JOIN OUR JOURNEY:
HELP US CREATE
A FUTURE TO BELIEVE IN
Welcome to Northern Lakes Arts Association — The Heart of Ely’s Rural Arts Ecosystem
Discover the creative heart of Ely, MN.
Northern Lakes Arts Association produces professional-quality theater, concerts, and cultural events while leading hands-on arts education for youth and adults. As the hub and steward of Ely’s Rural Arts Ecosystem, NLAA connects Mainstage Productions, the Northern Lakes Arts Academy, and Community Arts & Events into one living network of creativity.
From Broadway in the Boundary Waters to youth theater camps, visual arts workshops, and free concerts in the park, NLAA makes the arts accessible and thriving in Northern Minnesota. Explore our programs, get involved, and experience why the arts matter in rural communities.
NLAA BY THE NUMBERS
18,000
annual participants
Across performances, workshops, concerts, exhibitions, and community arts events
150+
artists engaged annually
Performers, teaching artists, musicians, designers, and creative collaborators
$100,000+
paid to artists annually
Direct support for artists, performers, and creative workers
10,000+
volunteer hours annually
Community participation supporting productions, events, and arts operations
40
years strong
Nearly four decades of sustained artistic engagement in Ely and northeastern Minnesota
