Celebrating a Decade of Northrop Transformed

As we reflect on the past year—marking the 10-year anniversary of Northrop’s grand reopening following renovation—I am filled with pride and gratitude for what we have accomplished together. The “new Northrop” has truly become a vibrant hub for the arts, where dance, music, and conversation flourish.

Over the past decade in our rejuvenated spaces, we have proudly served our University, surrounding communities, and the entire state of Minnesota with a reinvigorated commitment to cultivating intersections between performing arts and education. Together, we have risen to new heights, facing challenges with resilience and transforming obstacles into opportunities. As we look ahead to our centennial anniversary in 2029, our vision is clear: to be a catalyst for transformation, inspiring positive change in individuals and communities alike.

This report is more than just numbers; it showcases the lives touched, communities uplifted, and dreams ignited. It highlights the stories of individuals and families whose lives have been changed through our programs, reminding us all of the power of community.

As stated in this video from the grand reopening in 2014, “Northrop has been transformed so it can transform you.” Together, let’s continue to inspire hope, create change, and build a brighter future for all. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.

—Kari Schloner, Executive Director

Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.

Your Support In Action

Northrop Centennial Commissions Project Generates New Art

During the 2023-24 season, two outstanding, world-premiere Northrop Centennial Commissions debuted, both on the stage of our valued partner the Walker Art Center. Initiated to assist artists during the Covid-19 pandemic, the program continues through generous support from dedicated donations and other gifts, ticket sales, and the annual Encore Gala fundraiser. To date, the Centennial Commissions project has supported the creation of 14 new works and will culminate in Northrop’s 2029 centennial anniversary celebration.

In Oct 2023, viewers sat rapt as DIANNE McINTYRE Group In the Same Tongue united dancers and musicians with poetry to explore how dance and music “speak” to each other. Dance legend and choreographer Dianne McIntyre incorporated Minnesota-based dancers from TU Dance’s CULTIVATE program into the work. She also led a residency before the performances that inspired UMN students through a classroom visit, a dance workshop with TU Dance, and a career talk.

BRKFST Dance Company staged an entirely different, yet equally stunning, premiere with STORMCLUTTER, co-commissioned by The Cowles Center, in Jun 2024. Through their distinctive breaking style, BRKFST illustrated the ongoing tension in complex relationships and the efforts to resolve these opposing states.

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Encore Gala: A Toast to Celebrate Artists & New Works

The Encore Gala: Spring Cocktail Party with 10,000 Dreams featuring performers from The Washington Ballet, BalletMet, and Oakland Ballet Company was a sizzling success. A silent auction, hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and live music provided the atmosphere for artists and guests to mingle following their performance. Proceeds from Encore fundraisers since 2021 have contributed to the creation of new works through the Northrop Centennial Commissions program—and continue to support new art and artists into the future. 

Phil Chan, co-founder of Final Bow for Yellowface and co-curator of 10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography, spoke at the Encore Gala and reflected on the whole experience afterward, calling it “deeply meaningful, and a rare display of Asian American choreography on a single program.”

Friends of Northrop 

A special thank you to our patrons whose generous support makes Northrop's transformative arts experiences possible. Make your mark on Northrop's future by becoming a Friend today to support Northrop Centennial Commissions, help bring world-class artists to our stages and create new works, allow artists to flourish, and enrich the lives of people in our communities. Contributions from donors, sponsors, and partners allow Northrop to continue to expand access to the arts, provide educational opportunities through K-12 student matinees and community classes, and engage UMN students in impactful ways.

We gratefully acknowledge the support from the Curtis L Carlson Family Foundation, Minnesota State Arts Board, The Givens Foundation, and event sponsors PNC Bank, RBC Wealth Management, and the Graduate Hotel Minneapolis. 

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Beyond the Stage

2023-24 Student Matinees

Captivating and Engaging K-12 Learners

Part of the Northrop mission is “to cultivate intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.” Our K-12 Student Matinee program puts those words into action. During the 2023-24 school year, about 8,135 elementary through high school students, including about 600 homeschool students and chaperones, experienced the performing arts in-person, online, and through school visits. With a robust bus reimbursement program, online options, fun and engaging instructional videos, lesson plans, and artist access, our younger learners enjoy experiencing campus life and moving, singing, and learning along with our visiting artists and companies.

UMN Students’ Ticket to Arts, Culture & Entertainment

With its central location on the UMN Twin Cities campus, iconic steps and columns, cozy corners, and inviting student lounges, Northrop stands out as a main gathering spot for students. Outdoor concerts like the Amplifying Solidarity series, on-stage performances, lectures, film screenings, and complimentary tickets through Northrop Across Campus, draw students as patrons; while convocations, graduations, and other ceremonies bring them in as participants and presenters. On any given day, Northrop serves as a hub for students to meet friends, grab a meal at The Bistro, plan a club event, work on campus, or hit the books.

University Students Take the Stage 

UMN students and student groups are active on the Northrop stages, as well as in the building and from the seats. The Indian Student Association, Asian American Student Union, Somali Student Association, Oromo Student Union, Vietnamese Student Association of Minnesota, and Black Student Union presented events during the 2023-24 school year, engaging minds, building connections, and adding to the vibrancy of student life on campus.