April 2023 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via an April 21 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Latest Project News

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews have completed excavation of the existing storm tunnel at the Mississippi River for the season and will resume later this fall when they can access the storm flow again. Until then, crews will continue to work on lining the tunnel with concrete and will be on site through May.

2nd Ave

• Crews have completed mining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the new tunnel access shaft in the southbound lanes of 2nd Ave S, just north of the Washington Ave intersection for the season. Crews will continue to work on lining the tunnel with concrete through the summer.

Portland Ave

• Crews have completed mining the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave from the existing tunnel access shaft at the northeast corner of the Washington Ave and Portland Ave intersection for the season. Crews will continue to work on lining the tunnel with concrete through the summer.

Tunneling Progress

In April, the project reached 97% completion with excavation. Crews have removed approximately 67,800 tons of material to date. As noted in the infographic above, this is equal to the weight of 6.7 Eiffel Towers. The final excavation will occur next winter.

Lining progress

In April, crews continued to work on the concrete tunnel lining. To date, 2,150 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. As noted in the infographic above, this is about 65% of the volume of an Olympic swimming pool. This process is approximately 13.5% complete.

Long-term closures/restrictions

The north westbound lane, bike lane, and parking lane remains closed on Washington Ave between Portland Ave and Park Ave. These closures will remain in place until the project is completed.

• During this closure, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks along Washington Ave.
• Crosswalks across Washington Ave and Portland Ave will remain open.
• Bicyclists will share the traffic lane.
• The existing left turn lane on Washington Ave at the Portland Ave intersection will temporarily become a left turn and through lane.

The north sidewalk along Washington Ave remains restricted between Hennepin Ave and Nicollet Mall.

• During these restrictions, pedestrians share the bike lane on Washington Ave.
• The crosswalks at the Washington Ave intersections of Nicollet Mall and Hennepin Ave remains open.

The sidewalk on the east side of 4th Ave S remains restricted through the end of the project. The dewatering well and pumps are installed in this area.

• Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the west side of 4th Ave S.
• The crosswalk at the Washington Ave and 4th Ave intersection remains open.
• Access to driveways off 4th Ave S remains open.

The west sidewalk of Portland Ave south of Washington Ave will remain restricted to pedestrians around the dewatering well and pumps until the project is completed.

The parking lot and trail near Mill Runs Park will open May 1.

• During May, the trail will have flaggers to allow concrete trucks to pull into and out of the work site.

2nd Ave S remains a single lane in each direction using the northbound lanes between Washington Ave and 1st St S. Access will be restricted until the project is completed.

• Access to driveways off 2nd Ave S remain open. There may be short-term access delays while crews move equipment and materials around.

NEW: Project timing update:

When is the project going to be done?

• The anticipated project completion date is June of 2024.

I thought that you were supposed to be done this year?

• When initially awarded the contract for the Central City Parallel Tunnel (CCPT) project, the anticipated completion was summer of 2023. Due to multiple construction obstacles the project schedule has been adjusted to a later date.

What were some of the obstacles?

• While performing work in the storm tunnel outlet located in the Mill Ruins Park near the Stone Arch bridge, crews uncovered historically significant underground structures.
• Crews had to excavate more soil and debris material from over the tunnel than initially anticipated, some of which was contaminated.
• Because work in portions of the tunnel is in an active stormwater flow, some work can only occur during a five-month window of time due to safety issues.

A note from the project team

We know that a later completion date will not be great news for many residents, businesses, or visitors that live and work in the areas of aboveground work sites, but we wanted to convey this information to you in order to set a realistic expectation for the revised project timeline. We also realize that the noise and activity associated with construction projects is an inconvenience and undesirable to those residents and businesses who are in close proximity to the job sites. It is the goal of Public Works to minimize our construction timeline and disturbance to the public. The CCPT project is crucial to the City, as it services most of our downtown area. The new storm tunnel will be able to convey stormwater much more effectively from the downtown district to the river during high-intensity rain events.

The project has worked to address all concerns and issues brought to our attention to date, and we will continue to do so moving forward.  As always, you can communicate with us via the project website and communications number with any concerns or issues you might have. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Stay Connected

There are multiple ways to get information including email updates and ongoing stakeholder meetings. Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

What You Need to Know About the June 10 Community Connections Conference

Minneapolis residents can sign up now for the free 2023 Community Connections Conference on June 10. This year's theme, "Minneapolis in motion," welcomes all communities to explore how Minneapolis is growing, moving and changing, including through the City’s 2023-2024 priorities. The conference will run together with the 2023 Green Zone Summit for environmental justice.

The Community Connections Conference is a free annual event for residents, community groups, neighborhood organizations and local government to build relationships, learn together and create a better Minneapolis.

The 2023 conference will feature:

• Workshops and other breakout sessions in multiple languages. The subjects include renters’ rights, responsible development and worker well-being, creative expression and emotional release for incarcerated people through the community-based organization FreeWriters, building relationships with youths in challenging environments, recycling and organics, climate action, and creating a plan for saving energy at home.
• An exhibit hall showcasing more than 100 organizations with fun, interactive activities for both kids and adults.
• Opportunities to learn about City policies, programs and services.
• Lunch provided by local food vendors.
• Performances by local artists.

Community Connections Conference and Green Zone Summit
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 10
(Check-in starts and exhibit hall opens at 8 a.m.)
Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall A, Lower Level
Pre-registration is on the City website.

Call for breakout sessions, exhibits and volunteers

Community members can sign up by April 30 to lead a workshop, roundtable, panel or presentation.

Nonprofits and public institutions can apply for free exhibit space by April 30.

Volunteers can help spread the word about the conference, welcome guests, guide people to breakout sessions and keep lunch services running smoothly. Bilingual volunteers are especially helpful. The volunteer signup button is in the conference pre-registration form on the City website.

Register to attend the conference

Everyone is welcome to read more and register for the free Community Connections Conference on the City website.

Register for the April 22 Earth Day Bee Run/Walk/River Cleanup by Tomorrow, April 21!

Please help save our bees! Join Great River Coalition’s Earth Day Bee Run, Walk & River Clean Up at Boom Island Park, 729 Sibley Street NE.

- Designed T shirts with each paid entry, prizes, coffee, water, food, nuts, bananas

- Chance to win 4 MInnesota Vikings tickets,  US Bank Stadium, premium seats, Flat Screen TV,

- Booths, DJ, professional photographer, kids race, dog friendly, gorgeous run, walk 

Register!

Steve Cramer Announces Retirement From mpls downtown council and Mpls DID

Via an April 19 e-announcement

The mpls downtown council (mdc) and Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) announced today that Steve Cramer, president and CEO, will be retiring from the organization in December.

Steve CramerSteve Cramer has been a long-time champion and advocate for our city and community. He joined the organization in 2013 and has since led many important initiatives for downtown. He will wrap up his work later this year, but until then continues to remain focused on downtown’s next season.

Cramer has been a steady force behind many development and public realm projects, expanded community partnership to improve downtown conditions, advocated for common sense business regulations, and provided visible leadership over the challenging past few years.

“I have enjoyed working with Steve during my time on the mdc-DID board of directors. He has brought clear direction and focus to our collective work for downtown during an unprecedented season. Prior to that he helped our downtown reach new heights and levels of momentum,” said Karin Lucas, board chair of the mpls downtown council and Downtown Improvement District. “Steve has grown and positioned the organization for the future. We will certainly miss his leadership and wish him well in retirement.”

 “My bet is on downtown Minneapolis!” - Steve Cramer

During Cramer’s tenure, the organization along with roughly 450 members, hundreds of stakeholders, and ratepayers, have played a key role in advocating for downtown, ensuring downtown continues to thrive and maintain its trajectory of attracting new businesses, employees, residents, and investment. There are now 56,748 downtown residents within downtown’s five neighborhoods. More than 8.5 million patrons attended events last year downtown. All while providing a consistent presence within the 120-block district to keep downtown greener, cleaner, and safer.

“It’s been a privilege and pleasure to lead the mdc-DID, working with a talented and dedicated staff, hundreds of committed board members, and community leaders. This organization has charted the course forward for downtown over many decades, and that work will continue for the duration of my tenure and long into the future. I’m confident the path we are on will lead to renewed vibrancy after the historic disruptions of the last three years,” said Steve Cramer, president and ceo. “My bet is on downtown Minneapolis!”

Cramer’s impact on the downtown community will be marked by many contributions. Namely his work and dedication to improving downtown for business and community alike.

