The Minneapolis Institute of Art and Minnesota Aurora FC Announce Partnership Connecting Art, Sport, and Community
Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 1:57PM
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has announced a multi-faceted partnership with Minnesota Aurora FC, a community-driven, women-led soccer club, that brings together visual art, design, and athletic movement in a new collaboration rooted in Minnesota’s creative and cultural life.
For its fifth season, Aurora’s jersey will become art in motion. Designed by Mia, in collaboration with local artist and educator Lindsay Nohl, the kit celebrates Minnesota through original artwork that moves with every sprint, pass, and goal. Nohl, a professor at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) and an accomplished creative leader, partnered with both teams to create a design that transforms the field into a public gallery. Nationally recognized for past jersey releases, Aurora continues to treat its kit as more than a uniform. It is the most visible expression of the club’s identity and a powerful canvas for storytelling.
The collaboration unites two women-led, community-driven institutions that share a belief in Minnesota as a creative and cultural capital. Together, Mia and Minnesota Aurora FC will create experiences that bridge art and sport, expand audiences, and deepen community connection through storytelling, design, and shared public moments.
“Art doesn’t live in just one place, and neither do our audiences. We believe deeply in Minnesota and in the organizations that shape its cultural life. By partnering with Minnesota Aurora, we’re inviting fans into new spaces — including the museum — through shared experiences that blend creativity, community, and sport.” Katie Luber, Mia’s Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director and President
Minnesota Aurora FC, founded on the principle “For Community, By Community,” has built a loyal following around the joy of soccer as a collective experience—one defined by shared emotion, belonging, and celebration.
"Minnesota Aurora exists because this community showed up and believed in something different. This partnership is an extension of that spirit. We want our players, our fans, and our cities to see themselves reflected in the spaces we create, whether that's at TCO Stadium or at Mia." Saara Hassoun, President, Minnesota Aurora
The partnership further affirms Mia’s commitment to equity, representation, and inclusive storytelling in a highly visible public space. It speaks directly to the museum’s mission to celebrate creativity, elevate artists, and invite broader, younger, and more diverse audiences into meaningful cultural experiences.
Launch Details
As a part of this partnership, Aurora’s official kit reveal will take place on April 2, 2026. Mia and Minnesota Aurora will be giving away tickets to this event to 20 lucky fans through their social media channels. Additional details about the event are forthcoming.
