CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Cultivating the Arts for the Next Generation
For 35 years, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has been the place where people gather, create, learn, and belong. Now, the building that holds it all needs our help.
WHAT
A $2.3 Million Investment in Rural Minnesota's Creative Future
The Cultivating Community Capital Campaign is a $2.3 million investment in the future of arts, culture, and community in rural Minnesota. Thanks to early leadership gifts, we’ve already secured $1.77 million. Now, we need your help to finish the work.
This campaign will:
- Preserve and protect our historic 1885 building
- Expand spaces for arts, education, and community connection
- Strengthen key community assets beyond our walls
This is not just a building project, it’s an investment in people, creativity, and the future of our region.
WHY
Because a Place Like This Doesn't Happen Twice
What started as a bold and unique idea (that arts and culture could thrive in a rural place) has grown into a vital hub for community connection and creativity. This building has held concerts, classes, exhibits, conversations, and celebrations for decades. It has welcomed thousands of people through its doors. But today, our community space faces real and urgent needs.
(Fun fact: The Cultural Center is the oldest building in New York Mills, dating back to 1885!)
Without investment:
The building will continue to deteriorate
Accessibility will remain limited
Opportunities for growth will be constrained
With your support, we can:
Expand access so more people feel welcome
Preserve a historic community anchor
Create space for new ideas, new programs, and new connections
WHEN
Renovations Have Begun and the Next Phase Depends on YOU
With $1.77 million already committed and construction actively underway, the momentum is real and the time is now. What happens next depends on community support coming in now, before costs grow and opportunities shrink.
Timely investment is critical to:
- Address current building needs before they become more costly
- Maintain and grow programming without interruption
- Build toward a sustainable future for the Cultural Center
Your support today keeps this project moving forward and this community space open for everyone.
HOW
How We're Putting Every Dollar to Work
We're moving forward with a clear, phased plan.
Phase 1: Modernize and Protect Our Historic Building
- Tuckpointing and structural preservation
- Front façade restoration
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Improved sustainability and energy efficiency
- Continue to serve our community through innovative programming
Phase 2: Grow Our Capacity to Inspire and Serve
- Expand space by 1,600 sq ft
- Add flexible studios and education space
- Install an elevator for accessibility
- Create a fully connected meeting room
- Add a drive-through coffee shop
- Grow programming to reach new audiences
Phase 3: Strengthen Community Assets Beyond Our Walls
- Enhance the Sculpture Park as a free public art space
- Invest in the Arts Retreat residency program & house for visiting artists
- Increase accessibility and public art opportunities
As we move through the phases above, we will shift from a scarcity mindset to one that embraces abundance. We will do this by investing in staff, growing connections with the community, and expanding our programming as we expand our spaces.
Future Front Facade
Future Back Expansion
WHO
You Can Be Part of Rural Arts History
Every gift counts toward a place that has counted on this community for 35 years. Whether you give once, pledge over time, or honor someone who loved this space, your support keeps rural arts alive and growing. Renovations are already underway. The next phase is yours to help make happen.
Flexible giving options include:
- One-Time Gift (cash, check, or credit card)
- Multi-Year Pledge (up to 5 years)
- Tribute Gift (in honor or memory of someone)
- IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
- Planned Giving / Estate Gifts
Campaign News
Catch up on the latest on our Capital Campaign.
Celebrating Milestones: Capital Campaign 2026
Join Us at our Next Celebration:
11/5 Connect + Celebrate
All are Welcome!
Construction Updates – September 2026
Capital Campaign Updates
Renovation Schedule & Visitor Information
Take our Survey!
Construction Updates – July 2026
Capital Campaign Updates
Renovation Schedule & Visitor Information
Take our Survey!
Capital Campaign Awarded Grants
Acknowledgment of Generosity
We proudly recognize the supporters whose generosity is helping make this project possible. Their commitment will have a lasting impact on our organization and the community we serve. To all who have contributed, encouraged others to give, and supported this campaign in countless ways, thank you.
Capital Campaign Donors to Date
Masterpiece Circle
- Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines
Patron of the Arts
- Blandin Foundation
- Den & Kathy Simpson
- Ed Buerkle
- Farmers & Merchants State Bank
- Helen Frankenthaler Foundation
- Kenny & Kim Nelson
- McKnight Foundation
Think-Off Society
- Arvig Enterprises INC
- Betsy & Nick Roder
- New York Mills Lions Club
Solstice Patrons
- Janet Karvonen-Montgomery & Alan Montgomery
- Joan B. Hanson Rev. Living Trust
- Kenneth Muckala, MD
FIsh House Fellows
- Al & Jana Berube
- Chris Klein & Elisa Korentayer
- David & Sandy Eckel
- Ed Ranson
- Karkela, Hunt & Cheshire, PLLP
- Teresa Muckala
- Tom Paper
Step Up Society
- Bob Sonnenberg
- Gwen & Chuck Denninger
- Jennifer Parta
- Perham Rotary
- Sandra & Patrick Shaughnessy
- Sara Cosper
- Sarah Carlson
- Thomas Karvonen
- United Community Bank
Arts Elevator
- Cindy Salo
- Constance Jackson
- Darliss Hagge
- Dave McRoberts
- Dennis & Dyann Tigges
- DL Rotary
- James Virnala
- Jerald Nesland
- Judith Engstrom
- Kelly & Sam Felix
- Lynn Kasma
- Mari & Mike Willie
- Marsha & Scott Maki
- Mary Ebner
- Otter Berry Farm
- Otter Tail County Historical Society
- Perham Printing
- Rachel Grieger
- Rand Stolee
- Rick & Debbie Roder
- Sharon Belt
- Trudi Carlund Busch
Creative Sparks
- Anita Hendrickx
- Anne Sawyer
- Cheryl Humbert
- Connie Warner
- County Cycle ATV LLC
- Dan Peterson
- Dana Montoro
- Dave Virnala
- Dick Houtkooper
- Don & Loni Niles
- Dorothy Eskeli
- Fernando Quijano
- Jay Sieling & Deborah Dittberner
- Jodi & Tim Ericskrud
- John & Mary Peeters
- Justine & Chad Anderson
- Karen Oelschlager
- Kari Roberts
- Kathleen Mahling
- Keith Johnson
- Lakes Family Eyecare
- Lisa Graba-Meech
- Lori & Kyle Schneider
- Lowell Bayerkohler
- Mark Strom
- Marlene Boedigheimer
- Melba Hensel
- Mellisa Nelson
- New Horizons Realty of Perham
- Rachael Kagan & Tim Rowe
- Rodney Seidell
- Sheila Piipo
- Susan Van Watermulen
- Tia Scarce
- Todd & Katie Ericksrud
- Wadena State Bank
- Wendy Billie