The City is helping to revive a citywide dance program for Minneapolis Public Schools students.

Through a proposed contract with St. Paul-based nonprofit Young Dance, the City would set aside $350,000 to bring dance education to every public school and recreation center across Minneapolis. 

The funding would come from the City’s Affordable Cultural Access (ACA) Bridge Fund for Dance, created in response to The Cowles Center’s closure in early 2024. The Cowles Center was a hub for dance in downtown Minneapolis and offered dance education programming to nearly 6,000 students each year.

“Every child in Minneapolis deserves access to the arts—no matter their ZIP code, school, or background,” Ward 7 Councilmember Katie Cashman said in a statement. “This program ensures that dance education isn’t just a privilege for a few, but a right for all. We’re creating space for every young person to move, grow, and thrive.” 

The Minneapolis City Council still needs to give final approval on the proposed contract during its Thursday meeting.