Northeast already has the beginnings of an “Art Walk” with seven murals on Central Avenue NE. There are also 19 public art pieces throughout the Arts District, each of which is featured on the Arts District website, https://northeastminneapolisartsdistrict.org/visit/tourism-tips/, or at each of the Arts District’s 17 art buildings.
However, the Arts District has needed a more obvious entry point for over two decades: one which encourages art lovers to explore the Arts District’s diverse art scene. Because the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is planning to redo Central Avenue in 2028, there is a great opportunity.
Planning is ongoing and currently approaching 30% completion. MnDOT told Seth Stattmiller, owner of Recovery Bike Shop, that “this is the time to get ideas and requests into the planning process.” MnDOT states that it will complete this idea-generation phase within the next six months.
The Arts District is working through two competing issues, however. First, waiting until 2028 to have art installed on Central Avenue represents a considerable delay. Building upon the current art walk before construction begins will help us learn how to develop the process. Second, the Art Walk Committee aims to identify and develop relationships with private landowners or businesses on Central Avenue who are open to hosting and sponsoring sculptures on their properties. The Arts District aims to garner support from business owners on Central Avenue and the broader community for this project.
Stattmiller said, “A primary objective (of the ‘Art Walk’) is to create an additional four feet of boulevard/sidewalk space for art and culture opportunities.” He also noted that the extra four feet brings several other benefits, such as outdoor seating for restaurants and the ability to host pop-up events. These spaces would be available for tents at various community-oriented gatherings, including Open Streets, the Celebrate Northeast Parade, farmers’ markets and art events.
Anyone is invited to participate in this visioning process. Join in the next Central Avenue “Art Walk.” Meetings are every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. starting at Recovery Bike Shop, 2504 Central Ave. NE. To continue identifying and brainstorming ideas for reimagining Central Avenue’s future, the group often walks the thoroughfare as well as discussing.
On the August 28 walk, the group ran into Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on his way to get a tamale at Maya Cuisine as the group traveled south. Members lobbied him for the “Art Walk,” and he said he is “in.”
Editor’s note: Josh Blanc is the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District board chair.