Minneapolis is conducting a statewide search for artists to create a mural or sculpture honoring the significance of St. Anthony Falls to Indigenous people, particularly the Dakota, at Water Works Park.

The City’s Arts & Cultural Affairs department and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board issued a call for artists and distributed it to tribal nations and Native-led organizations in late March. Informational meetings for artists are being held in several tribal communities around Minnesota, including Red Wing, throughout April.

Applications are due by May 28 at 4 p.m. Questions regarding the proposal can be sent to arts consultant Lydia Four Horns.

Water Works is part of Mill Ruins Park, located near Mill City Museum, the Stone Arch Bridge, and award-winning Indigenous restaurant Owamni, which shares a building with the Water Works Pavillion. The park overlooks St. Anthony Falls, also known as Owámniyomni (Dakota for “turbulent waters” or “whirlpool”), and the Mississippi River, an integral part of Indigenous people’s cultural pathways.

Artists should have a strong knowledge of Dakota stories, language, and culture, specifically the connection to the land, water, and history of Owámniyomni. Native artists are invited and encouraged to apply.

Three to five finalists will be selected and will each receive $2,500 to conceptualize a preliminary design for the artwork in June. Finalists will present their draft designs and participate in interviews with a selection panel in July.

The selection panel will review draft designs by finalists and announce a chosen artist – or artist team – in late July. The chosen artist or team will then collaborate with the community, steering committee, project staff, and project partners, including the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, to arrive at a final design. 

The total budget for the project is $425,000, including $30,000 for the community engagement and design phase.

This public art project is part of a larger effort to transform 5 acres of federal land around the upper lock and dam of St. Anthony Falls into a place of restoration, education, healing, and connection. Dakota-led nonprofit Owámniyomni Okhódayapi is working closely with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on the effort.

The City held three conversations in winter 2023 with Native artists and community members to create priorities for the public art project.

The mural or sculpture should be complete at Water Works by spring or summer 2027.