B
en Johnson is working towards bringing Minneapolis back to its roots as a center for creative arts in the Midwest. He was born in Winona and grew up on his family farm near the Iowa border. Recognizing that farming wasn't his calling, he pursued a career in the arts, moving to Michigan, then to Minneapolis, and finally to California where he served as the arts and culture manager for Beverly Hills. These experiences have informed his vision for his current role as the first-ever director of the Arts and Cultural Affairs Department for the city of Minneapolis.

    Johnson sat down with Finance & Commerce in late August to discuss the Arts and Culture Vibrant Storefront Initiative, an idea aimed at investing in Minneapolis artists so they can have studio spaces to work in and hold events. This initiative is part of the city's post-pandemic revitalization efforts for downtown Minneapolis.

    Johnson has been in his role for over a year now, and he's adjusting well to the position. He understands that his job is not just about managing a festival or venue but about considering the entire ecosystem of how cities work to advance or not advance certain conditions. He's focused on looking at what kind of city Minneapolis is and what opportunities there are for artists and culture workers who live there or want to work there.

    In July, the city announced the Vibrant Storefronts Initiative, which was a mayoral priority aimed at bringing vibrancy back to downtown Minneapolis as part of their 2040 plan. Johnson noticed that there wasn't enough available space for the level of creativity he saw in the city, despite having great models like Northrup King. They identified the Harmon Place area and started meeting with building owners or leasing agents to become partners in the initiative. The program offers up to $50,000 in rent assistance and cam costs for six to eight spaces in the area, with a requirement for at least quarterly events in each space. The initiative has received strong interest, with 150 artists and organizations RSVPing for a walking tour of the spaces.

    Mayor Frey has included more funding for the program in his latest budget, which would allow them to expand the initiative to other areas like Uptown. Johnson hopes that arts and culture can be used to address issues in the city, such as vibrancy and the use of space, and make downtown a positive experience for visitors.