s Market preview on Thursday midday, when celebrated chalk artists Shawn McCann and Kimberly Wood will be near 6th and Nicollet for an impromptu demonstration. Fresh from their participation as one-half of Team USA at the Coloured Earth Festival in the UK, McCann and Wood will show-off their chalk art techniques.  

Downtown Street Art Festival Kick-off and Short Film Showcase  |  8:30 pm
The festival officially kicks-off Thursday evening at 8:30 pm on the rooftop at Hennepin Theatre Trust event center at 900 Hennepin Avenue. Catch a free concert from a Street Show competition winner as the sun sets, enjoy a drink from the cash bar, and relax into the evening with a short-film showcase about art in public places.  

Friday, August 16

Nicollet Chalk Art Festival  |  9 am-9 pm
The centerpiece of the Downtown Street Art Festival is a two-block-long series of chalk installations by more than 15 local and national chalk artists. Come watch beginning at 9 am as amateur and professional artists begin to transform the sidewalks of Nicollet between 6th and 8th streets with their unique artistic vision in vibrant chalk. Enjoy live Street Show performances and a variety of street games for all ages. Channel your inner artist and contribute to our community mandala in chalk. 

3D Chalk Installations  |  9 am-9 pm
Visit one of three special 3D chalk installations in progress, located on the plazas at Westminster Presbyterian Church (Nicollet & Alice Rainville Place), IDS Center (mid-block on Nicollet between 7th and 8th streets) and Hennepin Theatre Trust (900 Hennepin Avenue). See how these artists create these visually arresting artworks using advanced techniques and anamorphic perspective to create the illusion of depth in the artworks.

Live Spray Paint Demos  |  10 am-2 pm
Catch local spray paint artists Sig and the Funky Diabetic as they lay the groundwork for two mural-scale works live #OnNicollet between 7th and 8th streets.

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Bauhaus  |  10 am-2 pm
Join artist Lee Noble #OnNicollet between 6th and 7th streets as he collaborates with local access TV station MTN to explore connections between Minneapolis and Weimar, the city in which the influential art school and cultural movement was founded in 1919. Part of the Bauhaus100 Bonanza Show presented by the Goethe Pop Up Minneapolis.

Street Eats on Nicollet  |  10:30 am-2 pm
Enjoy lunch from a selection of food trucks and street vendors #OnNicollet between 6th and 8th streets.

zAmya Zone with the zAmya Theater Project  |  11 am-noon

This community-based theater brings their unique perspective to the street with a live performance on Nicollet at 7th Street that builds understanding and connection between people with and without experience in homelessness.

Malamanya in Concert at the Marq  |  4-7 pm
Enjoy a late afternoon concert on the great lawn at the Parq at the Marq (between 3^rd and Washington #OnNicollet) featuring local favorites Malamanya as they welcome the official start of the weekend. Bring Your Own Blanket and Beverage as winners of the Street Show competition warm up the stage before the vintage afro-latin all-stars take over at 4:45 pm. Dinner will be available for purchase from Elevate Food Hall onsite, along with free lawn games for all ages.

Saturday, August 17

Nicollet Chalk Art Festival  |  9 am-9 pm
See the Nicollet sidewalks come alive with color as more than 15 local and national chalk artists put finishing touches on their chalk art installations on the sidewalks of Nicollet between 6th and 8th streets. Enjoy live Street Show performances and a variety of street games for all ages. Channel your inner artist and contribute to our community mandala in chalk.

3D Chalk Installations  |  9 am-9 pm
Visit one of three special 3D chalk installations, located on the plazas at Westminster Presbyterian Church (Nicollet & Alice Rainville Place), IDS Center (mid-block on Nicollet between 7th and 8th streets) and Hennepin Theatre Trust (900 Hennepin Avenue). These visually arresting artworks use advanced techniques and anamorphic perspective to create the illusion of depth in the artworks and make ideal photo opportunities.

Live Spray Paint Demos  |  10 am-8 pm
Local spray paint artists Sig and the Funky Diabetic tag team the finishing touches on their two mural-scale works live #OnNicollet between 7th and 8th streets.  

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Bauhaus  |  10 am-4 pm
Join artist Lee Noble #OnNicollet between 6th and 7th streets as he collaborates with local access TV station MTN to explore connections between Minneapolis and Weimar, the city in which the influential art school and cultural movement was founded in 1919. Part of the Bauhaus100 Bonanza Show presented by the Goethe Pop Up Minneapolis..

Street Eats on Nicollet  |  10 am-9 pm
Enjoy lunch from a selection of food trucks and street vendors #OnNicollet between 6^th and 8^th streets.

Nicollet Makers Market Street Art Festival Edition  |  noon-6 pm

Catch a special weekend appearance of the Nicollet Makers Market (www.nicolletmakersmarket.com), our bi-monthly downtown craft and art market that features locally made and designed goods. More than 15 artists and makers will bring their unique wares to the street, including live screen printing and artist demos. 

Throughout the festival

Downtown Street Art Festival Media Hub

Throughout the Festival, you can catch program highlights, images of the artworks in progress, live performance feeds and the schedule of events at the Street Art Festival Media Hub at 8th and Hennepin. Hosted by Hennepin Theatre Trust.

“This event is for everyone,” said Joan Vorderbruggen, Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Director of Engagement in the Hennepin Theatre District. “From the Bob Dylan mural on 5th and Hennepin to street music shows and 5 to 10 on Hennepin, we are always looking for exciting new ways to help make downtown Minneapolis a vibrant and welcoming place. Mpls DID has been a great partner for years, and we’re excited to create an accessible new festival together.”

“So many people come downtown to experience the arts, but often it happens inside iconic buildings and behind gallery doors. We’re excited to be working with Hennepin Theatre Trust on a new signature art event that will draw people downtown to experience street art of all kinds—whether it’s chalkers creating visual art, craft artisans presenting their handmade goods or street performers playing for the passersby,” said Lisa Middag, Director of Nicollet Activation for the Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “Street art is integral to animating our downtown public spaces, and we’re thrilled to bring more attention to our vibrant artist community.”

To learn more about the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival, visit MplsStreetArtFest.com or follow along @MplsStreetArtFest on Facebook and Instagram, or @MplsStArtFest on Twitter,

The Downtown Street Art Festival is organized by the Mpls Downtown Improvement District and Hennepin Theatre Trust with support from our hospitality partner AC Hotel Minneapolis Downtown. IDS Center (Accesso Services),  the Minneapolis-Nicollet Farmers Market, the Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day and Westminster Presbyterian Church are site sponsors, and event presenters include the Goethe Pop Up Minneapolis, the Parq at the Marq (Marquette Plaza), zAmya Theater Project, and the Warming House.