Minneapolis looks to rent vacant storefronts to local artists, organizations

A new Minneapolis initiative will give local artists and organizations a break on rent to fill empty storefront properties.   

The Vibrant Storefronts Initiative came out of Mayor Jacob Frey’s Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Workgroup. The city says it’s still feeling the effects of the pandemic and civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Many storefronts in the area have been left vacant, but the project aims to restore vibrancy, increase foot traffic, and boost economic stability across the city, starting on historic Harmon Place near Loring Park.  

The City Council approved $250,000 from the 2024 budget and debuted the initiative Wednesday. Local artists and organizations can apply for a space and receive up to $50,000 for up to two years.  

The city said it’s a win-win situation, meaning local artists will be able to find affordable spaces and storefront owners will be able to fill vacant properties.  

Jenni Undis was a business owner in Harmon Place until 2016. She said the area used to be bustling with all storefronts filled with businesses.  

“I’m very excited to see that the city is investing in this area and bringing the arts back into this neighborhood,” Undis said. “With the history and beautiful old buildings, the beautiful natural space of the park, it’s just a really magical neighborhood.”  

The initiative is not exclusive to visual arts and includes all mediums, such as digital and performative. The city wants to bring in a variety of artists and organizations, with the expectation that quarterly showcases or events will be held to attract visitors.

“When art thrives in our community and at storefronts like this, people living here and driving by take notice. It also becomes a positive reason to visit and keep coming back,” said Ben Johnson, the director of the city’s Arts and Cultural Affairs department.

Johnson said the arts are central to the identity of Minneapolis and are what makes the city strong.  

City Council member Katie Cashman also backed the initiative.

“Community arts not only bring joy and beauty to our neighborhoods, they also allow us to have meaningful conversations about what our shared identity is,” Cashman said.

The initiative currently has eight properties for artists to apply for and hopes to add and expand in the future and is set to run for the next two years.  

Program Manager Cassie Garner said there has already been interest from local artists.  

Applications go live on Friday, July 26.