Manoomin Arts Initiative

Artwork by Emily Klarer

Supporting Artists
Developing local framework for arts Economy
Creating Welcoming Environments

The Manoomin Arts Initiative
is a collective that energizes
arts-centered cultural vibrancy
through ongoing initiatives
for adults, families, and youth.
We work with collaborators within
Mahnomen County,
White Earth Reservation,
and the surrounding region.

Plans June 7th?

Region 2 Arts Council is partnering with Naytahwaush Community Council for a Vendor's Market & Artist Luncheon. Come through and meet with Region 2 Staff as well as other creatives and artists for conversation, fellowship, and a

We appreciate all of our funders that help to make Manoomin Arts Initiative what it is, and we couldn't be happier to announce our newest funder!
Thank-you to our new funder 2025-2026 McKnight Foundation.

Miigwech to everyone who came out for the opening of Rick Kagigebi's McKnight Textile Fellowship show: Ceremony Blankets.

Miigwech to McKnight, the Textile Center, Manoomin Arts Initiative, & Gizhiigin Arts Incubator.

Miigwech to Tracy Krumm fr

Tomorrow is the day!

Rick Kagigebi's Ceremony Blanket show opens at Gizhiigin Arts Incubator. Join us for the McKnight talk for artists at 3pm, and the artist reception and talk from 4-6 pm.

Check out the menu from Indigenous Chef Candace Stock.

Join us Tuesday March 18th for Rick Kagigebi's opening of Ceremony Blankets at the Gizhiigin Arts Incubator.
The opening will feature an artist talk and reception from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Prior to the opening will be a McKnight Fellowship session for a

Region 2 Arts will be in Mahnomen providing a photography session Monday March 17th. From Noon until 4 pm they will be hosting a portfolio photoshoot for local artists and makers. Join them at the Animikii Print Club (old Starkey Studio) space.

We

Join us for the opening of local Artist & McKnight Fiber Arts Fellow Rick Kagigebi March 18th!

Ceremony Blankets exhibit by Rick Kagigebi
2024 MCKNIGHT FIBER ARTIST FELLOWSHIP EXHIBITION
March 18, 2025 Opening Reception
February 21 – May 2

Tomorrow our friend and one of our favorite collaborators Marcie Rendon will be showcasing Say Their Names presented by the Mni Giizhik Theater Ensemble. The presentation will be at the Shooting Star Casino Event Center for an MMIWR and Heart Health

Opportunity!
We're planning to attend this virtual workshop, and if you're interested in capital campaigns for creative places you should too! Department of Public Transformation is joining with New York Mills Cultural Center Executive Director Bets

2024 was a wonderful year for MAI and poetry! We were able to have two poets with ties to the area join us for workshops and residencies.

Marcie Rendon joined us for several days of readings and workshops in November.

Kimberly Blaeser visited for

MAI invites artists of the Mahnomen area Sunday, January 19th to an Artist Gathering 2 to 4pm at Gizhiigin Arts Incubator.

Please bring some of your art to share!
Snacks and door prizes will be available!

2024! What a year, we want to say thank you to everyone that showed up for Manoomin Arts Initiative! And a huge thank you to our funders that helped to make our world go round. Thank you to Propel, Activate Rural, the Waterers, and the Blandin Fou

What a wonderful way to open the Mazinaatebiishin "It is reflected in the water" show with Eliza Klarer and Jakob Littlewolf. Thank you to all who made their way to Gizhiigin to celebrate these two wonderful artists. The show will be up u

We are a diverse group of community builders, advocates, and artists. We want to wish a Happy Indigenous People’s Day to all of our Indigenous friends, neighbors, and relatives.

"It is wonderful to promote Public Art within our city. It gives us an idea and expression of who we are as a community."

-Deb McArthur
“Art can be very very powerful, and it can move people, and it can change places like Mahnomen, it has that power. This is a wonderful opportunity for our kids and in our community.”

- Kent Estey
“A home is about belonging. This can be a place where everyone feels that they are acknowledged and validated and celebrated for who they are.”

- Penny Kagigebi