Cramer participated in the development of major public realm and infrastructure projects to enhance our downtown:

• The Commons Park
• A re-designed Nicollet
• Peavey Plaza renovation
• Hennepin Avenue reconstruction 

Cramer expanded community partnerships to improve social and security conditions downtown:

• Expanded privately supported outreach programs
• Added two embedded social workers focusing on downtown
• Launched the community storage program

Cramer advocated for common sense strategies to support our downtown:

• Business regulations
• Transportation infrastructure and funding
• Developments from affordable and luxury housing to new office buildings
• Public safety policies focused on a both/and approach

Cramer provided visible leadership for downtown stakeholders throughout the Covid pandemic and civil unrest.

Summit Academy's Northside STEM District to Host Minneapolis Students and Families May 6 at Target Plaza for Free Family Event

More than 1,000 K-8th grade students are expected to converge on Target Plaza Saturday, May 6, to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Volunteers from more than 20 Twin Cities STEM companies will guide students with hands-on activities and experiments as they uncover the wonders of STEM. Participants will:

• Code robots!
• Launch rockets!
• Fly drones!

A free shuttle will pick up participants at Summit Academy at 935 Olson Memorial Highway in Minneapolis and drop them off at the event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Target Plaza Commons, 1001 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.

It is the vision of Northside STEM District to build a strong, diverse pipeline of STEM leaders and innovators within the North Minneapolis ecosystem where every student has an equitable opportunity to participate and thrive as contributing citizens within their communities.

Summit Academy OIC is an accredited, nonprofit Career and Technical Education (CTE) Institute located in North Minneapolis. Summit offers specializations and industry certifications for in-demand careers in Information Technology (IT), Construction, and Medical Administrative Assistant, delivering academic rigor alongside marketable skills and connections to employers. Our mission is to empower individuals to develop their ability to earn and become contributing citizens in their communities and economic drivers of the State of Minnesota. 

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements Project Nears Completion

New restrooms open in May, fencing scheduled to come down in June, concerts return in July

A major renovation of Father Hennepin Bluff Park is nearly complete. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board would like to thank everyone for their patience while park access and use were limited since construction started last April.

The new restroom building next to the Stone Arch Bridge is expected to open in May. The construction fence around the park will remain in place throughout spring to allow areas that were seeded last fall to establish. Turf condition will be a major factor in determining when the park can fully reopen, hopefully by June. Please stay off these areas and respect signage and fencing!

Free concerts offered through Minneapolis Music in the Parks are scheduled to debut at the new stage in July. Stay tuned for more details.

Project Details

This Father Hennepin Bluff Park Improvements project includes:

• A new performance stage with seasonal restrooms
• New park entry plaza spaces
• Upgraded lights, path connections, wayfinding signage and trail markings
• Landscape and stormwater management improvements

The improvements are focused on the upper part of the park, not the lower paths closer to the Mississippi River.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is Coming; Expect Sirens April 20

April 17-21 is Severe Weather Awareness Week, when households and businesses are encouraged to practice what they’d do to stay safe if a tornado or severe weather strikes.

Expect sirens April 20

Thursday, April 20, is Tornado Drill Day. Sirens throughout the state will sound at 1:45 p.m. and at 6:45 p.m., giving people time to practice taking shelter in severe weather both at home and in the workplace. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota experiences an average of nearly 30 tornadoes per year.

Alerts

An electronic weather alert service can make you aware of any imminent weather danger with email or text notices. Check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for options for wireless emergency alerts and smartphone apps.

There is specific information for people with disabilities or access or functional needs about how to prepare for storm season and other emergencies.

If severe weather is approaching:

• Turn to local TV or radio or the weather channel, or make sure you have alerts enabled on a smart device or a weather radio programmed to pick up alerts inside. Weather sirens aren’t intended to be heard inside. If a warning is issued, go to the basement or an inner stairwell.
• If you’re outside and hear the weather sirens, go inside immediately and take shelter in an inner space away from windows. Don’t use elevators.
• Stay sheltered until the all-clear signal has been issued.

More about staying safe during severe weather

• Alerts and warnings
• Storms, hail and lightning
• Floods
• Tornadoes
• Extreme heat

Find emergency preparedness information on the City website.

Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at HERC During Doors Open Minneapolis

Saturday, May 13 from 10a to 5p (open Saturday only)

The Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) is one of the locations participating in the 2023 Doors Open Minneapolis event. It operates 24/7 to convert Minneapolis’ trash into energy, which provides electricity to 25,000 homes and heat to Target Field and downtown buildings.

