Art Shanty Projects - 2026 Membership Campaign

Art Shanty Projects 2026
January 17 - February 8, 2025
Bdé Umáŋ / Lake Harriet, Minneapolis

ART! ON ICE! IN PUBLIC!

Since 2004 Art Shanty Projects has created joyful winter art experiences for grown adults and kids of all ages. Artists use the frozen lake as a public platform to create a temporary community, immersing visitors in a colorful village filled with interactive installations and performances. We reinterpret traditions that sustain communities through winter to forge new pathways of connectedness using art to shape a world where people and planet are respected, healthy, and thriving.

HUMAN CONNECTION IN WINTER

Art Shanty Projects inspires people to get outside during the coldest, most isolating months to build community and fight the isolation of winter with free, accessible programming for all ages. 

“Art Shanty Projects is a powerful antidote to the winter blues and a real show of what community can look like.”

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on donations to create and sustain this unique experience for everyone. We have intentionally made this event free so it is accessible to everyone. Our public art event is free to attend, but not free to produce.

HELP COVER PROGRAM COSTS!

It costs money to host 30,000 winter adventurers annually! 80% of our budget goes towards paying people:

• 200+ artists and performers

• 3 part-time and 4 seasonal staff members

• ASL interpreters & audio describers

• Photographer, medics, graphic designer

Other costs include essentials like permits, insurance, portapotties, sanitation, ramps, plowing, supplies, equipment rental, printing, infrastructure storage, and more

We gladly welcome donations in any amount. Shanty season memberships start at just $25. You can also donate monthly. 

SUGGESTED MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

We invite you to give at a level that is meaningful to you and your financial situation.

All members receive the same benefits. Memberships are annual (in alignment with our fiscal year, July through June),  with benefits running through our season (October through June).

Bring HOPE!
$25 -$59 annual gift (less than $5/month)

Bring FUN!
$60 -$119 annual gift (or minimum $5/month)

Bring DELIGHT!
$120 -$239 annual gift (or minimum $10/month)

Bring JOY!
$240+ annual gift (or $20/month)

ENJOY THESE MEMBER BENEFITS FROM NOVEMBER 2025 TO JUNE 2026:

• Access to exclusive member events: Launch Party, Member Night on Ice, Wrap Party, and Summer Snowcial.  Meet the artists, connect with shanty enthusiasts, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the artmaking.

• A chance to win prizes from local businesses at the event

• Member button! (pick it up at any of the member events, or inside the Welcome Shanty at the festival)

• A 10% discount on Art Shanty Projects merch at any events and the program

• Recognition on the Art Shanty Projects website

• Recognition on the donor wall at the festival (if you give by December 31, 2024)

• Keep your mittens on at the gate! (you don’t have to wait in line)

We think the biggest benefit of all is the satisfaction of knowing that you are keeping public art vibrant, accessible and thriving in Minneapolis!

ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO FOUR SHANTASTIC PARTIES!

MEMBERSHIP LAUNCH PARTYThursday, November 20, 6-8pm (GIVE TO THE MAX DAY!)OUTSIDE on the patio at Lake Monster Brewing

This season kick-off party features delicious drinks, the famous hot potato bar, music, and Art Shanty trivia. Plus LIVE SCREEN PRINTING of our annual limited edition design by Sishir Bommakanti. Dress for the weather – shantastic snowsuits encouraged! All are welcome to join, but members get free tap drinks courtesy of Lake Monster and are eligible to win most excellent prizes!

MEMBER NIGHT ON ICE
February 3, 6-8pm (weather date, February 5)
in the shanty village

An intimate chance to see the shanty village after dark. Enjoy bonfires, illuminated shanties, hot drinks and cool company with the artists and fellow supporters at our only nighttime event!  Not a member? Join at the event with a donation of $25 or more!

WRAP PARTY
February 21, 5-7pm
at Lake Monster Brewing

Let’s celebrate the artists post-program! Get your first glimpse at the photo documentation of the season in a running slideshow! We provide tasty snacks and good company. Delicious Lake Monster brews are available for purchase (gluten free and N/A options available in addition to beer). 

SUMMER SNOWCIAL
Early June date TBA
at Sociable Cider Werks

This party signals the close of our online silent auction (pick up your winnings!) and the launch of the creative process for prospective artists! The open call will be released and artists can ask questions of staff and brainstorm ideas with one another in a casual atmosphere. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! We look forward to seeing you at a special event and on the ice!

Photo of the 2025 shanty village by Ryan Stopera