A cultural history of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District
PROJECT UPDATE
Here are the latest developments in the Arts District Welcome Center’s upcoming exhibit that explores the vibrant gallery art scene in Downtown Minneapolis from the 1970s through the early 1990’s.
KICKING THINGS OFF
The official exhibit kick-off meeting was held on October 16th, marking a major milestone as we move from planning to action. We have assembled the core exhibit team of creative minds and community voices who have a strong passion for the arts community in Minneapolis and a desire to preserve and tell its history.
This exhibit will trace the evolution of the downtown gallery scene, explore why it collapsed, and show where it went, revealing the cultural movements and shifts as they adapted over time.
MEET THE EXHIBIT TEAM
We’re excited to introduce the talented team leading this project. They are experienced artists, historians, and curators who bring deep knowledge of Minnesota’s art and cultural landscape.
Remo Campopiano, a seasoned artist and key figure in Minneapolis’ 80’s art scene, leads the team. He co-founded Artpaper, a publication that documented the city’s vibrant visual arts community. His firsthand insight into the artists, galleries, and movements of that era provides a strong foundation for the exhibit’s creative direction.
Melanie Bethke oversees the project, bringing extensive experience in creative coordination and community-focused leadership. Her steady guidance ensures the exhibit runs smoothly and stays rooted in collaboration and community engagement.
Margo Ashmore and Katherine Goertz serve as Content Co-Leaders, shaping the exhibit’s research and narrative.
Margo Ashmore, a longtime advocate for arts and community journalism in Northeast Minneapolis, spent over 40 years chronicle the area’s evolution as owner and publisher of the Northeaster Newspaper. She brings invaluable experience in cultural documentation and community engagement.
Katherine Goertz, an accomplished museum professional, historian, and published writer. In 2024 she published An American Outpost: The Minnesota Art Scene, 1840-1989, an account of Minnesota’s visual arts history from territorial days through the late twentieth century. This well-researched book on Minnesota’s visual arts history reflects the depth of expertise she brings to this project.
Finally, we are delighted to have Barak adé Soleil, the Director of the Emerging Curators Institute, provide curatorial guidance. Barak is a recognized artist and curator who has been a vital component of the contemporary art scene since 1991. Barak’s experience and expertise ensures the exhibit is inclusive, dynamic and meaningful.
Community input is central to this exhibit and this November we will hold roundtable discussions that bring together artists, gallerists, and community members to gather stories and historical knowledge of the Minneapolis art scene from the early 80’s to mid-2000s. These sessions will focus on what sparked the flourishing art scene of the 1980s, and what led to its decline and eventual migration of artists.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Arts District Welcome Center is dedicated to showcasing Northeast Minneapolis’ rich cultural history, highlighting the people, places and movements that shaped the District we know today. Following the inaugural exhibit, ‘We are here to stay’: The California Building Story, which highlighted the first building purchased specifically for artist’ workspaces, the upcoming exhibit will explore the events that sparked the artist movement to Northeast Minneapolis. The team is currently deep in research, story collection and exhibit development.
If you haven’t yet visited the We Are Here to Stay: The California Building Story exhibit, stop by during Northrup King Building’s Art Attack weekend! The exhibit will be open on Saturday, November 15th from 1 – 5 PM – A perfect time to explore local art and history. Find us nearby at the Arts District Welcome Center located in the Timber & Tie Building, 904 14th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
Written By: Melanie Bethke