Learn how HERC works and discover actions you can take to reduce waste. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the facility and the waste-to-energy process. Closed-toe shoes are required (no sandals) to participate in the portion of the tour to see the waste pit and claw that feeds trash into the furnace.

More information about Doors Open.

29th Annual Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup Will be Hosted at 40+ Park Locations on April 22

Join the Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup on Saturday, April 22! Drop in anytime between 9:30am and 12pm at any of 40+ park locations throughout Minneapolis and help clean up our beautiful city.

The Earth Day Cleanup has become the largest community service project in Minneapolis over the last 29 years. Since 2008, more than 23,000 people have removed more than 165,000 pounds of garbage.

It’s free to participate, no registration needed, just choose a site from our list and show up. We will provide bags and gloves, you help pick up junk that accumulated over the winter, and our partner City of Minneapolis Solid Waste and Recycling will process the collected bags. 

You can also get into the spirit by participating in the annual Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk at Boom Island Park! The event features a family- and dog-friendly fun run/walk (bee costumes encouraged!), river cleanup and Earth Day festivities.

Find a detailed list of clean-up sites and more information at minneapolisearthday.com, or view the flyer below:

“How to Become an American” Book Talk with Daniel Wolff at Mill City Museum

Wolff will discuss themes and topics from his latest non-fiction book

Thursday, April 27, 6:30–8:00 pm

The themes of history, immigration, and loneliness will be part of a discussion presented by Mill City Museum and The Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest. Author Daniel Wolff will host a book talk around his non-fiction book How to Become an American which examines immigration into the United States.

How to Become an American features one anonymous family of Jewish immigrants and their journey which led them to Minneapolis in the early 20th century. Attendees will hear real stories of the city’s Jewish community, and the challenges it faced during the time period. These stories are deeply personal, yet reflective of America as a whole.

Museum guests can join Wolff for this free lecture at 7 pm on April 27. Doors open at 6:30 pm. He invites the audience to contemplate the hurdles immigrants face in America and the experiences of their own families. Kate Dietrick, archivist of the Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives, will moderate the discussion.

This is a free event.

Great River Coalition Shares Tips on How to Have a Positive Impact on Pollinators

Summer at Peavey Plaza Corporate Sponsorship Opportunity 2023

Green Minneapolis is excited to announce their second year of presenting free performing arts events, Summer at Peavey Plaza! A five month series of over 100 diverse events, from live music to dance performances, including their new artist in residence, Kawai-endorsed touring pianist and vocalist Phil Thompson.

From May through September, Peavey Plaza will be the place to go Downtown for free music, dance and theater performances. Join them every Wednesday and Thursday lunch hour for performances by MNspin artists and every Saturday morning for Music in Motion with the Children’s Theatre Company, perfect for families with children. And don’t miss the Peavey Plaza Piano Bar brought to you by Phil Thompson every Tuesday afternoon, along with his Tribute Concerts every last Thursday of the month.

Call for Sponsors!

As a sponsor of this program your brand will be thanked prominently with the 10,000+ expected summer attendees for the 2023 season in addition to placements across print and social media campaigns. Promoting partners include mpls Downtown Council, Meet Minneapolis, City of Minneapolis and local tv, radio and print communications. 

Sponsorship Levels:

$1,000 Friend Sponsor

Includes:

● Company name listed on Green Minneapolis website and program

.

$2,500 Partner Sponsor

Includes:

● Company name listed on Green Minneapolis website and program

● Recognition as partner at every event

.

$5,000 Lead Sponsor

Includes:

● Company name listed on Green Minneapolis website and program

● Recognition as partner at every event

● Logo placement on event signage and press communications 

My Very Own Bed Announces the 3rd Annual Steps for Sleep Event, April 29

 Walk & Wellness Fundraising Event on April 29th

.

For the third consecutive year, Minneapolis nonprofit My Very Own Bed will host its annual Steps for Sleep – a walk and wellness fundraising event highlighting the connection between physical activity and healthy sleep while raising awareness and funds for its work providing new beds and Dream Kits to kids.

Members of the public are invited to:

• Walk 1.5 miles around Boom Island on April 29th at 9:30 a.m., starting at DeLaSalle High School.

• Or walk anywhere, April 22–29.

• Explore the Wellness Fair whether walking in-person or anywhere. Learn about healthy sleep, fitness, healing, nutrition, and more!

