Creative ecosystems do not automatically include everyone. In rural communities, access to the arts is shaped by cost, distance, time and familiarity long before anyone walks through the door. At NLAA, access is not an afterthought. It is designed intentionally through scholarships, Pay What You Can performances and layered programming that builds belonging through repeated participation.

Ely's Rich Artistic Heritage Ely’s connection to the arts is not new. It stretches back over a century. From its earliest days, this community has been drawn to what brings people together. Perhaps it is the Minnesota cold that encourages connection. Perhaps it is the remoteness of the region that binds us more tightly to one another. Whatever the cause, the arts have long been a central catalyst. For more than 100 years, Ely has actively participated in artistic life. This includes musicals,...

Jane’s relationship to Ely began long before she lived here full time. Shaped by family memory, repetition, and return, her work reflects a deep trust in process over perfection. Named the 2026 Creative Spirit of the North Awardee, Jane’s multidisciplinary practice embraces imperfection, care, and community as essential tools for making art that helps people feel less alone.