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Creative Placemaking

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BIG Mural Draft Design by Adam Turman

BIG Draft Mural Design – We want to hear from you!

Minnesota artist Adam Turman has been selected by a stakeholder panel to design a mural for the newly renovated Bloomington Ice Garden (BIG). Adam has drafted a sketch of the mural design, titled “Meant To Be Here,” inspired by focus group and panelist input. We are looking for additional feedback to inspire the final design. The mural will be unveiled when BIG renovations are complete, and the building reopens in the fall.

Please provide feedback via this survey. Deadline: July 11. 

The BIG Mural is commissioned by the City of Bloomington Office of Creative Placemaking in partnership with the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department.

Let's Talk
Let's Talk Bloomington logo in blue text with orange and green talk bubbles

The Bloomington Citywide Creative Placemaking Plan was unanimously approved by City Council following its adoption by the Creative Placemaking Commission in March. Building on the South Loop Plan, this citywide initiative supports the goals of the “Bloomington. Tomorrow. Together.” Strategic Plan by promoting a more connected and welcoming community. The plan was shaped by input from residents, artists, arts leaders, commissioners, and City staff. To learn more about the community engagement process, visit: https://letstalk.bloomingtonmn.gov/cp-plan. View the plan in the "Documents" tab below.

Download the free Otocast App on your smartphone to access the South Loop Public Art Audio Tour and take a self-guided tour to learn more about the art and artists.

Creative placemaking is where art plays an intentional, integrated role in place-based community planning and development. Creating placemaking honors the existing assets, history and character of a place. Community engagement is a vital part of the process.

Until 2023, Bloomington's creative placemaking efforts were mostly focused in the South Loop District, including:

  • Public art
  • Events
  • Performances, workshops and capacity-building efforts for local artists
  • Temporary art and pop-ups
  • An artful community garden

Creative Placemaking in the South Loop goals include:

  • Urbanism: Ensure urban design excellence in transforming the built environment.
  • Animation: Animate public spaces and strengthen the social and cultural fabric.
  • Involvement: Involve and empower people who inhabit and care about the South Loop.
  • Identity: Elevate and project South Loop's identity.
  • Leadership: Build capacity to sustain leadership and champions.
  • Investment: Attract new development and foster the creative sector.

Recent Projects and Events

Creative Placemaking Events
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Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - 5–7 p.m.
Jul
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Saturday, July 12, 2025 - 12–4 p.m.
Jul
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Sunday, July 13, 2025 - 5–8 p.m.
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Creative Placemaking