Item Description:
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Establishing a Countywide Art Contest for middle- and high-school students in partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art to promote health, well-being, and community expression through art, the 2025 theme: “Belonging Begins Here: Our Stories, Our County, and Our Pride” - offered by Commissioners Edelson, Anderson, Lunde, Fernando, Greene, Conley and Goettel.
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, Hennepin County is committed to promoting the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of its residents, particularly its youth; and
WHEREAS, research consistently shows that engagement in the arts supports mental health, reduces stress, fosters empathy, and enhances overall quality of life; and
WHEREAS, creative expression through visual art offers youth a meaningful outlet to process emotions, build resilience, and reflect on the world around them, including their communities and lived experiences; and
WHEREAS, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) has long served as a cultural cornerstone in Hennepin County, providing access to world-class artistic collections, educational programming, and community partnerships that make art accessible and inclusive for all; and
WHEREAS, an inclusive and countywide art contest open to all middle and high school students would celebrate youth creativity, promote public dialogue about the role of art in health and healing, and build stronger connections between schools, families, and community institutions; and
WHEREAS, the 2025-2026 Student Art Contest will be centered on the theme “Belonging Begins Here: Our Stories, Our County, and Our Pride,” inviting students to explore what belonging means to them through their own lived experiences, cultural identity, and community connection;
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners establishes the “Art for Well-Being” Student Art Contest, in partnership with the Minneapolis Institute of Art and other community-based arts and health organizations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the annual contest be open to all public, charter, and private middle- and high-schools within Hennepin County as well as community partners who interact directly with Hennepin County middle- and high-schools to offer art education when not available at school, with guidelines encouraging students to explore themes related to personal and community wellness, identity, healing, belonging, and social connection through visual art; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that selected student artwork will be displayed publicly in collaboration with MIA and other community venues, and students will be recognized for their contributions to fostering healing, dialogue, and creativity across our county; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that outstanding entries will be honored with the “Spirit of Belonging Award” (also known as the “Artist Distinction Award”) presented by Hennepin County, celebrating students whose work exemplifies the values of inclusivity, storytelling, and pride in one’s community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioner directs the County Administrator to staff shall coordinate with the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and participating schools districts and community partners who interact directly with Hennepin County middle- and high-schools to offer art education when not available at school; form an internal staffing team to develop plans for to implementing the contest beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, bringing recommendations back to the board for approval prior to implementation ; and report annually on participation, partnerships, and community impact.
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Background:
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: No Recommendation