Bloomington, MN — The City of Bloomington is now accepting applications for the 2025 Blooming Arts Partnerships grant program. This program provides funding to nonprofit arts organizations, unincorporated Cultural Arts Groups, artists and community arts education programs that create a meaningful impact in Bloomington. Both new and returning applicants are encouraged to apply.

Grants of up to $10,000 per applicant may be available. Eligible applicants include those in performing arts (dance, theater, opera, spoken word, puppetry, music, and other types of performance), and those in visual arts, with a strong preference for projects and programming based in Bloomington. 

“The Blooming Arts Partnerships grants help support and strengthen Bloomington’s creative community,” said Ian Brekke, Center for the Arts Manager. “By investing in artists and organizations, we’re able to expand access to the arts, foster collaboration and ensure that diverse and meaningful cultural experiences continue to thrive in our city.”

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 22 at 11:59 p.m. A panel review process will follow with funding recommendations considered by the Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission and City Council. Grant awards will be distributed in June.

For full eligibility details, application materials and deadlines, visit blm.mn/bloomingarts.

Front row (L to R): Joe Fittante (President, Larkin Hoffman), Gary Trettel (CFO, Ziegler Cat), Pahoua Hoffman (Senior VP, HealthPartners), Brian Ryks (CEO, Metropolitan Airports Commission), Jeff Lipovetz (President & CEO, TKDA). Back row (L to R): Rich Hoge (COO, Mall of America), John Morris (SVP & CTO, Seagate), Rick Olson (CEO, Toro), Richard Lewis (President, Life Sciences, Donaldson Co.), Tim Busse (Mayor, Bloomington), Christian Weisenahl (CFO, SICK USA), Mike Ritzenthaler (CFO, Polar Semiconductor), Bonnie Carlson (President & CEO, Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism), Kurt Zellers (CEO, Minnesota Business Partnership). Not pictured but in attendance: David Dikken (CEO, MTL), Tod Carpenter (CEO, Donaldson Co.)

Bloomington, MN – Business and community leaders from across Bloomington gathered last week for the inaugural Bloomington CEO Summit, an event designed to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and drive economic development. Hosted by Mayor Tim Busse, the summit brought together business leaders and City officials to build relationships and discuss the future of Bloomington’s business landscape.

“Our overarching theme today is economic development, which is vital to the growth and prosperity of our city,” said Mayor Busse in his opening remarks. “By strengthening relationships among our business leaders, we can make the most of opportunities, solve challenges and build a stronger Bloomington together.”

Bloomington, the fourth-largest city in Minnesota, plays a crucial role in the economic success of the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington region. With a workforce of nearly 87,500 and a diverse business ecosystem spanning corporate headquarters, tourism, hospitality, and emerging industries, Bloomington continues to see reinvestment and new business growth.

Executive-level leaders from Larkin Hoffman, Ziegler Cat, HealthPartners, Metropolitan Airports Commission, TKDA, Mall of America, Seagate, Toro, Donaldson Co., SICK, Polar Semiconductor, Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism, MTL and Minnesota Business Partnership were in attendance. Given the level of engagement, the City anticipates more will take part in future meetings. 

Throughout the event, speakers highlighted key economic initiatives, recent development successes, and strategies for removing barriers to business expansion. Discussions focused on job creation, infrastructure improvements, and positioning Bloomington as a top destination for businesses and talent. 

Per the post-event survey, one executive said the CEO Summit was "a great networking opportunity and exchange with the City of Bloomington." He went on to say that he looks forward to future events and "the collaboration between companies" that will take place.

Business leaders at the CEO Summit commented that they appreciate this unique effort the City is making to build relationships with businesses. There was also excitement among attendees about the City’s five-year economic development plan and its focus on building an enduring and remarkable community that business leaders can use to lure top talent.  

“This summit is just the beginning,” Busse added. “We aim to create an ongoing dialogue with our business community, ensuring that Bloomington remains a desirable place to live, work and invest.”

For more information on the City of Bloomington’s economic development initiatives, visit blm.mn/port.

Bloomington, MN — The City of Bloomington is proud to announce that the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan area has been ranked as the fifth most arts-vibrant large community in the U.S. in the 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index.

Bloomington’s consistent presence in the Index since its establishment in 2015 highlights the City’s dedication to developing a vibrant arts and cultural scene and its commitment to promoting creativity, collaboration and a thriving cultural ecosystem.

“Bloomington’s arts community continues to grow and thrive thanks to the passion and dedication of countless individuals and organizations,” said Alejandra Pelinka, Director of Creative Placemaking. “From public art and performances to cultural events, the arts are uplifting places and strengthening connections across the city.”

Released by SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, the Arts Vibrancy Index analyzed data from more than 900 communities nationwide. It evaluated the communities based on per capita measures of arts supply, demand and government support and celebrates communities with outstanding levels of arts activity, participation and support.

Nonprofit arts organizations that partner closely with the City have significantly contributed to Bloomington’s success as a thriving arts community. Additionally, Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department and Office of Creative Placemaking play crucial roles in centering art, artists, culture bearers and the creative sector through various programs and events.

“The City of Bloomington has consistently invested in, supported and regularly benefited from a long-standing relationship with the arts” says Ian Brekke, Manager of Bloomington Center for the Arts. “It is a unique and vibrant ecosystem that helps to define the cultural fabric of the city and its strengths. We are proud to continue to offer high-quality and accessible arts opportunities for the community.”

Creative Placemaking integrates arts and culture into community planning and development. Guided by the City’s Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together. strategic plan, these efforts prioritize creating a connected and welcoming community. Key projects and programs include:

• South Loop Creative Placemaking: This initiative has highlighted the assets and character of the South Loop District, featuring public art installations, community events, performances and the South Loop Community Garden—a vibrant space that combines nature, art and community.
• Artist-Led Community Engagement: Local artists play a central role in shaping Bloomington’s identity, fostering connections through workshops, temporary art installations and pop-up performances that celebrate the city’s history and creativity.
• Citywide Creative Placemaking Plan: Currently in development, this comprehensive plan expands on the South Loop’s success and aims to bring creative placemaking efforts to all corners of Bloomington. The plan includes community input and uses local talent to promote cultural, social and economic activity citywide.

For more information about Bloomington’s creative placemaking initiatives, visit blm.mn/placemaking or join the conversation at Let’s Talk Bloomington.