The City of Minneapolis has kickstarted its innovative investment in the local dance scene with the 2025 Bridge Fund for Dance, dishing out $656,800 to notable dance projects. Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted the transformative nature of dance, saying it "has the power to turn sidewalks into stages and strangers into neighbors." The new fund marks an emphasis on arts in constructing dynamic communities and a culturally vibrant downtown area.
Created in reaction to the Cowles Center shutting its doors for an indeterminate time, the Bridge Fund is a testament to the strength and advocacy of the local dance community. Ben Johnson, the city's Director of Arts & Cultural Affairs, believes that this year's 41 awardees represent the ethos of experimentation and cultural dialogue they're aiming to galvanize. The overwhelming response saw over 120 applications, signaling a high demand for such inclusive financial support.
Each funding category targets distinct areas of need: Development and Research Residency Support, with grants to artists like Sam Arros-Mitchell, who is creating "Juya Nokakamea," an immersive Indigenous dance piece; Production & Tech Week Support, backing collaborations such as TU Dance's expansion of "EVIDENCE" at the Northrop Auditorium; and Presentation Support for events across the city, including "Pride of Place," a silent-disco dance held by The Great Northern Festival. More details of the funded projects can be found on the Bridge Fund for Dance website.
