Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association


The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association is a 501 non-profit organization of artists and allies in Northeast Minneapolis in the U.S. state of Minnesota. NEMAA works to build a more vibrant, diverse and economically healthy community through the arts. NEMAA's vision is to support a community where artists can live, work, and showcase their art. And the mission is to promote connections between individuals, businesses and artists for the collective benefit of our community.
Founded by a small collective of artists in 1995, today NEMAA has more than 1000 members including artists, students, community friends, non-profit organizations, art galleries, and business members. NEMAA's most visible event is Art-A-Whirl, the largest annual open artist studio tour in the U.S., held since 1996. During the event artists open their studios to the public, and other performing, visual and educational groups have special art events all around the neighborhoods of Northeast. In 2017, more than 600 artists in 50 locations participated.
NEMAA publishes an annual Artist Directory and Guide, a year-round guide for visitors to Northeast Minneapolis, Art-A-Whirl, and other arts happenings. NEMAA also coordinates the Fall Fine Arts Show to showcase the artwork of NEMAA artist members. In addition, NEMAA promotes members, artists, and events year-round, including monthly open studio events such as First Thursdays in the Arts District, First Fridays at Q.arma Building, and Saturdays at California Building.
NEMAA was instrumental in establishing the Northeast Mississippi River on the west, Broadway on the south, Central Avenue on the east, and 27th Avenue on the north.