Community Arts & Events

Art Shows

NLAA’s art shows in Ely highlight the creativity of regional artists across visual mediums. Exhibits showcase painting, photography, and mixed media, giving the community opportunities to connect with local talent and celebrate the thriving arts scene in northern Minnesota.

Ely City Band

The Ely City Band, celebrating its 136th  summer season, is a staple of community life in Ely. This all-ages ensemble performs free outdoor concerts throughout the summer, bringing neighbors together through spirited music in Whiteside Park and other local venues.

Creative Spirit of the North Award

Celebrate the transformative power of the arts with NLAA’s Creative Spirit of the North Award. This annual honor recognizes an artist or cultural leader who exemplifies creativity, dedication, and a passion for enriching Ely and the surrounding region. Recipients embody the spirit that makes the Northwoods a vibrant and inspiring place to live, work, and create. The inaugural award was announced in December 2024, marking the beginning of a tradition that highlights exceptional contributions to our artistic community.

Ely Cultural Alliance

​The Ely Cultural Alliance is dedicated to fostering the growth and enrichment of arts and culture in Ely by uniting diverse creative voices and nurturing a vibrant artistic community. Our mission is to provide a supportive platform that empowers local artists, preserves cultural heritage, and encourages collaboration that strengthens Ely’s identity and vitality.

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Join us in celebrating the arts, uplifting local artists, and shaping Ely’s cultural future. Together, we can build a vibrant and dynamic arts community in Northern Minnesota.

Ely Mural Project

The Ely Mural Project continues the remarkable legacy of Greenstone Arts by transforming Ely into a living canvas. Over the next five years, our goal is to create at least one new mural annually, each one telling a story rooted in the history, culture, and spirit of our community.

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Our first mural begins at Ely School, marking the start of this colorful journey. Each work of art is more than paint on a wall. It is a story shared, a tradition honored, and a piece of Ely’s soul made visible.

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Ely's Got Talent

Ely’s Got Talent is an annual community showcase celebrating Ely’s diverse performers -  from singers to dancers to spoken word artists. With a supportive audience and family-friendly format, this event spotlights local creativity and encourages artistic exploration.

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Area participants compete for a cash prize and for a chance to be crowned the champion of Ely's Got Talent.

Dancing with the Ely Stars 

Modeled on the national hit, Dancing with the Ely Stars pairs Ely residents with experienced dancers in a performance fundraiser supporting NLAA programs. The event blends entertainment, competition, and philanthropy to strengthen community pride.

Call of the Wild Poetry Nights

Call of the Wild Poetry Night invites Ely’s poets and storytellers to share original work in a warm, community-centered setting. This literary event supports creative expression and fosters connection through words in a welcoming environment.