In an interview with the Hill & Lake Press, Uptown Art Fair Executive Director Jill Osiecki Gleich expressed sadness and deflation after years of struggling to sustain the Uptown Art Fair in Uptown.
"This was an extremely difficult decision. Our organization explored numerous scenarios to keep the event in Uptown, but the event has struggled to turn a profit for the past five years, while operating costs have risen by over 150%. Due to COVID-19, civil unrest and construction, we’ve only been able to hold the event in Uptown twice in the last five years.
"Moving the event to Bachman’s allows it to remain a major fundraiser for the Uptown community, with proceeds going back into the community through programming and events. Unfortunately, there is no viable location in Uptown to host the event while maintaining breakeven or profitability."
Lack of city support was key to the fair’s departure.
On rising costs and decreasing revenue, Gleich explained, "Operating costs include $100,000 for security, $40,000 for permitting, $50,000 for street cleaning, garbage removal and restrooms, and $25,000 for barricades totaling over $215,000 in services payable to the City of Minneapolis.
"During the 2023 event, there were severe issues with drug use, including individuals openly smoking crack and harassing artist booths near the bus hub. MPD officers hired for the event provided no assistance in addressing the issue."
An Impossible New Streetscape
Regarding the new streetscape designed by the City of Minneapolis and its consultants, Gleich said, "Other than the multiple times we expressed concerns about the street design's impact on the event in writing and during meetings both in person and virtually since 2018, the city did not address our concerns.
For the past five years, we have asked for assistance from city officials with this event, but none has been provided, and the new streetscape is unworkable for us.
"The redesign from 31st Street, along with the new layout, prevents booths from being set up on both sides of the street. It is not ADA compliant and includes medians, extended sidewalks and a bike lane, which leave insufficient room for an emergency lane. Losing the ability to have booths on both sides reduces event revenue and spreads the fair out onto additional streets, further increasing costs. "Regarding Uptown's retail and safety decline, Gleich claimed that increased crime was not a contributing factor, "However, it is deeply disheartening to make this decision as it may add to the negative perception of Uptown." When asked about consulting area neighborhoods for their opinion on the fair’s relocation, Gleich responded, "Our volunteer board members includes several representatives who live in the area neighborhoods."
On the fair's origins, Gleich clarified, "My understanding is that a small group of business owners came together in 1963 with an idea of having area artists showcase their wares as a way to draw people to the area and into their businesses. Perhaps there was involvement 60 years ago, but the neighborhoods have not been actively involved for many years. Volunteerism has been declining significantly; for instance, neighborhood-sponsored beverage booths, which helped generate income, have not occurred in nearly a decade despite our yearly requests."
Onward to SoMi
Starting in 2025, the event will be rebranded as the SoMi (South Minneapolis) Art Fair and held in partnership with Bachman's flagship location on Lyndale Avenue. The new event will feature over 300 juried artists, art demonstrations, live music and food.
Gleich clarified, "Bachman’s is an exceptional organization and a true partner. They are allowing us to use their space at no cost, but no financial incentives were offered."
She emphasized the fair's mission: "The vision of the Uptown Art Fair is to bring art to the community while providing a platform for both professional and amateur artists from across the country to showcase and sell their work. As the Uptown Association's primary fundraising event, it serves as an economic engine for the community, generating revenue to fund Uptown projects like community clean-ups, marketing initiatives, educational seminars, donations to local causes and other community-building activities. Dependent on funding and support of the city, the association has planned additional events in Uptown that aim to bring patrons to the area."
Community Reaction
The Hill & Lake Press has been contacted by numerous community members expressing a general sense of sadness around the announcement of the fair’s departure. Following the exodus of businesses, increased crime and the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and addiction, many are left wondering when Uptown will hit rock bottom and when things will begin to improve. The loss of the Uptown Art Fair after 60 years of relative success is a huge blow.
Mike Erlandson, President of the East Isles Neighborhood Association, commented, "This decision is a tough pill to swallow for those of us who have watched the Uptown Art Fair thrive for decades. The Uptown Association isn’t what it used to be. Rising costs and declining business presence have made it difficult for them to pull off an event of this scale without Bachman’s support."
City Reaction
City of Minneapolis Ward 7 Council Member Katie Cashman responded, “It’s sad to see the Uptown Art Fair permanently relocate to Bachman’s Floral but Uptown is resilient and has many exciting initiatives on the horizon. We have been working in partnership with community members to generate funding for a weekly market in the Uptown core. The focus will be on attracting customers and exposure for existing businesses and we are determined to see that come to fruition this summer.
