This spring Keith Haring’s iconic artwork returns to the Walker, and we’re celebrating with a three-day art festival. Join the Walker community in revisiting Haring’s unique intersection between activism and creativity.
The 2024 Art Fest kicks off with a Free Thursday Night curated by Vouge Down MPLS, a collective that has reignited the spirit of ballroom culture in Minneapolis. This festive evening filled with music, performance, and community is bringing Ballroom (culture) to the Walker.
Programming is free and open to all ages.
Activity Information
In the Main Lobby, watch a free screening of Vogueing in the North Star: The Mpls Ballroom Renaissance, a documentary that pays homage to Minneapolis’ resurgence as a hub for ballroom culture and an inclusive environment for queer POC communities.
At 5:30 pm in the Cargill Lounge, experience Unity in Motion, a captivating performance art piece and vibrant tribute to the golden era of the 1980s ballroom scene, weaving together dance, art, and the sense of community that defines this iconic period. Not just a performance, it is an immersive experience that transports audiences back in time while highlighting the timeless themes of acceptance and unity.
At 6 pm, the party moves upstairs to the Garden Terrace Room with the Art Fest Ball, emphasizing Haring’s graffiti-inspired work and his impact on Pop art. The mini ball includes live drag performance, LSS (legends, statements, and stars), Commentation, and Five Ballroom Categories (Face, Runway, Bazzar, Performance, Best Dressed).
Accessibility, Content, and Sensory Notes
Content note: Several works in this exhibition contain mature content and nudity. One room in Gallery 1 includes sexually explicit imagery. Visitors do not need to walk through this room to access the rest of the exhibition.
Sensory note: Videos on view may include flickering effects or sounds that change in volume, pitch, and tone. One room glows with colorful light.
For information about accessibility or to request ASL interpretation for this program, call 612-375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org at least two weeks in advance.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page.
Bio
Vogue Down MPLS stands as a beacon of empowerment, creativity, and community for the Queer BIPOC population of Minneapolis. Born from the vibrant heart of the city, this collective is more than just an organization—it’s a movement, a celebration, and a platform for expression. Led by a passionate group of Queer Black individuals, Vogue Down MPLS is dedicated to highlighting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of ballroom culture. From exhilarating vogue battles that electrify the dance floor to intimate workshops that delve into the history and significance of ballroom, Vogue Down MPLS offers something for everyone. Each event is carefully curated to foster connection, creativity, and self-expression, providing a welcoming environment where all are encouraged to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their identities.
Before Your Visit
Paid underground parking is available on-site. Enter the ramp on Vineland Place at Bryant Avenue. Biking or taking Metro Transit? Learn more.
Visiting the galleries? Enhance your experience by joining a public tour or with self-guided resources accessible for free on Bloomberg Connects.
Personal photography is permitted throughout the Walker and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, but please turn off the flash when visiting the galleries.
To help us promote future events and programs, this event may be photographed or recorded. By attending, you consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by the museum. Please let staff know upon arrival if you prefer not to be photographed.
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