Northern Lakes Arts Association

Join Us in Transforming Ely Through the Power of the Arts

The Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) is on a mission to amplify the arts in Ely and across the North Country. This Give to the Max season, you have the opportunity to be part of a transformative journey—one that creates spaces where artists, youth, and the entire community can thrive.

Our goal is to raise $15,000+ and thanks to an incredibly generous matching gift from the friends of NLAA,  every dollar you give will be doubled—up to $2,300 this means your contribution has double the impact, ensuring the arts remain an integral part of our community.

Here is how your donation helps us continue our mission:

$25 – Provide Art Supplies to Spark a Child’s Creativity

Your gift supplies essential materials for a child’s first art camp, giving them a hands-on way to explore and express their creativity.

  $50 – Give a Family the Joy of Their A Free Live Theater Experience    

This donation covers tickets for a family to experience the magic of live theater together, building joyful memories they’ll treasure.

$100 – Fund Hands-On Mentorship for a Young Aspiring Artist

Support a masterclass led by a professional artist, offering a young talent personalized guidance and inspiration for their craft.

 $250 – Provide a Season of Dance Classes to Local Youth

This gift provides 10 weeks of dance classes at Reflections, where youth build confidence, discipline, and joy in a safe, creative space.

$500 – Sustain a Season of Arts Programs for Our Community’s Youth

Help us fund Greenstone Art Camps and youth workshops, creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive through the arts.

 $1,000 – Bring a Major Community Arts Festival to Life

Your support makes community-wide events like Broadway in the Boundary Waters possible, connecting our town with vibrant arts and culture.

Why Your Gift Matters

At NLAA, we believe that the arts have the power to inspire, educate, and connect people. Your support keeps these life-changing programs accessible to all while nurturing local talent and enriching the cultural fabric of Ely.

Here's how your donation will make a difference:

Amplifying Economic Growth: For every $1 spent on a ticket, patrons contribute $6 to local businesses, generating over $500,000 annually in support for our community.

Global Reach: Our events have drawn over 17,500 participants from Minnesota and beyond—including visitors from Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Florida—fostering a vibrant arts hub in Ely.

Volunteer Power: With 2,123 hours donated by volunteers, valued at $67,500, we keep our mission strong and growing.

Empowering the Next Generation: Over 300 youth participated in our camps, workshops, and productions, building confidence and creativity through the arts.

Thanks to our Youth Art Fund, we’ve awarded over $1,000 in scholarships, ensuring every child can access art experiences.

Supporting Local Artists: NLAA has directly supported over 50 local and regional artists through performances, workshops, and exhibitions, contributing over $50,000 annually to help artists thrive.

Arts for All: In 2024, we hosted 8 Pay-What-You-Can performances, providing access to high-quality arts experiences for 950 individuals across the region, regardless of their financial situation.

Exclusive Giving Levels

As a token of our gratitude, we’ve created special perks for each giving level:

• Donate $100: Receive a Season Membership and the exclusive Northern Lakes Arts Magazine.
• Donate $250: Join us for a private gourmet 4-course dinner hosted by Ian Francis Lah (Our Executive Artistic Director), alongside other valued supporters.
• Donate $500: Bring a guest to the private dinner and enjoy the membership and magazine.
• Donate $1,000: Become a title sponsor for one of our 2025 programs in addition to the previous perks.
• Donate $1,500+: Be recognized as a Season Sponsor of the Year—a prestigious acknowledgment of your extraordinary support (includes all of there perks mentioned prior.)

Will you join us? Together, we can reach our $15,000+ goal and unlock the full potential of this matching gift opportunity. With your help, the arts will continue to thrive in Ely, creating lasting memories, building community, and fostering creative spirits.

Thank you for your generosity—you are making a profound difference.