Tanya Blan, the executive director of the Arts Partnership, introduced the mentorship program as a step towards diversity, equity, and inclusion within the arts community. The initiative, which began in January, seeks to offer emerging artists of color comprehensive support, including one-on-one mentoring, group meetings with industry guest speakers, professional video production opportunities, and a $1,000 grant contingent upon participation. Three artists, each with unique backgrounds and artistic mediums, are currently benefiting from the program. These include a classical musician who is also a poet, a theater artist, and a Native artist specializing in beadwork and contemporary paintings.

Blan also provided an overview of the Arts Partnership’s activities, emphasizing the organization’s mission to “cultivate community through the arts.” She highlighted the four core values, which include support for local art and artists, advocacy for the arts’ role in a vibrant economy, promotion of a creatively enriched community, and the advancement of equitable access and inclusion. Blan noted the organization’s successful collaborations with arts organizations and individual artists, addressing challenges such as venue security. The Arts Partnership’s relationship with the city of Fargo since 2009 has bolstered financial resources, with contributions from Moorhead and West Fargo augmenting these efforts. A significant portion of the budget, over 25%, is allocated to supporting arts groups and artists.

The commission also discussed the ongoing indigenous sculpture and historical video series project. Following the city council’s earlier approval, city staff is working with artist Dwayne Goodwin to finalize the agreement for the sculpture installation, set to begin in spring and complete by mid-summer. The video series, developed in collaboration with the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County and Moorhead Community Access Media, is progressing with the pilot episode currently underway.

Another topic was the incorporation of artistic sidewalk stamps in the construction of the 11th Street underpass. The commission expressed interest in utilizing existing funds from a 2015 sidewalk art and poetry project to create new stamps. With each stamp costing around $300, plans are underway to install 16 or 17 new stamps. Community input is being sought for thematic designs, drawing from the success of previous projects that included contributions from a diverse range of artists.

The meeting also covered the election of officers for 2025, with motions passed to continue the current chair and vice-chair, and appointments made to various groups, such as the Artist Review Team and the MoreArt Review Group. Discussions underscored the historical significance of the 11th Street project and the importance of commemorating it through artistic expressions like the sidewalk stamps.

Reports on upcoming arts events were shared, including performances by national artist Bill Bowers at Concordia’s theater, a production by Lend Me a Soprano, and student exhibitions at Concordia and MSUM. Additionally, a new exhibit by former commission member Dennis Croll was announced, which will be available until April 20. Recognition was also given to Jonathan Rudder, who received the MoreArt award for his contributions to the community.