Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
The vision of Franconia Sculpture Park is: To provide physically and intellectually wide-open spaces where all are inspired to participate in the creative process. 2016 marked a major milestone, 20 years of Franconia and BIG ART! In 2016, Franconia’s artist residency program served 41artists, and has served 857 artists since 1996. This program provides artists fellowships, internships, and artist workshops each year. Franconia's arts and cultural programming through, art-making workshops, festivals, symposia, classes, music series, and artist-led guided tours served over 13,000 learners of all ages and abilities in 2016. We also provided over 120,000 visitors an inspiring place to explore with friends & family that is free and accessible, open 365 days a year. Our 43-acre sculpture exhibition showcases over 120 small, medium and large-scale, three-dimensional sculptures.
Current Goals
In July 2015 Franconia launched our 20th Anniversary: Imagination in Action Capital Campaign to expand and enhance our campus, as well as educational and artist opportunities. In November of 2016 Franconia welcomed relocated buildings to our 43-acre park which are being transformed into Franconia’s new Community Learning Center. Upon completion in 2017 the 2,200 sq. ft. classroom within the Community Learning Center will provide the community with year-round opportunities for classes, workshops, artist talks, and more. Through our capital campaign and our newly opened Community Learning Center, Franconia will increase the number of people we serve within our community and beyond. In 2017 we strive to serve 14,000+ arts learners of all ages and abilities, welcome over 120,000 visitors to our expansive sculpture exhibition of over 120 large-scale sculptures, and serve 40+ artists through our artist residency program. Additionally, in 2017 we hope to continue to improve and enhance our brand, by expanding our network, improving our marketing techniques, and attracting more visitors and donors involved in Franconia’s arts learning programming.
Community or Constituency Served
Franconia Sculpture Park is the Midwest’s premier outdoor sculpture park, offering a unique combination of residence, work, and exhibition space for emerging and mid-career artists from Minnesota, the Midwest, and all across the world. Franconia supports a free and accessible, constantly changing exhibition of more than 120 contemporary sculptures, created on-site and engaged with by over 120,000 visitors each year. Thousands of community members participate in Franconia’s annual arts learning programs and cultural events led by staff, artists-in-residence, and volunteers. These educational programs make contemporary art accessible and provide social context to the artwork, deepening the learning experience for all involved. Franconia utilizes its locale and proximity to the metropolitan Minneapolis/St. Paul area to bridge the gap between rural and urban artists, audiences, and settings. To support the artistic vision of Franconia, our educational programming is focused on engaging kids, youth, families, and the greater community through diverse, high-quality, and interactive programs and exhibitions, on nourishing the development of visual artists as they create three-dimensional artwork, and on providing access for all people to arts experiences that transform and inspire.
Geographic Area Served
Franconia’s prime location close to the heavily frequented tourist area of the St. Croix River
Valley allows us to serve as a nexus for a community of diverse age, gender, race, and
economic backgrounds. Our audience includes Minnesota, West Central Wisconsin, and
individuals from the 7-county MN metropolitan area and a larger state. At least half of the visitors come from the St. Croix River Valley, including Washington and Chisago Counties in Minnesota and Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties in Western Central Wisconsin. The audience ranges from
infants to seniors, grade school to Ph.D level, from low-income to wealthy, with equal numbers
from urban and rural areas.
