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“Art Shanty Projects is a powerful antidote to the winter blues and a real show of what community can look like.”
Donate to Art Shanty Projects
ART! ON ICE! IN PUBLIC!
Since 2004 Art Shanty Projects has created joyful winter art experiences for grown adults and kids of all ages. Artists use the frozen lake (or sometimes shore, as climate change necessitates) as a public platform to create a temporary community, immersing visitors in a colorful village filled with interactive installations and performances. We reinterpret traditions that sustain communities through winter to forge new pathways of connectedness using art to shape a world where people and planet are respected, healthy, and thriving.
HUMAN CONNECTION IN WINTER
Art Shanty Projects inspires people to get outside during the coldest, most isolating months to build community and fight the isolation of winter with free, accessible programming for all ages.
HELP COVER PROGRAM COSTS
It costs money to host 30,000 winter adventurers annually!
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on both cash and in-kind donations to create and sustain this unique experience for everyone.
The largest portion of our budget (84%) goes towards paying people!
Other costs include essentials like permits, insurance, portapotties, sanitation, ramps, plowing, supplies, equipment rental, printing, infrastructure storage, and more
PROJECTED INCOME BREAKDOWN
- Individuals 67%
- Grants 18%
- Earned income 9%
- Community Partners 10%
ANTICIPATED 2025 NUMBERS
- Attendance: 30,000
- Facebook followers: 10,000
- Instagram followers: 8,000
- Newsletter audience: 2,500
We also receive in-kind donations of food and supplies valued at $18,000 from our community partners!
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
ALL COMMUNITY PARTNERS are invited to Special Events including the Membership Launch Party, Member Night on Ice, Wrap Party and Summer Snowcial. With food, fire, drinks and entertainment, you have an opportunity to celebrate shanty season and build community with our artists and fellow supporters.
COMMUNITY PARTNER Levels and REcognition Menu
- Name on donor signage
- Online recognition through June 2025
- Logo placement on donor signage
- Online recognition through June 2025
- One social media shoutout during the program
- Logo on donor signage
- Online recognition through June 2025
- One Newsletter mention
- One social media shoutout during the program
- Large logo on donor signage
- Online recognition through June 2025
- Newsletter feature
- Two social media shoutouts during the program
- Large logo on donor signage
- Online recognition through June 2025
- Dedicated sign in Welcome Shanty
- Two Newsletter features
- Two social media shoutouts during the program
- Large logo on donor signage
- Online recognition through June 2025
- Category exclusively for the season!
- Additional benefits we’ll dream up with you, plus the ones listed above
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO BUILD A VIBRANT ART VILLAGE ON ICE….JOIN US as a COMMUNITY PARTNER!
If you’re a local business, contact Syd Petersen to make a cash or in-kind contribution
Checks can be mailed to: Art Shanty Projects, PO Box 18684, MPLS, MN 55418
Individual Contributions
Help Art Shanty Projects bring a winter of HOPE, FUN, DELIGHT, and JOY to an anticipated 30,000 adventurous festival visitors this winter! Make ART ON ICE IN PUBLIC happen with a contribution at a level that is meaningful to you. Our public art event is free to attend, but not free to produce. As a 501c3 non-profit, our sustainability depends on donations from businesses, grants, and individuals like you.
We gladly welcome donations in any amount. Memberships start at just $25 / year.
Our 2024 shanty season Membership program has ended. Check back in fall for the launch of our 2025 program!
Suggested Membership Levels
We invite you to give at a level that makes sense for you. All members receive the same benefits.
Bring HOPE!
$25 – $59 annual gift (less than $5/mo)
Bring FUN!
$60 – $119 annual gift (or minimum $5/mo)
Bring DELIGHT!
$120 – $239 annual gift (or minimum $10/mo)
Bring JOY!
$240+ annual gift (or minimum $20/mo)
ENJOY THESE MEMBER BENEFITS FROM NOVEMBER 2024 - JUNE 2025
- Access to exclusive member events: Launch Party, Member Night on Ice, Wrap Party, and Summer Snowcial. Meet the artists, connect with shanty enthusiasts, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the artmaking.
- A chance to win prizes from local businesses at the event
- Member button! (pick it up at any of the member events, or inside the Welcome Shanty at the festival)
- A 10% discount on Art Shanty Projects merch at any events and the program
- Recognition on the Art Shanty Projects website
- Recognition on the donor wall at the festival (if you give by December 31, 2024)
- A chance to win prizes from local businesses
- Keep your mittens on at the gate! (you don’t have to wait in line)
We think the biggest benefit of all is the satisfaction of knowing that you are keeping public art vibrant, accessible and thriving in Minneapolis!
2025 MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO FOUR SHANTERRIFIC PARTIES!
MEMBERSHIP LAUNCH PARTY
Thursday, November 21, 6-8pm (GIVE TO THE MAX DAY!)
OUTSIDE on the patio at Lake Monster Brewing
This season kick-off party features delicious drinks, the famous hot potato bar, bonfires, music, and Art Shanty trivia. Dress for the weather – shantastic snowsuits encouraged! All are welcome to join, but members get free tap drinks courtesy of Lake Monster and are eligible to win most excellent prizes!
MEMBER NIGHT ON ICE
February 4, 6-8pm (weather date, February 6)
An intimate chance to see the shanty village after dark. Enjoy bonfires, illuminated shanties, hot drinks and cool company with the artists and fellow supporters at our only nighttime event! Not a member? Join at the event with a donation of $25 or more!
WRAP PARTY
February 22, 6-8pm
at Lake Monster Brewing
Let’s celebrate the artists post-program! Get your first glimpse at the photo documentation of the season in a running slideshow! We provide tasty snacks and good company. Delicious Lake Monster brews are available for purchase (gluten free and N/A options available in addition to beer).
SUMMER SNOWCIAL
Early June date (and location) TBA
This NEW party signals the close of our online silent auction (pick up your winnings!) and the launch of the creative process for prospective artists! The open call will be released and artists can ask questions of staff and brainstorm ideas with one another in a casual atmosphere.
PUBLIC ART IS ESSENTIAL
We fearlessly do what we do to uplift art and joyful connection for our community of artists, neighbors, fans, and new friends (in the freaking coldest months). In return, a whopping 80% of Art Shanty Project’s income & in-kind donations come from our community. We couldn’t do it without this incredible show of kindness and reciprocity.
YOUR DONATION COUNTS!
We invite you to celebrate the human connections that are formed in creative community, in winter, in our beloved city, at Art Shanties. Our community event is community funded. Donations in any amount count! The radical generosity of many helps make it possible for all.
