We are writing to highlight a vital yet often overlooked aspect of our community’s growth: the significant economic benefits derived from Ely’s investment in arts and culture. 
Ely, known for its stunning natural landscapes, is also home to a vibrant cultural scene supported by the Ely Cultural Alliance. This alliance includes the Northern Lakes Arts Association, Ely Folk School, Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust, Tofte Lake Center, Dorothy Molter Museum, Boundary Waters Connect, Ely’s Historic State Theater, and the Listening Point Foundation. These organizations are more than cultural touchstones, they are powerful economic drivers that fuel our town’s prosperity. 
The Ely Cultural Alliance is dedicated to fostering the growth and enrichment of arts and culture in Ely by uniting diverse creative voices and nurturing a vibrant artistic community. Our mission is to provide a supportive platform that empowers local artists, preserves cultural heritage, and encourages collaborative endeavors that contribute to the identity and vitality of our community. We envision Ely as a regional hub renowned for its rich tapestry of arts, culture, and shared experiences, driven by collaboration, education, and celebration. 
Recent findings align with national data, illustrating the broad impact of arts and culture on both rural and urban communities. According to a 2019 National Governors Association report titled “Rural Prosperity through the Arts & Creativity Sector,” two-thirds of all businesses, regardless of their location, consider local arts and entertainment organizations crucial for attracting workers. Rural performing arts organizations, like those in Ely, attract more outside visitors (31 percent vs. 19.3 percent for urban organizations), driving economic activity through admissions, dining, and other expenditures. 
Recent data underscores this impact: expenditures related to our cultural institutions surged from $776,544 in 2019 to $1,305,909 in 2022, marking an impressive 68.2 percent increase. This information is compiled from the member’s 990 forms which are available to the public online. Attendees of events in town spend upward of $100 to $120 per event outside of the cost of participation. This growth is not just a statistic, it translates into real benefits for our local economy, including job creation, business stimulation, and enhanced quality of life for residents and visitors alike. One of the most remarkable aspects of Minnesota’s arts and culture landscape is the incredible support it receives from an array of generous funders. There truly is no other state like it. Organizations such as the Blandin Foundation, the McKnight Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, and the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant arts community throughout the state. Ely has been especially fortunate to benefit from this support, with numerous projects funded by these generous entities. Their investment underscores a powerful truth: there is not a scarcity of resources for the arts in Minnesota—there is an abundance. This level of commitment allows our community to thrive, innovate, and create extraordinary experiences for all, reaffirming that Ely’s cultural growth is not only possible but flourishing. Our arts organizations are recognized as “substantive innovators,” contributing to a dynamic service industry by using surplus funds for innovative projects. 
Our cultural investments resonate far beyond Ely, extending our influence across a wide swath of Minnesota, including major cities like Duluth, Brainerd, and the Twin Cities, within a 100-260 mile radius. Nationally, we impact neighboring states drawing artists and visitors from across the country who contribute to making Ely their creative home. This influx elevates Ely’s status as a prime tourist destination. Internationally, our connections reach regions such as Thunder Bay, Ontario, about 200 miles away. This extensive reach highlights the pivotal role Ely’s cultural sector plays in attracting visitors and strengthening regional ties.
The financial boost has enabled these institutions to engage an additional 26,231 individuals, broadening our cultural reach and reinforcing Ely’s appeal as a year-round destination. This is crucial for a town where seasonal tourism alone cannot sustain the economy. By providing diverse cultural events and programs throughout the year, we ensure a steady influx of visitors and support local businesses even in the off-season. 
Ely’s arts and culture scene does more than complement our scenic beauty— it invigorates our community by fostering creativity, collaboration, and pride. From art galleries and craft shops to performance venues, artist retreats, and cultural festivals, our sector supports local entrepreneurs and provides significant economic and educational opportunities. 
Investing in arts and culture not only enriches our community but also strengthens its resilience and growth potential. By supporting and celebrating these cultural assets, we attract more visitors and foster a sense of unity and pride among residents. These vibrant cultural offerings also make our community more appealing to potential new residents, further amplifying our growth potential. 
As we look ahead, let’s embrace and leverage the potential of our cultural institutions. They are not just part of our heritage but key to our continued economic vitality and community well-being. Let’s invest in the arts as a strategic driver for Ely’s success and prosperity. 
As we reflect on the remarkable growth and impact of arts and culture in Ely over the past three years, it’s clear that our community is thriving in ways we never imagined. The vibrancy of our arts scene has brought people together, bolstered our economy, and enriched our collective experience. As we enter the season of giving, we ask you to remember the profound benefits that these cultural investments have brought to Ely. 
Your support is crucial to sustaining and expanding these opportunities. By joining us in our mission, you are not just contributing to the arts, you are investing in the future of our community. Let’s continue to build a thriving, inclusive community that celebrates the creative spirit of the North. Together, we can ensure that Ely remains a beacon of culture, creativity, and connection for years to come. 
Ian Francis Lah -
Northern Lakes Arts
Association 
Lucy Soderstrom -
Ely Folk School 
Liz Engelman -
Tofte Lake Center 
Freja Alioth - Listening
Point Foundation 
Lacey Squier - Boundary
Waters Connect 
Jess Edberg - Dorothy
Molter Museum 
Jacob White - Ely’s
Historic State Theater