Making Art More Accessible to Local Communities: Principal Foundation
Amanda Hunt and Jo Christine Miles, Director of Principal Foundation, 2023. Photo by Kameron Herndon. Courtesy Walker Art Center.
As a cultural anchor in the Twin Cities, the Walker Art Center works continuously to ensure it has strong relationships with our local communities and audiences. This emphasis was reaffirmed in our 2022–2026 strategic plan and is evident in initiatives across the campus, from new undertakings like the interactive Make Sense of This exhibition to ongoing free programs that waive admission and encourage new audiences to visit through engaging and dynamic activities and performances.
The Walker’s weekly Free Thursday Nights program is a critical strategy in this effort to build cultural connections and reach new audiences. Activities on Free Thursday Nights are drawn from the Walker’s artistic programs and exhibitions and are often led by artists selected for their creative skillsets, artistic practices, and cultural backgrounds in order to resonate with a variety of visitors.
In recognition of these efforts and the impor- tant role the Walker plays in connecting communities, Principal Foundation is joining as a sponsor of Free Thursday Nights. Through grantmaking, Principal Foundation ensures access to essential needs, fosters social and cultural connections, and promotes financial inclusion—areas that it believes are foundational to moving people and communities along the path and closer to a better financial future.
“The Walker’s programs, like Free Thursday Nights, are part of building cultural resources that empower communities,” said Jo Christine Miles, Director of the Principal Foundation. “We are proud to be a partner in this work and believe it’s programs like these that nurture growth and help people feel supported in pursuing a better future.”
The Walker is grateful to Principal Foundation for its incredible ongoing support of Free Thursday Nights.