• Donate to support 1600 kids in the community with new beds this year.

• Start their own fundraiser to support kids’ healthy sleep.

Since its founding in 2014, My Very Own Bed has had one goal: to provide new beds and Dream Kits (bedding, books, and stuffed animals) to children moving into stable housing.

While working in social services, founder Michael Allen saw beds as a great need as he helped families move out of shelters and into homes. What struck him most was seeing children sleeping on the floor because a bed was out of reach for many families.

With support from a broad base of sponsors, volunteers, donors, and referral partners (social service organizations that connect My Very Own Bed with families), My Very Own Bed has grown to impact more kids and their families each year. In 2022 alone, My Very Own Bed provided 1637 beds to kids in 684 families.

The impact of receiving a new bed is immediate for a child and their family. Improving where and how children sleep improves their overall health and well-being, performance in school, behavior at home, physical health, and much more.

Register or donate at https://runsignup.com/Race/MN/Minneapolis/StepsforSleep

Minneapolis Convention Center 2023 Q2 Event Calendar

It's wonderful to see Downtown continually coming back to life. One example is the growing list of events scheduled for the Minneapolis Convention Center. The facility hosts numerous meetings, conventions and trade shows, helping to support the hospitality industry in the Minneapolis community.

Highlights of the Q2 event calendar include several shows open to the public, including the Twin Cities Auto Show, GeekCraft Expo, the People of Color Career Fair, MagicCon Minneapolis, Oddities & Curiosities Expo, Minnesota Con and the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships. Here's the current Q2 list:

APRIL

• Twin Cities Auto Show – March 31-April 8 – estimated attendance: 40,000
• Minnesota Craft Beer Festival – April 1 – estimated attendance: 6,000
• Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Expo – April 7 – estimated attendance: 6,500
• PEAK 2023, Midwest Poultry Federation – April 11-13 – estimated attendance: 2,500
• International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Conference – April 12-15 – estimated attendance: 1,200
• Kids Artistic Revue Regional Dance Competition – April 14-16 – estimated attendance: 1,500
• International Association of Operative Millers Annual Conference & Expo – April 17-21 – estimated attendance: 850
• Mantle Conference – April 19-22 – estimated attendance: 5,000
• Upper Midwest Electrical Expo – April 19-20 – estimated attendance: 4,000
• Region 4 Xcel Championships, Classic Gymnastics – April 21-23 – estimated attendance: 1,500
• GeekCraft Expo – April 22-23 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Mobility Conference & International Bus Roadeo, American Public Transportation Association – April 23-26 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Tax Executives Institute – MN Chapter Annual President’s Seminar – April 26-27 – estimated attendance: 550
• People of Color Career Fair – April 27 – estimated attendance: 500
• Starpower National Talent Competition – April 28-30 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Twin Cities River Rumble, North Country Region Volleyball – April 29-30 – estimated attendance: 6,000

MAY

• Music Matters Luncheon, MacPhail Center for Music – May 4 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Showbiz Regional Dance Competition – May 4-7 – estimated attendance: 2,700
• MagicCon Minneapolis – May 5-7 – estimated attendance: 8,500
• Humphrey-Mondale Dinner, Minnesota DFL– May 19 – estimated attendance: 1,800
• Metropolitan State University Commencement – May 6 – estimated attendance: 6,000
• North Hennepin Community College Commencement – May 11 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Minneapolis Community & Technical College Commencement – May 12 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Hennepin Technical College Commencement – May 17 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Talent on Parade Dance Competition – May 19-21 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Dunwoody College of Technology Commencement – May 20 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Oddities & Curiosities Expo – May 20 – estimated attendance: 8,000
• Richfield High School Prom – May 20 – estimated attendance: 250
• University of St. Thomas School of Law Commencement – May 20 – estimated attendance: 1,500
• An Evening with Dr. Zahi Hawass – May 22 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• NAMICon 2023, National Alliance on Mental Illness – May 24-27 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Bloomington Kennedy High School Graduation – May 30 – estimated attendance: 3,000
• Bloomington Jefferson High School Graduation – May 31 – estimated attendance: 3,000

