As Director of the City of Minneapolis Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Black Business Enterprises (BBE) through our Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts program. This initiative provides multi-year support for affordable, long-term creative spaces with the aim of strengthening our city's cultural and creative ecosystem.

Since receiving their award nine months ago, Executive Director Nancy Korsah and her team have transformed their storefront into a vibrant center for creative and community activity. BBE has consistently met and exceeded all program requirements. While only four quarterly activations are required on a yearly basis, they have delivered more than 19 events, drawing over 2,000 attendees.

Programming has ranged from a Live Art + Fashion Show to a Financial Literacy Summit, as well as "Taxes for Artists and Small Businesses" workshops and youth-centered activations such as a Live Piano Décor project. These events span multiple disciplines, including painting, literature, music, performance, digital art, and photography and are accessible to a wide range of community members.

The space has become a gathering place that is inclusive, representative, and responsive to the community it serves. BBE's programming is consistently well-organized, culturally relevant, and grounded in the needs and aspirations of local artists, small business owners, and residents.

From my professional perspective, BBE's use of their space and resources has been exemplary. Their work has contributed meaningfully to our program's goals: expanding access to creative space, fostering cultural equity, and strengthening the local creative economy.

This statement is provided to share our department's experience with BBE's performance and community impact during the course of their award.

Sincerely yours,
Ben Johnson
Director, Arts & Cultural Affairs
City of Minneapolis
October 01, 2025