The Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (or NEMAA) is an 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization of artists and allies in Northeast Minneapolis. 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 700 members, and is proud to present Art-A-Whirl - the largest annual open artist studio tour in the U.S. NEMAA's most visible event is still Art-A-Whirl, held annually on the third weekend in May since 1996. During the event over 500 artists open their studios to the public, and other performing, visual and educational groups have special art events all around the neighborhoods of Northeast.
NEMAA publishes 30,000 copies of an annual Artist Directory and Guide, a year-round guide for our visitors to NE Minneapolis, Art-A-Whirl, and other arts happenings. NEMAA also coordinates the Fall Fine Arts Show in September 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 Second Saturdays at California Building.
Membership categories are individual artist, professional gallery, non-profit/arts organization, community friend and local business partner.
NEMAA was instrumental in establishing the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District in 2003, the first such officially designated district in the city. The district is bounded by the Mississippi River on the west, Broadway on the south, Central Avenue on the east, and 27th Avenue on the north.