current work showcase
Arts for All
Bringing the Arts to Saint Paul
For ages 1-100+
When you give people the opportunity to express themselves, it creates a sense of connection and belonging. We believe that when communities know and understand each other, we all benefit. Half of Saint Paul’s population lives on the East Side, which boasts a variety of cultures. Coming from different backgrounds can sometimes present challenges, but we believe diversity is our community’s greatest strength.
East Side Arts Council uses art to bridge cultural gaps and strengthen communities through a wide range of visual and performing arts opportunities that reflect our multicultural populations. Our programs and partnerships allow the diverse population of the East Side to share and celebrate culture, offering a sense of belonging and purpose. We exist to alleviate shortcomings on the East Side, from a lack of funding for art programs in schools to the isolation some seniors experience in retirement communities.
Here’s how East Side Arts Council is addressing the needs of the community through our free and customizable art programs:
Our Mission
To collaborate with our community and artists to celebrate and experience the arts.
ESAC achieves its mission by:
Offering programs with professional artists that mirror the diversity of the community
Providing accessible, free or low-cost art programs for children and families
Approaching tough neighborhood issues and celebrating community strengths through the arts
Serving as an arts resource for individuals and organizations in our community
Join us in our commitment to bring accessible arts experiences to our community
Poetry Submissions!
Share your poetry with the community by having it featured on our Poets’ Post in the Phalen Poetry Park for all to experience! Poems on the post are rotated about 3-4 times a year. To have your poem considered, email Ida Streeto at esac@eastsideartscouncil.org. Poems must be one page or shorter.
East Side Arts Council gratefully acknowledges that we are on sacred lands of the Dakota people. The East Side of St. Paul is located within the land of the Wahpekute Indians, one of the 7 primary divisions of the Dakota. It is our honor to work and create art and community with Dakota, Ojibwe, and other Indigenous people in the Twin Cities.
All East Side Arts Council programming is held at sites that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you have specific accessibility requests, please contact us at 651-774-5422.
Thank you to our funders
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
This activity is made possible by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.