On Ice Program

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. Accessibility is built into the fabric of how we do art and what we expect from artists, board members, and contracted staff.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT ART SHANTY PROJECTS!

• The village is located outdoors on a frozen lake, approximately 400’ from shore
• Public hours are from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays
• The Art Shanty Village is curated as a buffet! There’s a little something for everyone, and some projects may be more or less accessible depending on individual needs
• The village is often less busy (and thus quieter) from 10am to noon, and becomes more lively around noon until our 4pm closing (depending on the weather!)
• The village often feels colder than the forecast due to windchill, and being on a large block of ice
• Food trucks are available on site with food and beverage, schedule dependent. Check our website for updates!

SUGGESTED TIPS TO BE PREPARED

• If you own traction devices for your boots, we strongly recommend bringing them.
• Bring your own water! There is no running water on site, as the park buildings are not winterized
• Dress warmly! Layer up, and wear layers that cover your neck

Parking: Accessible parking is available to permitted cars in public lot near the Bandshell park.

Ramps: Two ADA compliant ramps are placed on the lakeshore by Bread and Pickle, and bring visitors down to the lake surface.

Paths: Pathways are plowed on ice from shore to village in case of snow. Surfaces are flat, but slippery. People ice fish on the lake and their auger holes leave lumps in unexpected places. We don’t have control of these so be mindful of where you’re going.

Kicksleds: A fleet of 8 kicksleds are available at the bottom of ramps stewarded by a volunteer. Kicksleds can be used for traversing the distance from shore to village and for use throughout the festival. Some kicksleds are smaller and lighter from our generous sponsor Brave the Snow, and some are repurposed chairs, some with arms. You can find photos at the end of this document.

For those who use manual wheelchairs: We’ve seen some visitors choose to transfer out of their chairs to a kicksled, and some visitors choose to venture on the lake with their chairs. Note that there may be limited traction dependent on snowfall. We currently have 1 flatbed kicksled to accommodate manual chairs.

For those who use motorized chairs: We’ve seen some visitors choose to transfer out of their chairs to a kicksled, and some visitors choose to venture on the lake with their motorized chairs. Note that there may be limited traction dependent on snowfall. Our flatbed kicksled cannot accommodate motorized chairs due to their weight.

Restrooms: Porta-potties are available on shore near the public parking lot, including ADA units.

Sign Language Interpreters & Audio Describers: ASL interpretation and audio description services are available from Noon – 3pm one day per weekend.  Audio Description services may be available outside these hours with advance notice. Contact info@artshantyprojects.org or 612-567-6844 to schedule. Guides offer a choose-your-own adventure – you decide what you want to do in the village. For all tours, meet at the Welcome Shanty and ASP board or staff will connect you with your guide! 

Printed map/guide: Printed guides, available in the Welcome Shanty, provide accessibility and sensory information for each shanty, and identify areas in the village where there are places to sit and which shanties have a heat source. To view in advance of visiting the village, you can find it on the “visit” section of the website

Free Store Shanty: Artists offer new and gently used winter wear free in the shanty village to the public, in case you need an extra warming layer.

Signage: All signage in the village is high contrast, and printed text is all at least 18pt font.

Shanties and Performances: Staff works with artists directly to incorporate accessibility into their project design. Each shanty has a description of concept and listing of artists involved on mailboxes outside their structure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

We annually update a more detailed organizational, board approved Accessibility Plan (2027 version coming soon!)  We are committed to removing barriers and limitations in all that we do. We understand that accessibility is an integral part of our work and integrate funding for accessibility resources into our annual budget. We appreciate receiving your feedback via email as we continue on this journey!

Reach out to info@artshantyprojects.org with questions or comments.