The young woman wearing a hijab is holding her son’s tiny hand in hers as she
walks into the newly opened St. Louis Park arts center. She was only a junior in
high school when she learned about the arts and culture task force for the first
time. She couldn’t believe when they invited her to be a youth representative
– she’d never been asked to do anything so important before and at first it was
kind of scary.

Ten years ago the city engaged the public in a process of taking a look at the arts
and culture, and ways in which the city and its public and private partners could
develop spaces throughout the community, into everyday life, that feel inclusive
and welcoming, and can be used by participants and spectators. There needed to
be a strong youth voice involved in the process, young people who had not previously
been involved – untapped energy and leadership.
This public process successfully reached out to diverse community, developed
relationships, and created that which reflects not only our needs and wants, but
also a safe, welcoming environment. The arts center is where you go whether you
are interested in Chinese Calligraphy, practicing strokes as a meditative process;
or the environmental arts; or traditional Mexican cuisine. It is an inviting, multicultural,
and accessible facility where a universal language draws us together.
Everything here today reflects our global community, yet it remains flexible
to adapt to new times so we can keep it fresh for this young woman’s son, with
whom she so proudly shares this experience, and future generations.
While the arts center is the bricks and mortar, the humanities and creative
productions exhibited throughout the community ideally define who we are
collectively. Arts and culture is now used to reflect the character of various
neighborhoods. St. Louis Park has beautifully maintained gardens and city
incentives entice property owners and developers to include in building plans
the installation of public art. Local businesses are encouraged to allow artists to
display or create art in storefronts and office space. Arts and culture activities
are financially stable, with non-profits, government, business, and community
collaborating to identify and attain sustainable funding sources. The city and
schools (private and public) work together to promote and support the arts by
sharing their facilities and resources. Strong relationships exist with organizations
that serve diverse populations, and grant programs promote diversity in
the arts.

St. Louis Park is a destination for those with an interest in the arts and culture,
a place to learn about one another and to celebrate our commonalities. In St.
Louis Park we have developed our own culture, a culture that embraces a little
piece of everyone who passes through -- and a bigger piece of those who stay.
 

Arts and Culture Action Team
Bill Kenzie, Chair
Marcia Honold
Staff Liaison
John Altepeter
Manny Camilon, Jr.
Clark Niederjohn
Margaret Rog
Susan Schneck
Wendy Skinner
Kay Wolfe
arts & culture
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