Our Mission
The Ely Cultural Alliance exists to strengthen and sustain arts and culture in Ely, Minnesota by bringing people together.
Founded in 2022 by Liz Engelman, Executive Director of the Tofte Lake Center, and Ian Francis Lah, Executive Artistic Director of Northern Lakes Arts Association, the Alliance grew out of a shared recognition. Ely is rich with creative energy, artists, and cultural organizations. We are stronger when we work together.
The Ely Cultural Alliance unites diverse creative voices to support local artists, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage collaboration across disciplines and organizations. At its core, the Alliance serves as a supportive platform. A place to connect, coordinate, celebrate successes, and imagine what is possible when the arts community moves forward together.
We envision a future where Ely’s arts and culture sector is vibrant, connected, and visible. Through collaboration, education, and shared celebration, we work to ensure that artistic expression is valued, cultural traditions are honored, and a strong sense of unity and pride thrives throughout our community.
The Ely Cultural Alliance is not an exclusive group. It is a shared table. Artists, organizations, educators, and culture bearers are all welcome to participate, contribute, and help shape the future of arts and culture in Ely.
Together, we are building a community where a rising tide of arts strengthens Ely, supports those who create here, and positions our town as a regional destination for meaningful cultural experiences.
Join us for our Toast to the Season Celebration:
September 13th from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
At Ely's Historic State Theater.
Explore our members:
Ely Folk School
Intergenerational, Non-Competitive, Learning for Life
We build community by providing learning experiences that celebrate the wilderness heritage, art, history, culture, and craft of the people of northern Minnesota.
We are a gathering space where all Ely area residents and visitors forge new connections, build a stronger community, and develop as individuals through experiential learning that honors the crafts and cultures of our region.
Ely's Historic State Theater
Community Cultural Anchor
We ignite imagination, foster connection, and celebrate the art of storytelling
We cultivate a vibrant, healthy community by providing accessible and inclusive entertainment, educational experiences, and a welcoming gathering space for Ely and beyond.
Ely Winton Historical Society
Stewards of History
We build community by providing learning experiences that celebrate the wilderness heritage, art, history, culture, and craft of the people of northern Minnesota.
We are a gathering space where all Ely area residents and visitors forge new connections, build a stronger community, and develop as individuals through experiential learning that honors the crafts and cultures of our region.
Dorothy Molter
Museum
Rooted Wilderness Legacy
We preserve and interpret Northwoods wilderness heritage through learning opportunities inspired by Dorothy Molter, the last non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
We do this through public interpretive programming and exhibits in three of Dorothy's historic cabins, community open houses and presentations, an internship program and collaborations with other arts and culture organizations in the region, and with a vision to inspire the next generation of Northwoods stewards to make a significant contribution toward a better world through Dorothy’s legacy of perseverance, integrity and generosity.
Northern Lakes Arts Association
Steward of Ely's Rural Arts Ecosystem
We support and develop the visual, performing, and literary arts to enrich the quality of life in Ely and the surrounding area.
We are committed to presenting, promoting, and fostering artists and arts experiences for local artists, residents, and visitors to the Ely community. We will collaborate with other arts organizations to facilitate the growth of the arts in our area. We will engage local artists with other artists, including professional artists, to nurture the creative spirit in everyone, and welcome all participants and observers to grow individually and collectively. We believe that nurturing the arts and artists will lift up our community, creating a richer and more vibrant experience for everyone, while making Ely an arts and cultural destination.
Boundary Waters
Connect
Connecting people & resources to build community
& grow our Wilderness-edge economy
Boundary Waters Connect seeks to contribute positively to the Ely-area community and economy.
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We support individuals by helping new residents connect with established residents via our Hello Neighbor programs.
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We support local organizations and businesses leaders by facilitating networking, professional development, and capacity building opportunities via our Ely for Ely programs.
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We support lifelong learning by coordinating and hosting a free, weekly educational forum called Tuesday Group.
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We partner with peer organizations to support their programs and events. Examples include, but are not limited to:
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Monthly Ely Trivia Nights
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Monthly History Happy Hours
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Ely Film Festival
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Broadway in the Boundary Waters
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Boundary Waters Connect was founded in 2019 as the economic & community development task force of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness. The task force began by researching rural trends and learning from civic leaders, legislators, and local businesses. What we found reinforced our understanding that rural communities and wilderness enjoy a unique and mutually beneficial relationship
