September 20, 2025
Minnesota arts leaders — including, from left, Chris Harrington of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts; Katherine Luber of the Minneapolis Institute of Art; Maija Garcia of the Capri Theater; and Philip Bither of the Walker Art Center — are adapting and looking to the future with guarded optimism during what has been a tough year. (Jeff Wheeler/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Theaters, orchestras and museums are exploring creative ways to lure new audiences.
By Rohan Preston
The Minnesota Star Tribune
This has been a tough year for Minnesota’s arts community.
Just as theaters, orchestras and museums were getting their groove back after being knocked sideways by COVID-19, the National Endowment for the Arts delivered a gut-punch: a sudden cut of approved grants to arts organizations across the nation, including $882,500 allotted to 35 groups in Minnesota.
That shock came amid continued decreases in corporate funding, struggles to fill seats, and the shuttering of companies such as the Old Log Theatre, HUGE Improv Theater and the James Sewell Ballet. The Cowles Center, Minnesota Dance Theatre and Park Square Theatre also went dark for a time to regroup.
These hurdles threaten the rich cultural life that Minnesotans are accustomed to having. Funding cuts usually mean leaning into safe programming and fewer experimental or ambitious projects coming from arts organizations.
There are also potential economic impacts. Arts and culture directly and indirectly added $14.8 billion to the state’s economy in 2023, or 3.1% of its gross domestic product, according to the NEA, including $7.7 billion in wages to 93,918 workers.
We’re in a defining moment. I’m not minimizing how hard it is by saying we will come through it.
Chris Harrington, president and CEO of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
But Minnesota arts leaders are adapting and looking to the future with guarded optimism; it’s because they’re also leaning into the past that makes the North Star State stand out.
“We’re in a defining moment,” said Chris Harrington, president and CEO of the multidisciplinary Ordway Center. “I’m not minimizing how hard it is by saying we will come through it,” he said.
On the leading edge, historically
Minnesotans have always cared deeply about cultural enrichment, said Sue Gens, executive director of the Minnesota State Arts Board. “This is one of the things that sets us apart from every other state — this longstanding tradition of strong support and investment in the arts.”
about the writer
Rohan Preston
Critic / Reporter
Rohan Preston covers theater for the Minnesota Star Tribune.
See More