"Dreaming to making": A tour of the Zone

When Americans for the Arts held its national convention in the Twin Cities in June, they sent an ARTVenture tour to the CEZ, led by board chair Catherine Reid Day. The Zone is already generating national buzz, serving as a model for urban districts seeking affordable, collaborative environments for creative entrepreneurs. 

At Studio on Fire, Ben Levitz told about his own niche— high-end, tactile pressed goods— and how creative businesses can thrive in networks. For example, printers need people skilled in press repair, and colocation can be powerful (Dogwood Coffee is next door). Along Charles Street, the group saw housing comfortably sited next to light industry. At the Dow Artist Building, Khanh Tran offered insight on its collaborative business model— studios, gallery, and frame shop all under one roof— and the guests were wowed by artist Michael Kereken's studio (pictured). 

"The cluster of talent at Vandalia Tower was also a hit," said Catherine. "So many questions about pathways to careers in film and media, well answered by the Jerome Foundation, FilmNorth, and the St. Paul Neighborhood Network. And of course, Can Can Wonderland blew their minds."  The day yielded new relationships with the National Endowment for the Arts, FreshArts of Houston, the arts community of South Salt Lake, Utah, and more.