In April, U.S. Representative IIhan Omar visited the Northrup King Building in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Artspace arranged for her to meet with some of the artists who have studios there. She received a tour of the space where 85 units of affordable housing will be built later this year. Rep. Omar recognized the mission of Artspace, which is to create, foster, and preserve affordable and sustainable space for artists and arts organizations. They discussed resources the District Office can provide to her constituents. Representative Omar represents Minnesota 5th district.
“Artspace has been on the forefront of affordable housing issues since its inception in 1979. By the late 1980s, however, it was clear that the problem required a more proactive approach, and Artspace made the leap from advocate to developer. Artspace is now a national leader in the field of developing affordable space that meets the needs of artists through the adaptive reuse of historic buildings and new construction.”
Artspace has three main projects in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. The Grainbelt Studios, Jackson Flats and the Northrup King Building. Jackson Flats isa work/live building for artists. It is important to point out that Artspace’s unique approach to reuse of historic buildings is also one of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District’s core tenets. Our mission is: To catalyze the innovative spirit of artists through generative community arts development. We applaud Representative IIhan Omar recognizing Artspace’s work on this necessary issue of affordable housing.
By Josh Blanc