Mural bonanza in Minneapolis: 34 new murals will transform East Lake Street corridor in June
Lake Street Lift launches one of the nation’s largest-concentrated mural projects
Inquiries: press@lakestreetcouncil.org
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (June 10, 2025) – The Lake Street Lift Mural Bonanza, a major public art initiative organized by the Lake Street Council, is bringing 34 new murals by 30 artists to the East Lake St. corridor in Minneapolis this month. Work has officially begun on the murals and will be completed by the end of June across a 30-block stretch of East Lake St.
The initiative features 24 Minnesota-based artists alongside a mix of acclaimed national and international artists, all contributing original, site-specific works that reflect the history, culture and resilience of the corridor. When complete, the Lake Street Lift Mural Bonanza will be among the largest concentrated mural projects in the nation, spanning over 25,000 square feet – equivalent to around five and a half basketball courts.
“This month, East Lake Street is undergoing a bold and beautiful transformation that will reflect our dynamic, diverse, and well-loved community,” said Charise Canales, manager of placemaking and activation at the Lake Street Council. “We are thrilled to support this creative mural endeavor through the Lake Street Lift initiative and invite everyone to come out, enjoy the artwork, and immerse yourself in Lake Street’s story.”
Featured artists include:
Minnesota artists: Thomasina TopBear, Melodee Strong, Em Victory, Xena Goldman, Kelly Frankenberg, Reggie LeFlore, Megan Moore, Erin Sayer, Hibaaq Ibrahim, Simon and Gulsan Osman, and many more.
Hiero Viega – Miami-based artist known for his Prince mural in downtown Minneapolis.
Bacon (Alexander Bacon) – acclaimed Canadian muralist.
Squidlicker (Lauren YS) – illustrator and street artist based in Los Angeles.
JEKS – hyperrealist muralist from North Carolina.
Lizardman – local street artist, activist and muralist.
“The Lake Street Lift’s Mural Bonanza is more than a mural project. It’s a collective act of transformation and visibility,” said Joan Vorderbruggen, a nationally recognized placemaking expert who is leading the project. “We’re creating jobs for artists, beauty for the community and energy for a corridor that continues to rise.”
The project also acknowledges TOUCH Outreach Services for on-the-ground support, Magic Monkey Painting for wall preparations and priming, and Sherwin Williams Lake Street for material assistance.
About Lake Street Lift
The Lake Street Council, together with the Graves Foundation, launched its Lake Street Lift initiative earlier this spring to support the corridor. The $8 million initiative, made possible through state funding appropriated to the City of Minneapolis from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, funds corridor-wide projects and targeted assistance to local businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and developers to cultivate a more vibrant, safe and flourishing Lake Street.
Community art and events are a key component of Lake Street Lift. These include other public art installations, cultural festivals and food tours, and the beautification of underutilized spaces. Lake Street Lift also provides business advising, real estate consulting and other assistance to eligible businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and local developers.
For more information, view the events calendar and subscribe to the Lake Street Council e-newsletter.
About the Lake Street Council
Lake Street Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which engages, serves, and advocates for the Lake Street community in Minneapolis to ensure the vitality and prosperity of the commercial corridor.