DEPARTMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances tit. 2, ch. 43

in effect

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 43.10 Definitions.

43.10. - Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply: Arts and culture includes, but is not limited to, uses of creative talent, skill, or imagination, resulting in a process, product, or experience, for purposes of individual expression, transmission or expression of culture, or commercial use, and the organizations, persons, and activities that effectuate any of the foregoing. Department means the Minneapolis Department of Arts and Cultural Affairs. Director means the director of the department. Division means a unit of one (1) or more officials, commissioners, agents, employees and volunteers of the city. (Ord. No. 2021-037, § 3, 7-23-21)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 43.20 Establishment and purpose.

43.20. - Establishment and purpose. There is hereby established in the city a department of arts and cultural affairs. The purpose of the department is to advance, support, stimulate and promote a diverse and active arts and cultural environment that recognizes and draws on the full potential of Minneapolis' artists and arts organizations, reflects and responds to civic concerns and aspirations, and enriches the lives of all people who live in, work in and visit Minneapolis. Subject to the direction and supervision of the city coordinator as provided by section 21.10, the director shall have direct responsibility for the organization, administration and operation of the department. The city council shall provide for the necessary expenses of the department. (Ord. No. 2021-037, § 3, 7-23-21)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 43.30 Duties.

43.30. - Duties. The director and staff of the department shall discharge the following duties and such other activities as the city council may direct: (1) Promote the city as a center for arts and culture; (2) Foster Minneapolis' arts and culture assets; (3) Advance cultural equity, equality and inclusion; (4) Identify and advise the mayor, city council, divisions and the city on arts and culture policies and priorities; (5) Develop and implement arts and culture programs and initiatives to encourage greater participation in, and increased public access to, arts and culture in Minneapolis; (6) Collaborate with other city and state agencies, as well as public or private entities; (7) Facilitate the commissioning, placement and maintenance of city-owned arts and culture; (8) Develop and implement the arts and culture priorities and policies of the city; (9) Provide information, resources and technical assistance to artists, arts and cultural organizations, and community-initiated arts efforts; (10) Advocate internally and externally for state and federal funding to bolster the city's arts and culture resources and convey the city's support for private funding endeavors that seek to maintain and grow the arts community and culturally based neighborhoods; (11) Advise divisions in the development, setting, executing and support of existing and new programs and initiatives that utilize or impact arts and culture; (12) Engage the arts and culture community when practicable in the work of the department; (13) Make periodic reports to the mayor and city council concerning the activities of the department and programs for the arts and culture, generally; (14) Adopt and implement such rules, regulations, forms, and guidance documents as are reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. No. 2021-037, § 3, 7-23-21)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 43.40 Arts and culture outside the department.

43.40. - Arts and culture outside the department. When a division begins the process of procuring or contracting for goods or services; creating or modifying a program, project or initiative; or soliciting for recipients of city funding or services, and that work includes an element of arts and culture or may directly or indirectly impact or benefit the arts and culture community, the division shall notify the director of the department as soon as practicable to coordinate with the department on the art related work. (Ord. No. 2021-037, § 3, 7-23-21)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 43.50 Funding for public art.

43.50. - Funding for public art. (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings herein set forth: (1) Conservation means repair done when needed to return artwork to its original condition and integrity, which may be the result of flaws, neglect, aging, damage, or vandalism. (2) Maintenance means regular routine inspection and care of artwork, such as cleaning and applying protective surface coatings. (3) Public art means physical art assets, such as outdoor sculpture and artwork integrated into physical structures and environments. (b) Funding. During each calendar year, the city shall dedicate a minimum amount of funding, regardless of source, to the commissioning, siting, placement, conservation, and maintenance of public art. The minimum amount of funding shall be the equivalent of one and one-half (1.5) percent of the total amount of net debt bonds authorized by the city council and mayor through the city's annual budget process. (c) The city shall maintain public art policies governing the development, administration, and implementation of all assets funded through this section. (Ord. No. 2025-048, § 2, 10-9-25, eff. 5-31-26)

Source: City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT2AD_CH43DEARCUAFFetched: 11/2/2026