The Friends of Downtown Northfield are proud to announce the return of the Artists on Main Street program for the fourth year! This program makes grants of up to $5,000 that allow artists to create and exhibit their work in the heart of Northfield’s downtown district. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, musician, dancer, or any other type of artist, this program is for you. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your creativity, gain exposure, and connect with the Northfield community. This year’s theme is Meet me at the River!
The 2023 program is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a $25,000 grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, with an additional $10,000 contribution from the City of Northfield’s One Percent for the Arts Program. These contributions will be used to fund artists who have inventive and original ideas for adding to the beauty of Northfield’s downtown.
“We are thrilled to bring this program back,” said Christopher Tassava, Board President of the Friends of Downtown Northfield. “It’s an excellent opportunity to support artists and enhance the cultural health of our community.”
A Public Art Review Committee comprised representatives from the Friends of Downtown Northfield; the city’s Arts and Culture Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, and Park and Recreation Advisory Board; downtown business; and youth members will work to select artists for the program.
“The Arts and Culture Commission is eager to work together with the Friends on another round of Artists on Main Street,” said Natalie Draper, library director and staff liaison to the Arts and Culture Commission. “We look forward to seeing the creativity and talent of artists on display.”
The Friends of Downtown Northfield and the Arts and Culture Commission welcome all to be a part of Northfield’s vibrant arts scene. Full guidelines on the program and the application are available online. The Friends and the Arts and Culture Commission hope to select and announce grants to artists by July; grantees will have until October to carry out their funded projects.
