Mission:
To improve the lives of Minnesota artists and increase the public's access to and engagement with Minnesota's arts culture.

Background:
MN Artists, an online database and gathering place for Minnesota artists and arts enthusiasts, was developed after a survey conducted by the McKnight Foundation revealed how individual artists were struggling. In partnership with the Walker Art Center, McKnight launched the site in 2001 to help local artists establish, build, maintain, or regain a career in the arts. The site was re-launched in 2004 to include original editorial content.

Outstanding Web Features:
The MN Artists Web site features video, audio, image, and textual content, including a growing library of multimedia programs about the arts scene in Minnesota. Registered artists can have a Web page through the site and showcase their work via slideshows. In addition, registered visitors can curate their own exhibits, combining different artworks on the site into a virtual collection. Each week, the site features a new music playlist, poem, and podcast. Visitors to the site can also sign up to receive access+ENGAGE, a bi-monthly arts e-journal; participate in a variety of online forums; and find or submit an event to the calendar.