a person on an art bike rides across an icy blue landscape that is reflected in various panels

On Ice Program

Our on-ice program happens each year for four weekends in January & February, though occasionally we have to take a year off due to things like pandemics. Since 2004, artists have been building shanties and creating interactive experiences for winter adventurers, sharing joy through the extreme winter sport of artmaking.

BECOME AN ARTIST OR PERFORMER

It’s time to start dreaming about Shanty Season! Art Shanty Projects is currently seeking winter enthusiasts and creative adventurers to propose shanties, performances and art actions for the 2025 Program.

2025 ART SHANTY PROJECTS

Bdé Umáŋ / Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, MN
Weekends, January 18 - February 9, 2025
10AM - 4PM

ARTISTS & PERFORMERS

We’ve announced the artists & performers! See the full list,  and peruse their descriptions!

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

While every shanty is open during all public hours (Saturdays & Sundays, 10am – 4pm), the Performances + Art Actions pop up at different times throughout the village: at the Performance Stage, at specific shanties, interspersed between shanties, roving, or at expansive spaces like the Town Square and Ice Field.

Check out the schedule here and plan your visit around your favorite performers!

ACCESSIBILITY

Art Shanty Projects embraces the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in our commitment to ensuring that all members of our community can participate as fully as possible in our arts events, programs, meetings, facilities and communications. 

  • Parking: Accessible parking is available to permitted cars in the Bandshell Lot nearest Bread & Pickle
  • Ramps: Two ADA compliant ramps will bring visitors from the shore down to the surface of the lake. These are located at the edge of the lake on the patio in front of Bread & Pickle. From the ramps, follow a plowed path leading to the welcome gate. NOTE: There is a second plowed path near 42nd Street that leads towards the gate – be prepared for a big step down to the ice here (no ramp).
  • Paths: Pathways will be plowed on shore around existing park infrastructure, and on ice from shore to gate and throughout the village.
  • Kicksleds are available to transport folks with limited mobility onto the ice and throughout the village. One is equipped to accommodate a wheelchair. Meet at the Kicksled Stop at the bottom of the ramps (in front of Bread & Pickle) where staff and volunteers will greet you and escort you onto the ice. You can also use them with your friend!
  • Restrooms: Porta-potties are available on shore near the parking lot, including ADA units.
  • Sign Language Interpreters & Audio Describers: ASL interpretation and audio description services are available from 11am – 2pm each Sunday of the festival. Meet at the Welcome Shanty just inside the entrance gate to the village and we will connect you with your guide! We offer a choose-your-own adventure experience – you decide what you want to see, and the staff will accompany you.
  • Printed Maps: Printed maps will be available with shanty names and relevant accessibility and sensory information. Ask for one at the Welcome Shanty!
  • Free Store Shanty: Artists are offering new and gently used winter wear free to the public in the shanty village
  • Signage: We are committed to creating high contrast signage throughout the village
  • Shanties and Performances: Staff works with artists directly to incorporate accessibility into their project design
  • Training: Board and staff receive accessibility training and disability etiquette to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all community members
  • Outreach: We do outreach to ensure members of the disability community are invited to our program and are aware of our accessibility plan
  • Evaluation: Our accessibility efforts during the program will be evaluated by a professional to help develop a plan for future years

Visit our ACCESS PAGE for more information!

MORE COMING SOON!

Map, amenities & more coming soon

SUPPORT ARTISTS + ARTMAKING!

It takes a village to build a village, and there are many ways to actively participate! We’ll soon be seeking volunteers for the on-ice program – sign up for our newsletter to get announcements. You can also contribute as a member with an annual donation of just $25 or if you’re a local business, offer a cash or in-kind donation!

KICK OFF SHANTY SEASON WITH US ON NOV 21

a closeup of a hand holding a fork dipping into a loaded baked potato in firelight. Words advertise a party.

Get your snowsuit ready & join us at a party to kick things off!

ART SHANTY 2025 LAUNCH PARTY
Thursday, November 21 (GIVE TO THE MAX DAY)
6-8pm at Lake Monster Brewing’s patio
550 Vandalia Street, Saint Paul

trivia, prizes, bonfires, beverages, hot potato bar, live screen printing!

EVERYONE is invited / 2025 members drink free! Join or renew in advance! Memberships for shanty season start at just $25!

Members are eligible for door prizes! Anyone can win prizes for shantastic spirit & trivia smarts!

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