The purpose of ARTS in Ely is to nurture and develop the arts community with resources, connections, and support, and to promote economic growth through networking, marketing, and outreach. We cooperate to support art creation, experiences, and collaboration.
Where We’ve Been
In autumn 2017, a large group of artists and art supporters gathered to brainstorm about arts in the Ely, Minnesota area. Since then, numerous ad hoc committees have created mission and purpose statements, established a Facebook group to provide information about what’s going on and how to get involved, worked on the development of an arts directory website, hosted a fundraiser to pay for website development, and overseen the creation of the directory.
Where We Are Now
The online arts directory is live! It will help artists find one another for collaboration, inspiration, and growth; allow arts consumers to easily find the art they need in their lives; provide arts vendors with audience contact, and promote arts education opportunities. The directory includes individual artists of all kinds, classes, and workshops, arts organizations, resources for artists of all disciplines, and venues for displaying, performing, and teaching. There will always be a free listing level, and we want to include all Ely area, arts-related individuals and groups. Online registration will allow any arts-related individual, business, or organization to manage their listing. For those who prefer to have Arts in Ely manage their listing, there will be a paper form at the Ely Public Library.
Where We’re Going
We are now developing a budget and considering grants to help us maintain and market the directory. Expansion of the website to include more elaborate paid listings is being planned, and we are looking for other ways to develop the economic benefits of Ely arts. We welcome new members to share ideas and ways to keep ARTS in Ely lively, and to support sustainable economic growth and diversity in our area. Please consider coming to our open meetings. Our Facebook group page. includes meeting times and locations, a place to sign up for our email group, and an opportunity to donate.