JUNE

• Northern Lights Junior Volleyball Banquet – June 1 – estimated attendance: 1,500
• IASA Xchange and OnPOINT, Insurance Accounting and Systems Association – June 5-7 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Minnesota Con, NerdinOut – June 2-4 – estimated attendance: 8,000
• Minnesota Music Teachers Association Honors Concert – June 3 – estimated attendance: 3,400
• Robbinsdale Area Schools Graduation – June 5 – estimated attendance: 6,000
• Community Connections Conference – June 10 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Minnesota Connections Academy Graduation – June 10 – estimated attendance: 1,300
• Minnesota Virtual High School Graduation – June 10 – estimated attendance: 600
• Minneapolis Public Schools Graduation – June 10-12 – estimated attendance: 15,000
• Clinical Gait Analysis: A Focus on Interpretation, Gillette Children’s – June 12-14 – estimated attendance: 150
• USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships (11-13) – June 14-17 – estimated attendance: 20,200
• His Holiness the Sakya Trichen, Minnesota Sakya Center – June 17-18 – estimated attendance: 1,000
• Kiwanis International Convention – June 21-24 – estimated attendance: 6,000
• Professional Learning Communities at Work Institute, Solution Tree – June 26-28 – estimated attendance: 2,500
• Best Buy Charity Classic – June 27 – estimated attendance: 2,000
• Bollywood Concert – June 30 – estimated attendance: 1,500

2023 MacPhail Spotlight Series Final Performance, April 22: The Space Where Words Fail

The Space Where Words Fail

The MacPhail Spotlight Series: Musical Explorations in Spectral Colors comes to a spell bounding, collaborative crescendo as Twin Cities photographer

Asha Belk creates a visual landscape to join the eclectic sounds of MacPhail’s EMRA (Electronic Music and Recording Arts) Faculty. With Belk’s highly narrative photographic style, she will curate a selection of relevant photographs from the Twin Cities and beyond, that speak to the essence of family, individuals, and her passion as a social worker.

MacPhail’s EMRA faculty, led by Grammy nominated pianist Michael Cain, and joined by Isaac Rohr, Kenichi ‘DJ Just Nine’ Thomas, and Barbara Cohen will feature a wide variety of musical pieces featuring voice, keys, and electronic music of all sorts.

Belk had this to say about bringing her work to the stage at MacPhail, “This a selection of work I’ve done over the past ten years and I’m excited to see it coexist with the power of music! This curation of photos is about celebrating and authentically capturing Black Culture and showcasing those beautiful spaces that we create. I want the audience to leave with a greater sense of humanity and to bring them into someone else’s world. The title of this performance is ‘The Space Where Words Fail’ because I want the art to speak for itself."

The Space Where Words Fail will take place on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in MacPhail’s Antonello Hall. Tickets are available for purchase here.

Be The Change MN to Present the Follow Your Dreams College & Career Fair at Orchestra Hall, April 26

Wednesday, April 26, 9AM - 3PM at Orchestra Hall 

Be The Change MN presents the Follow Your Dreams College & Career Fair (FYD), a day-long event with a mission of providing education and employment equity to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students in the Minneapolis Public School District. 

FYD offers a wide range of opportunities including exhibitor booths, aspirational speakers, job opportunities & internships, breakout sessions, career path guidance, financial aid assistance and great giveaways throughout the day. All students will be provided bus transportation and lunch at the event. 

Some of the highlights of FYD are: keynote speaker, Donyea Cooley-White (Senior VP at Mojang Studios Minecraft, previously Xbox Live), Dream Boarding with Jasmine Brett-Stringer (WCCO), Dress to Impress with Keith Dorsett (Heimie’s Haberdashery), Social Media Best Practices with Joelle Allen (Interaction Traction) and Simplify the Resume with Ellen Walthour (Cufflink).

Be The Change MN founder John Baker is excited to bring to life his vision of offering underserved, immigrant and first generation college students a welcoming, engaging and one-stop shop for post-secondary options. “When we talk about ‘being the change’ in our communities, it’s about community philanthropy; leveraging volunteers, young people, professionals and family donors, businesses and corporations to all connect to support real people who truly need it.”

The event offers a myriad of ways for Twin Cities corporations, educational institutions, local businesses & non-profit organizations to participate:

- Join as a booth sponsor and interact with enthusiastic students at the start of their career path

- Fund cool and fun essential event elements like the Dream Boarding creation station, Lunch & Learn Sessions, the Social Media Photo Booth or hourly giveaways (AirPods, Swag Bags, etc)

- Recruit students for summer jobs and internships

- Contribute to the Friends of Be The Change MN Scholarship Fund

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Launches "Our Parks, Our Stories" Initiative to Commemorate 140th year

New storytelling initiative will build community archive full of park stories over the next year

April 4th marked the 140th anniversary of the Minneapolis Park Board. To commemorate, they launched a new storytelling initiative and year-long project called 140 Years: Our Parks, Our Stories.

