I Belong Here - State Fair Mural

At the Great Minnesota Get Together - the Minnesota State Fair, over 12 days, hundreds of visitors placed their special expression of belonging - color, message, soul on a canvas called Circles of Belonging. People participated from all walks of life, from across Minnesota, and the United States as well as from many parts of the world. They all shared a common sentiment - I Belong Here! 

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We call this art on canvas a mural because it is an imprint on the walls of the heart with the colors of belonging.

 

We will share progress here on the official unveiling of the completed mural and explore how we can bring it to your community. If you would like to be on our email list to get information on how we plan to share the finished work you can sign up below.

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Lead Artist Reta -  explains the mural in the video above. Her art blends various styles and is an expression of her soul in color. 

Guest Artists - We had guest artists who created diverse styles of expression of belonging.

Andrew Beckett - is a muralist who also works in "cardboard art."

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Erika Hererra - is an artist who works in digital art bringing to life the colors of Colombia.

 

Akossiwa Medowokpa - with roots in Togo, Africa brings out vibrant colors and shapes in her art.
 

Sheela Terakanambi  - brings the traditional art forms of India in her art.

Pachia Xiong  - is an artist rooted in her Hmong culture and integrates her art into her designer line of clothing and fashion accessories.

 

Cultural Destinations is a strategy based on joy where businesses share their culturally inspired products and services and visitors enjoy this cultural experience. At the same time this strategy builds wealth, especially in diverse communities. A Cultural Destination has these unique elements - culturally inspired products and services, a unique story, integration of cultural elements such as music, art, cultural events and offering a quality and welcoming experience to the visitor. Dr. Bruce Corrie is a pioneer in this strategy around Cultural Destinations and has worked in the space for over two decades. If you wish to join the Cultural Destination Network please contact corrie@culturaldestinations.org.

 

The Cultural Destinations Boutique offered a cultural destination at the Minnesota State Fair, 2024 where over 40 small businesses offered products and services from over 30 different cultures and countries. Visitors enjoyed participating the Circles of Belonging, world music, guest artists and authors, Culture is Cool FashionShow in partnership with Minnesota African Fashion Week and Chiagu, LLC and other activities. 

 

The Circles of Belonging Institute offers strategies and events to create an environment of belonging in the workplace, business or community. For more information contact corrie@culturaldestinations.org.