From upcoming art and event activations to new marketing campaign, Lake Street Lift gains momentum
As we settle into 2025 and plan for the year ahead, there’s a lot to be excited about on Lake Street! One of the things we can’t wait to see fully bloom is our new Lake Street Lift initiative, made possible through our partnership with the Graves Foundation and fueled by $8 million in state funding from the City of Minneapolis – all to support the economic health and vitality of our beloved Lake Street community.
Lake Street Lift is designed to celebrate the many diverse people and places that call Lake Street home by connecting local businesses, nonprofits, creatives and entrepreneurs with project-based support and resources. When paired with all the other great corridor-wide work underway, this creative, community-driven approach will help in cultivating a more vibrant, safe and flourishing Lake Street.
To kick off upcoming Lake Street Lift events while generating public awareness and enthusiasm for the initiative, a comprehensive new marketing campaign that tells the vibrant, ever-evolving story of the Lake Street we all know and love will begin in March. With an investment of $400,000 made exclusively toward statewide advertising, this campaign will help support small businesses especially by attracting new and returning customers and visitors.
Another element of Lake Street Lift that we’re excited about is the many upcoming art and places activations! Interactive art experiences and events will be key to attracting visitors and making Lake Street the arts and events epicenter of Minneapolis. Our calls for your fresh, innovative ideas were met with enthusiasm and originality. As of February, we’ve committed funds to:
15 joyful small community events, totaling $77,500 in funding, to directly support the hyper-local economies, businesses, and artists on Lake Street;
A total of 12 Big Ideas projects – unforgettable experiences and events, ranging from cultural festivals and art installations to digital projections and food tours – supported by $400,000 in funding; and
Six imaginative festivals, whose creators will participate in a The Great Northern-led festival cohort. Through Lake Street Lift, up to $600,000 will be invested in hosting these festivals.
It’s a big year for Lake Street! We can’t wait to gather with you all to enjoy the many exciting and inspiring things our corridor has to offer. Stay tuned!