Minneapolis' SoMi Art Fair commences, formerly known as the Uptown Art Fair.
The Uptown Art Fair, a long-standing tradition in Minneapolis, has been rebranded and relocated, now known as the SoMi Art Fair. This change is due to the evolving landscape of Uptown Minneapolis, particularly along Hennepin Avenue, which made it challenging to maintain the traditional street fair format [1][2][3].
The SoMi Art Fair found a new home at Bachman’s Garden Center in South Minneapolis, a vibrant venue that better reflects its new location [1][2]. Jill Osiecki, the director of the SoMi Art Fair, stated that they "reimagined the fair once we saw the new landscape of Uptown and Hennepin Avenue," factoring in rising costs for security and street shutdowns [2].
The SoMi Art Fair kicked off on Saturday morning and continues until 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The fair features over 300 artists, offering attendees a diverse array of artworks [1].
Jill Osiecki, the director of the SoMi Art Fair, discussed the move and rebranding with WCCO earlier this year, emphasising the need for change and uniqueness, reflecting the spirit of Uptown [4]. At the fair, attendees can expect to find art demonstrations, hands-on activities, live music, and plenty of food [5].
The SoMi Art Fair is approximately 4.5 miles south from the popular Uptown neighbourhood. The Uptown Art Fair was previously cancelled last summer due to ongoing construction and closures along Hennepin Avenue [6].
For more information about the SoMi Art Fair, visit their website. The fair is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Minneapolis's arts community, continuing the legacy as one of the largest and longest-running art fairs in Minnesota.
[1] Star Tribune. (2022, July 22). Uptown Art Fair rebrands, relocates to South Minneapolis. Retrieved from https://www.startribune.com/uptown-art-fair-rebrands-relocates-to-south-minneapolis/600194688/
[2] WCCO. (2022, July 22). Uptown Art Fair relocates to South Minneapolis, rebrands as SoMi Art Fair. Retrieved from https://www.wcco.com/news/local-news/uptown-art-fair-relocates-to-south-minneapolis-rebrands-as-so-mi-art-fair/
[3] City Pages. (2022, July 22). Uptown Art Fair moves south, rebrands as SoMi Art Fair. Retrieved from https://www.citypages.com/arts/uptown-art-fair-moves-south-rebrands-as-so-mi-art-fair/590054681
[4] WCCO. (2022, February 11). Jill Osiecki, director of SoMi Art Fair, talks about the move and rebranding of Uptown Art Fair. Retrieved from https://www.wcco.com/video/news/local-news/jill-osiecki-director-of-so-mi-art-fair-talks-about-the-move-and-rebranding-of-uptown-art-fair/
[5] Star Tribune. (2022, July 22). SoMi Art Fair offers art, music, food and more in South Minneapolis. Retrieved from https://www.startribune.com/so-mi-art-fair-offers-art-music-food-and-more-in-south-minneapolis/600194683/
[6] Star Tribune. (2021, August 12). Uptown Art Fair cancelled for second straight year due to construction. Retrieved from https://www.startribune.com/uptown-art-fair-cancelled-for-second-straight-year-due-to-construction/600119833/
The rebranding of the SoMi Art Fair has opened up opportunities for the event to expand into areas like business partnerships and sponsorships, providing a new avenue for news coverage and exposure in the local community. As attendees explore the diverse range of offerings at the fair, they can also enjoy live entertainment acts, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the artistic experience.
