We’re the Art Shanty Projects board! We’re responsible for a variety of tasks related to the annual program, as well as the long term fiscal health of the organization. We work in collaboration with the paid staff members year round who produce our event.
We’re doing our part to fundraise for our 2026 program, which runs January 17 - February 8, 2026. As a 501c3 non-profit, our sustainability depends on support from granting organizations, community partners, and individuals like you.
Our annual public art program is free to attend, but not free to produce. WE PAY ARTISTS and that's something we think you can get behind.
As a board, we're responsible for raising roughly 16% of our annual membership goal of $37,000 (staff is responsible for raising the rest). Gifts of all sizes are welcome! Your donation supports the artists & staff members who work together to create a sonically satisfying, visually dazzling and community-engaged program that gets tens of thousands of people outside, creatively connecting with one another in winter.
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 (or sometimes shore, as climate change necessitates) 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” --visitor
HELP COVER PROGRAM COSTS
It costs money to host 30,000 winter adventurers annually! The largest part of our budget (80%) goes towards paying people! This includes: 18 shanty teams, 20+ performance groups, 3 year round and 4 seasonal staff, ASL interpreters, audio describers, medics, and a photographer! Other costs include essentials like permits, insurance, portapotties, sanitation, ramps, plowing, supplies, equipment rental, printing, infrastructure storage, and more.Donations from individuals represent 50% of our budget, with the remainder coming from grants (40%), earned income: food vendor fees & merch sales (5%), and community partnerships (5%).
Donations in any amount are welcome - nothing is too big or small! Memberships start at just $25/annually and come with fun benefits!
We invite you to give at a level that is meaningful to you and your financial situation.
SUGGESTED MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
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, 2025)
* Keep your mittens on at the gate! (you don’t have to wait in line to make your donation)
We think the biggest benefit of all is the satisfaction of knowing that you are keeping public art vibrant, accessible and thriving in Minneapolis!
WE'LL SEE YOU THIS WINTER! SAVE THE DATES!
Art Shanty Projects
10am - 4pm, Saturdays & Sundays
January 17 - February 8, 2026
Bdé Umáŋ / Lake Harriet, Minneapolis