New York Mills Arts Retreat (dba Cultural Center)

We are a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts in rural Minnesota.

We believe strongly in the value of arts, culture and creativity in building a stronger community. Our vision is to connect people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world.

We offer everyone intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in our 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic main street building, gift shop featuring local artists and makers, artist residency program, sculpture park, and learning opportunities for all. 

Some of our programs include:

• Great American Think-Off: Regular folks debating the great philosophical questions annually since 1993.
• Fish House Festival: Bringing artist-made, one-of-a-kind ice-fishing houses and decoys to the masses each July.
• Kalevala Puppet Pageant: Kids and parents creating larger-than-life puppets for our annual community theater show each August.
• Longest Night Music Festival: Community members gathering to celebrate local musicians each year on the Winter Solstice.
• Live Music: High quality musicians play everything from folk to jazz to classical to bluegrass year-round in our intimate listening room space.
• Literature: Variety of book events and poetry readings, such as from the late great MN poet Bill Holm.
• Arts Learning: Educational opportunities for all ages both in our space and out in the community.
• Recurring Classes/Workshops: Ballet, music, yoga, fiber arts, "art for lunch" and more for all ages.
• Visual Arts: A beautiful gallery and studio space featuring art by artists from our region, state, and beyond.
• Community Space: Free WiFi, historic beauty and relaxing space to visit or rent for private events. 
• Artist/Gallery Gift Shop: Showcasing the work of over 100 regional artists, iittala (Finnish glassware), books, local foods and more.
• Art in Your Park: Summer art activities for kids in local parks - embracing art, community and the great outdoors.

In all that we do, we are guided by our core values, including hospitality, inclusivity, drawing sustenance from the local, an expansive understanding of the arts, community, and leadership. 

We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and compassion in our rural place. We unequivocally condemn intolerance, racism, and all forms of hatred. We seek to listen and learn, and to amplify the voices of the under- and mis-represented. We approach this work with optimism, courage, and humility, knowing that we will make mistakes, learn, and adapt along the way.

YOUR support brings these ideals and programs to life. To learn more about our work, visit our website kulcher.org or find us on Facebook @ccnym and on Instagram @nymkulcher.  THANK YOU!