MINNEAPOLIS — Editor's note: The video above first aired on KARE 11 on Aug. 4, 2023.
One of summer's most beloved events on the south side on Minneapolis will no longer go on as planned, organizers announced Monday.
"After thorough deliberation, the Directors of the Uptown Art Fair have reached the difficult decision to cancel the traditional 2024 event scheduled for August 2 – 4," Uptown Art Fair's Programming Director Jill Osiecki said in a statement.
Osiecki said organizers made the choice over "significant road construction" planned for the area, including the complete closure of Hennepin Avenue. That closure, according to Monday's statement, would make "half of the event footprint inaccessible."
"This was a challenging decision, especially during the 60th anniversary of our event," Osiecki said. "However, we believe it is essential to be transparent with our artists, vendors, sponsors, and participants, acknowledging that we cannot meet their expectations for a world-class event under these circumstances.”
But Osiecki said her team worked hard to turn the setback into a new opportunity, introducing "The Uptown Art Experience," an extended event spanning the whole summer. The display will include art installations, pop-up events, a public art competition and more, all throughout Uptown.
“Introducing change and new events, especially in Minneapolis, presents challenges. However, we hope for community support in attendance and financial backing. We must embrace the changes thrust upon us and evolve into something uniquely special, mirroring the spirit of Uptown itself.”
For more information about the art fairs in the past, visit its website.
More details about this year's "Uptown Art Experience" are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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