City of Minneapolis Native-Focused Public Art Projects
City of Minneapolis sent this bulletin at 07/22/2026 03:00 PM CDT
Native-Focused Public Art Projects Newsletter
Welcome to the first edition of the Native-Focused Public Art Projects Newsletter. This newsletter is one way we'll stay connected as these projects move forward. In each edition, we'll share project updates, calls for artists, community events, and other opportunities to engage.
Thank you for being a part of the conversations, gatherings and community events that are shaping the direction for these projects. They aim to:
- Center Native American values, stories and voices
- Recognize the lasting resiliency and influence of Native people
- Build collective relationships to land and water
- Cultivate collaboration, inclusivity and shared success
- Support the growth of Native artists
Public Art at Owámniyomni
(left to right) Talon Cavender-Wilson, Lyric Duis, Arabella Howell, Dani Prados
This project is located at Water Works Park near the sacred Dakhóta sites of Owámniyomni and Wita Nagi. It is within the Dakhóta traditional homelands, near the Mill City Museum and Stone Arch Bridge. Owámniyomni is a place of deep significance and rich cultural heritage for Indigenous peoples, particularly the Dakhóta.
In August 2025 an independent selection panel selected the artist team. They include Talon Cavender-Wilson (Waĥpetoŋwaŋ Dakhóta), Lyric Duis (Dakhóta), Arabella Howell (Waĥpetoŋwaŋ Dakhóta) and Dani Prados. The artists will create artworks honoring Owámniyomni. They are currently meeting with community members throughout the region to listen, learn and inform the artwork.
Cedar Field Park
Photo Credit of Holly Henning by: Brittany Powell
(left to right) Holly Henning, Willard Malebear, Rock Martinez
This park is a two-acre open space located at 2500 Cedar Avenue South. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is renovating the park. The renovation includes an elders’ garden, playground, powwow space, and sport court. Construction begins this year. Little Earth Residents Association is next to Cedar Field Park. It is a 9.4-acre housing development. Twelve hundred Native people and over 35 tribal nations call Little Earth home.
The City posted a call for artists for this project last fall. Holly Henning (Anishinaabe/Cree), Willard Malebear (Standing Rock Sioux) and Rock Martinez (Pascua Yaqui/Azteca) were selected.
(left) photo by Steve Henke, (right) approximate mural area
Mural for the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts
Minneapolis and Minnesota are home to vibrant Native communities. Their cultures, traditions, languages, and artistic practices have shaped this region for generations. They continue to enrich our civic, cultural, and creative life today.
The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts is a nationally recognized dance center. Many in the dance community have expressed a desire for this venue to be more welcoming, inclusive, and reflective of the Minneapolis’ diverse communities.
The Cowles is within reach of the Mississippi River and Owámniyomni. These places have profound cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to Native Communities. For these reasons, Arts & Cultural Affairs is commissioning a major public mural honoring Native dance.
We are grateful to be working with a thoughtful and knowledgeable group of advisors on this project, Jerry Dearly (Oglala Lakota), Crow Bellecourt (Ojibwe), Sam Aros Mitchell (Yaqui), Micco Sampson (Mvskoke Creek/Seneca), Samsoche Sampson (Mvskoke Creek/Seneca), Miiskogihmiiwan Poupart-Chapman (Dakota/Ojibwe) Brian Heart (Dakota Ihanktonwan), Christine McDonald (Ojibwe/Lakota), Danielle DeLong (HoChunk) and Jasmine Fiddler (Mnicoujou Lakota).
Policies for Native Focused Public Art Projects
Arts & Cultural Affairs has adopted policies elevating Native values and perspectives in public art decision-making. These policies relate to projects:
- In and near Native sacred sites
- Involving Native artists
Unsubscribing: We realize that intentions and priorities change over time. If you prefer not to receive these notices, you can unsubscribe. Thank you for your interest in being here and shaping the future of this work.
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The Arts & Cultural Affairs Department exists to advance, support, stimulate, and promote a diverse and active arts and cultural environment that recognizes and draws on the full potential of Minneapolis’ artists and arts organizations, reflects, and responds to civic concerns and aspirations, and enriches the lives of all people who live in, work in and visit Minneapolis.
For additional information, reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact: Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, MPLSACA@minneapolismn.gov
People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.
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