Merry Microgrants!

Downtown, Economic Revitalization, Grants

The Friends of Downtown Northfield is excited to announce the return of Merry Microgrants for downtown business. Following its successful debut in 2022, this program aims to add a bit of holiday cheer to our downtown during the winter season.

Up to 10 grants will be awarded to participating downtown businesses for up to $150 reimbursement for interior and exterior storefront decoration supplies.

Eligibility:

  • Location: Your business should be within the C1 zoning district. A map is available for reference.

  • Storefront: Your business must be a brick-and-mortar establishment or a nonprofit with a public-facing storefront.

  • Priority consideration will be given to businesses actively participating in the Winter Walk event.

Apply in minutes using the online application form.

Don’t miss the opportunity to add a touch of festivity to your business. Ensure your applications are submitted by November 27th. Selected businesses will be notified by November 28th. At that time, you’ll receive comprehensive program details and next steps.

For any inquiries about the program or assistance with the application process, please feel free to contact us at info@friendsofdowntownnorthfield.com.

An evening photograph of the Winter Walk in downtown Northfield, Minnesota A photograph of store window display from the Winter Walk in downtown Northfield, Minnesota

 

 

Upcoming Artists on Main Street Events

Art Town, Arts and Culture Commission, Public Art

We’re proud to support 8 projects for this year’s Artists on Main Street. Learn more about all of the projects supported this year. There are a few upcoming events and opportunities to participate!

Mosaic Unveiling – October 2: Join Michael Sweere at the Northfield Public Library starting at 4:00pm for the unveiling of his mosaic, Your Mind is a Magic Wand.

Poets at the Depot – October 7: Join us at the Northfield Depot from 2:00pm – 4:00pm for a free poetry reading.

 

Paper Mosaic Workshop – October 19: Join artist Michael Sweere for an introduction to paper mosaics at the Northfield Public Library at 5:30pm. Learn more and register online.

 

New Hispanic Heritage Banners

Art Town, Arts and Culture Commission, Diversity Equity Inclusivity, Public Art

The Northfield Arts and Culture Commission and the Friends of Downtown Northfield are pleased to announce the winning design for new downtown banners in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Corn Connections by Constanza Ocampo-Raeder and sons Emiliano and Joaquin was selected by a volunteer public art review committee in July out of 12 outstanding submissions from local and regional artists.

The banner depicts different kinds of corn that bear significance and speak to cross-cultural connections: Joaquin and Emiliano’s favorite Oaxacan corn (purple), sweet corn (yellow), and heritage Native American popcorn (red). The sun represents both the beautiful sunsets as well as the joys of eating corn tortillas with every meal.

The banners will be displayed on light poles along Division Street in time for Northfield’s sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on September 15, remaining for Hispanic Heritage Month and into November.

A brief dedication will take place at the Third Thursdays Downtown event hosted by Friends of Downtown Northfield and Riverwalk Market Fair on September 21 at 6:30 p.m. Remarks by Mayor Rhonda Pownell and Arts and Culture Commission Chair Paula Granquist will be provided in Spanish and English.

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed September 15 to October 15, is an annual celebration of the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America or other regions that identify with the aforementioned cultures.

Learn more about the artist and design in the banner’s virtual dedication video.

Downtown Developments

City Council, City of Northfield

There are multiple public and private developments in the planning stages for downtown. The Council meeting tonight on August 8 will include discussion on the Transit Hub, Bridge Square, and 5th and Washington St redevelopment.

To comment on the projects, there are a few options.

  • In person during the meeting (2 minutes per Open Public Comments and/or Regular Agenda items)
  • Virtually during the meeting (2 minutes per Open Public Comments and/or Regular Agenda items)
  • Use the eComment feature on the online agenda item (available from the time the agenda is published until noon the day of the meeting)
  • Email the city clerk
  • Mail the city clerk
  • Contact Council members directly

Your comments will be part of the official public record.

To stay up to date and learn more about the various downtown projects, view the Construction & Development projects page. 

Art-Train Individual Artist Training

Art Town, Arts and Culture Commission, Public Art

Are you interested in working more with your community? Sign up for Art-Train!

Art-Train is a virtual technical assistance program for artists, municipal agencies, and community-focused organizations in all sectors, in communities of all sizes across the nation. With trainings taking place throughout the year, Art-Train provides proven strategies that will help you reach and engage more people, increase community relevance and connection, and find innovative ways to be more effective—creating authentic, equitable and lasting change.

There are four upcoming Art-Train trainings this fall.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM
Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM
Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 5:00-8:00 PM
Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 1:00-4:00 PM

Learn more and register online at: https://springboardforthearts.org/art-train-training-artists/