- This event has passed.
Bridging Cultures, Bridge Mural Paint-a-thon
September 15 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
36th ART (Avenue Revitalization & Transformation), a resident-led community improvement initiative in South Minneapolis, is deepening its partnership with the Hiawatha Collegiate High School to present Bridging Cultures, a bridge mural paint-a-thon culminating in a free community cultural festival on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 1-5 pm.
Building on the success of the two wall murals Hiawatha students created under the 36th Avenue Greenway bridge last year with help from a team of local muralists—entitled River Memory—the partners now plan to creatively complete the transformation of the aging, unwelcoming structure with help from City Mischief Murals, a talented group of multicultural artists led by Indigenous culture bearer Thomasina TopBear.
“My approach to art making derives from my Oceti Sakowin culture and values, while using art to express thoughts on social justice, spirituality and togetherness. I’m very excited to be a part of this special event because of the large amount of community collaboration that is going into making this project a reality! I hope this mural encourages the neighborhood residents and visitors to pause for a moment or slow down to reflect on the beauty of this place.”
– Thomasina TopBear, lead muralist
In addition to colorfully painting all of the remaining concrete surfaces of the bridge—over a 48-hour period—36th ART and the school are hosting a community-building cultural festival near the bridge, in the parking lot behind the school, coinciding with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. The school is located at 3500 East 28th Street in South Minneapolis.
“This project is an inspiring reminder that, through meaningful partnerships and a group of committed individuals, we can make a big difference in the lives of our youth and our community.”
– Jack Becker, 36th ART member and Bridging Cultures project manager
Bridging Cultures will commence Sunday at 1 p.m. and culminate at 5 p.m. with the unveiling of the newly transformed bridge. The festival will be produced by the renowned nonprofit Indigenous Roots. The festival is designed to bring Hiawatha students and their families together with Seward and Longfellow neighbors for an afternoon of cultural presentations, food, fashion, music, dance, stencil-making and much more.
Leaders at the school, which opened its doors six years ago, are excited to build deeper relationships with its Seward and Longfellow neighbors and grow broader community understanding and appreciation for the many facets of Latinx cultures housed in the school. The gathering will also introduce students and their families to the residents and businesses in the surrounding community.
“This project serves as a daily reminder of the power of art to bring communities together, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. It has also offered our students a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art and understand the positive impact it can have on public spaces. We believe that continuing and expanding this project will further enrich our city’s cultural landscape.”
– Melanie Johnson, Senior External Relations, Hiawatha Academies
Funding is made possible by Seward Neighborhood Group, Xcel Energy, Longfellow Community Council, UCare, Minneapolis Foundation, Anderson Realty, Electrotune, Seward Civic & Commerce Assn., Premier Construction, Kevin and Terry Barnes, anonymous donors, and in-kind support from Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority.
For inquiries about this project, additional photographs, and interviews, contact: Jack Becker, 36th ART, Project Manager, 612-618-0334, beckerjack54@gmail.com
Calendar:
• 36th Avenue is closed for 48-hours, starting Friday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. to prepare the site for the paint-a-thon.
• Paint-a-thon is underway throughout Saturday, Sept. 14 (available for viewing).
• Paint-a-thon continues on Sunday, Sept. 15, concluding at 4 p.m.
• Bridging Cultures festival and community celebration will take place Sunday, Sept. 15, 1-5 p.m., culminating with the unveiling of the completed bridge and a brief program.
# # #