Community Arts & Events connect Ely’s neighbors through programs that celebrate creativity, culture, and belonging. NLAA makes the arts accessible to everyone through free and low-cost experiences that invite participation, spark joy, and strengthen community bonds. Signature offerings include the Ely City Band’s summer concerts, Ely’s Got Talent showcase, Dancing with the Ely Stars, and seasonal favorites like the Call of the Wild Poetry Night and PortageLand storytelling series. The Ely Mural Project and NLAA Art Shows bring visual arts into shared spaces, while the Ely Cultural Alliance strengthens partnerships across organizations. Together, these events ensure that the arts are not just something to watch, but something to live, share, and celebrate as part of Ely’s Rural Arts Ecosystem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Literary Laureate of the North
The Literary Laureate of the North honors an accomplished writer with meaningful connections to Ely, the Boundary Waters, and the North. The annual award combines artist recognition with community engagement, celebrating literary excellence while inspiring readers, supporting writers, and strengthening the literary arts across Northern Minnesota.
Invest in Ely’s Creative Future
In rural communities like ours, access to the arts can shape the course of a young person’s life. The Northern Lakes Arts Academy removes barriers by offering scholarships, mentorships, and hands-on learning that nurture confidence, creativity, and community. For over 20 years, these programs have sparked imaginations and built a pipeline of local talent that shines on our stages and enriches our town.
Your donation makes this possible. Every dollar directly supports youth and adult learners, ensuring that no one is turned away because of cost. Together, we can keep Ely’s arts ecosystem thriving for the next generation.
Give today and be part of the story.