The City of Minneapolis’ Arts & Cultural Affairs Department is excited to announce applications are now open for the Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts initiative. This year, Vibrant Storefronts is expanding its reach by opening new opportunities with participating properties now along 1st Ave, Loring Park and Uptown in addition to Harmon Place. Vibrant Storefronts is a city-led funding opportunity to support and grow creative opportunities within the ecosystem of downtown and other parts of the city with the goal of increasing vibrancy, innovation, and sustainability.
“The launch of Vibrant Storefronts in Harmon Place has been wildly successful—artists have studios, once-empty shops are full of life, and the community has embraced its new creative neighbors,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “With Vibrant Storefronts expanding to Uptown and Loring Park, we’re not just filling storefronts, we’re building creative neighborhoods that attract people and businesses. This year, we look forward to welcoming even more creative entrepreneurs and artists into their new spaces!”
“With the success of our first round of Vibrant Storefronts in Harmon Place, we’re continuing our work with this important program by expanding it into new parts of Loring Park, Downtown and Uptown,” said Ben Johnson, Director of the City’s Arts & Cultural Affairs Department. “Creating new “culture hubs” in our city in support of the arts is an important part of our city’s vibrancy and transformation efforts - it is a truly a win-win for everyone.”
In November, the inaugural Vibrant Storefront awardees were announced. Five creative entrepreneurs and arts organizations received $224,202 to subsidize rental costs in the Harmon Place Historic District. Black Business Enterprises, Blackbird Revolt and Pride Cultural Arts Center have all opened their doors. The two remaining awardees, Flavor World and Skntones™ will be opening this Spring.
The Vibrant Storefronts pilot program was a recommendation that came out of Mayor Jacob Frey’s Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Workgroup and is part of Minneapolis 2040. Bringing together property owners with individual artists and arts organizations yields a dual advantage: ensuring stable tenants for property owners and furnishing essential space for the local creative community. The physical spaces help artists workshop, develop and present their programming and artmaking to the public and build community.
A virtual information session for interested applicants will be hosted by Arts & Cultural Affairs staff on March 21. Visits to property sites have also been scheduled for April 11, 12 and 19. The deadline for applications is May 16. A panel of City staff will then begin to evaluate the applications and notify awardees in late June. To learn more about eligibility, information sessions and how to apply, visit https://mplsartsandculture.org/vibrant-storefronts.