The Village, a multi-cultural arts festival

The Village multi-cultural arts festival, made its debut last year and will return this August 16th and 17th. East Franklin Avenue will be blocked off from 11th Avenue to 15th Avenue. This location is just eight blocks south of the Minneapolis Metrodome. This years event will begin with a public mural dedication ceremony at East 18th Street and 16th Avenue dedicated to the primarily homeless American Indians who have died or were killed in the vicinity. A young Native woman, Angie White Bird was the victim of a serial killer just a block to the north. She will be formally remembered. Artist and muralist Lisa Brown has been commissioned for this work. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday morning August 16th.

A Call for Artists. The Village is inviting artists representing all of the diverse cultures to contact Ventura Village’s Artist committee if you are interested in showing or displaying your artworks. Last year we featured homeless artists in a special big tent on site and will be doing the same this year. Artists are provided with sales numbers, business cards, frames and matting for their art and signage for their “booth” space. All attendees are also invited to participate with us in creating the 2008 community mural on a large canvas as we did last year.

Artists with your own 10X10 tents may also request to be included in our event. An application form is downloadable from this website. Members of African, American Indian, Asian, European, and Hispanic Cultures are all invited to showcase your artistic skills.

Part of our celebration is the Performance Stage right in the center of the Ancient Traders parking lot. This is a professional covered stage that can operate despite the weather. Nearby are covered tables and chair in a tent to protect attendees from sun or rainfall. Musicians interesting in sharing your talents are also encouraged to contact Robert Albee at 612.221.8323 or at ralbee4045@aol.com.

Our History. Over the past seven years Ventura Village has worked to make the neighborhood a village where our diverse residents can work, shop, and enjoy life. We are proud of our success in attracting over $100 million of new development in the neighborhood including: numerous affordable housing units, new single family homes, and new businesses such as the Franklin ArtWorks, the Franklin Street Bakery and Roger Beck Florist. Although the Franklin ArtWorks and the Ancient Traders Art
Gallery are now in the neighborhood, there is still a value in showcasing talent from a broader venue for all residents and visitors to celebrate our cultures together.

"The Village" was designed to: encourage and support minority artists; educate the members of our community about the art and cultures of our neighbors; create a sense of pride of heritage and a sense of community by bringing culturally-diverse peoples together to share art, food and music. This years event will be held on Saturday and Sunday August 16th & 17th, 2008. This event includes artworks that can be viewed and purchased, performing arts, and foods from the many cultures represented in the neighborhood. The Mari Cruz Safety and Wellness Fair will be part of the event again at a special tent. There will also be a Green Tent as part of the Event to support community efforts toward achieving
sustainability in our lives. The Minnesota Energy Challenge will be made to visitors and the Phillips Community Energy Cooperative will be providing opportunities to receive energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

A Volunteer Committee has already begun to meet monthly to support the main framework and the development of the Event. Leave a message of interest and we will contact you to attend. All meetings are held at 1404 East Franklin Avenue. Look for the Ventura Village signs at the door. For more information or to participate, please contact Mary or Randy at 612-871-7973 or e-mail either of us at mary@venturavillage.org or rdfanfare@earthlink.net.