In the heart of summer, a remarkable story unfolded in Minnesota. Ten vibrant leaders from across Africa, experts in finance, academia, music, cinema, and theater, came together for an unforgettable week as part of Global Minnesota’s Professional Exchanges program and the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Their mission: to explore how art and culture can drive economic vitality and community well-being.
Their journey began in the postcard-perfect town of Lanesboro. There the delegation was joined by Lanesboro community members and government officials to share in food and conversation, forging ties across continents and exchanging ideas and laughter that transcended cultural boundaries. The Marriott International Dinner Diplomacy Program sponsored a delicious lunch which many of the artists remarked was the best meal they’d had during their U.S. visit.
Afterwards, the day’s key moment came in a roundtable session led by Lanesboro Arts founder John Davis, whose vision helped transform the town into a thriving hub of art, business, and tourism. He told the story of how Lanesboro’s impressive network of galleries, studios, and public art installations has been instrumental in attracting visitors to support local businesses and revitalize its Main Street. As the group prepared to leave, artist Liswati Mzwandile Nxumalo paused to reflect: “This was the highlight of my time in the U.S.”
To help cool off from the hot summer’s day, these emerging leaders then savored ice cream from the locally-famous “Another Time Ice Cream Parlor.” They also perused public art displays along Main Street and dove into rich conversations about how small towns can use creativity to solve economic challenges.
The journey continued in Minneapolis, where visits to Springboard for the Arts, Juxtaposition Arts, and the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association showcased innovative models for funding creativity. As the sun set, the group gathered at First Avenue, Minneapolis’ iconic music venue, to witness a soul-stirring tribute to Prince, an artist who embodied the transformative power of art.
What began as a professional exchange ended as a shared story of inspiration, connection, and mutual growth. In Minnesota’s theaters, galleries, and community halls, these global changemakers found more than best practices, they found partners in a common cause: building vibrant futures through the arts.
Listen to a podcast episode featuring two guests from this program here: