The City of Minneapolis is partnering with downtown landlords to fill vacant storefronts with artist studios on the Downtown West-Loring Park border.
The $250,000 initiative is the latest effort by Mayor Jacob Frey’s Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Workgroup, launched in late 2022 to address widespread retail vacancies across downtown Minneapolis. Funding for the new Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts initiative was allocated by Frey and approved by the City Council in the City’s 2024 budget.
During a Wednesday press conference, Frey said the pilot will activate spaces and transform streets, give artists a place to make and display their work, and secure a tenant for a landlord.
Selected artists will each receive up to $50,000 annually for rent and must agree to a two-year lease agreement. All mediums of art are eligible, including music, film, theater, fashion, and dance. Minneapolis artists will be given preference.
Arts & Cultural Affairs Director Ben Johnson said affordable rent is the biggest barrier to success in the creative community.
Starting on Friday, applications are accepted on a rolling basis in one or more rounds, depending on funding and space availability. The first round is open through Aug. 30. A panel of City staff will evaluate applications in early September.
The Arts & Cultural Vibrant Storefronts initiative is a one-year pilot that could eventually spread to other areas of Minneapolis.
Suites are currently available for $22 per square foot at 1201 Harmon Place and $18 per square foot at 1218 Harmon Place, according to Arts & Cultural Affairs Vibrant Storefronts' online property brochures.
The Arts & Cultural Affairs department is hosting a virtual information session on Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. for interested applicants.