They are collecting personal stories of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff, park users, and community members from across Minneapolis parks to build a community archive. Everyone is encouraged to share their story of a memory, person, place, event, or experience to help us shape the next chapter and legacy of the MPRB.

Share Your Story

• Submit your story using an online form
  • English
  • Español
  • Soomaali
  • Hmoob 
• Email a story and related photographs to ourstories@minneapolisparks.org. You can also email that account to ask for additional translation services. 
• Participate in upcoming storytelling programs this summer. More information coming soon on those events.

Submitted stories will be archived and may be featured on MPRB social media with your consent.

Featured Stories

The MPRB will periodically publish stories from its own staff and archives in addition to stories collected from community. The first two stories feature Reggie Jarrett, a MPRB parkkeeper for the last 30 years who has special connection to Farview Park; and Alice Dietz, an early recreation professional who oversaw a vast expansion in recreation opportunities in Minneapolis parks during her 40-year career spanning 1916-1957.

Apply for a City Boards and Commissions Opening - Advise City Leaders on Topics Important to You

The City of Minneapolis boards and commissions have openings for appointments this spring. The City seeks applicants with a diverse backgrounds and experiences representing the demographics of Minneapolis to strengthen the work of the City. City boards and commissions offer a direct way for residents to advise City leadership about topics important to them. Translation and interpreting is available so all residents can participate.

Applications will be accepted through April 30.

The following City boards and commissions seek applicants:

• Bicycle Advisory Committee
• Charter Commission
• Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
• Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• Southside Green Zone Council

The City has more than 50 volunteer-based boards, commissions and advisory committees that help shape key policy decisions, represent their community in the City’s administration of services and supply valuable insights. Appointments to boards and commissions are made twice a year, in the spring and fall.

Potential applicants can find more info on the website, call 612-673-2216 or email OpenAppointments@minneapolismn.gov.

MCAD Announces Artist List for 10th Annual Art Auction

Annual Art Auction Benefits Students Scholarships

As one of the creative pillars in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) hosts an annual art auction to raise funds for students in need of financial support. Every year the event showcases established artists from across the country, who donate their artwork, and gives attendees the chance to add paintings, photographs, sculptures, or ceramics to their own personal art collection. Because of the generosity of past Auction attendees, hundreds of students have received scholarships, ensuring that young creatives, artists, and designers have access to a college education. With more than 97% of MCAD scholars receiving some form of aid, this event is critical to ensuring that students from all backgrounds are financially supported as they pursue their degrees.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, May 19, 2023
Location: MCAD Main Gallery, 2501 Stevens Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Time: (VIP Preview Reception 6:00pm) 7:00–9:30pm
Tickets start at $150
All proceeds go to the MCAD Scholarship Fund.

Starting prices for artwork range from $480 to $9,600.

More infor, artist list and tickets: mcad.edu/artauction.

Sample pieces:

Clarence Holbrook Carter: Mining,1952, Painting, 19” x 17”

Jenny Monick: Peregrine, 2020, Oil on linen, 14” x 11"

CL Martin: El, 2022, Charcoal, pencil, acrylic on paper, 21” x 27”

"In the Company of Grace: A Veterinarian's Memoir of Trauma and Healing" Book Launch, April 13 at Open Book

Launch of Jody Lulich's debut memoir, In the Company of Grace: A Veterinarian's Memoir of Trauma and Healing, Thursday, April 13, 7:00p, Open Book Performance Hall

In the Company of Grace is Jody Lulich’s moving memoir about finding courage in compassion and strength in healing—and power in finally confronting the darkness of his youth to become a world-renowned veterinarian. He explains his path to veterinary medicine and how caring for helpless, voiceless animals amidst his own shame and pain provided a lifeline, and a chance to heal himself as well.

Dr. Lulich will give a short presentation along with a reading from the book with fellow reader Rose Klass, followed by a moderated conversation with Dr. Lindsay Merkel.

Book signing will follow, and books will be available for purchase at the event through Magers & Quinn.