Public Art at Owámniyomni

This public art project is part of the development of Water Work’s Park, on the Mississippi River. It is next to Owámniyomni (St. Anthony Falls) and the former site of Wíta Naǧí (Spirit Island).

Project details

Partners: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Budget: $425,000

Status: Artist selection

This project uses the new adopted City public art policies. These polices focus on artist selection for Native American-Focused Projects.

Learn more about these policies

Community meetings

The City held three conversations in 2023 with Native American artists and community members. They created community priorities for this public art project.

Goals

  • Center Dakhóta values, stories and voices.
  • Recognize the lasting resiliency and influence of Native people.
  • Build collective relationships to land and water.
  • Cultivate collaboration, inclusivity and shared success.
  • Support the growth of artists.

Related projects

This City effort is working with other Native American projects in the Twin Cities. One of those projects is Owámniyomni Okhódayapi. Owámniyomni Okhódayapi is a Dakota-led non-profit. Their goal is to create a future where Dakota culture has a vital presence and is embedded with Dakota values. This includes values such as mni wičóni, or water is life. They will be transforming land at Owámniyomni (St. Anthony Falls). The transformation will include restoration, education, healing and connection.

Call for artists

Learn about the Call for Artist

Application deadline is 4 p.m. (CST) on May 28, 2025

 

Owámniyomni, Jewell Arcoren

Watch the video to learn more about the importance of Owámniyomni and Wíta Naǧí to Dakota people. This video features Jewell Arcoren, Dakota and Ojibwe language educator and community activist. 

Community priorities for public art at Owámniyomni

Read the community priorities for the public art project at Owámniyomni.

Contact us

Ann Godfrey

Community Planning & Economic Development

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415