The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is celebrating significant progress on its Cultivating Community Capital Campaign, with more than $1.77 million committed toward its $2.3 million goal and the first phase of construction nearing completion.

The campaign is helping preserve and improve the Cultural Center’s historic 1885 building while creating more accessible, energy-efficient, and welcoming spaces for arts, education, and community gatherings.

“We are incredibly grateful to the individuals, foundations, businesses, and community partners who have helped bring us this far,” said Betsy Roder, Executive Director. “This project is about more than our building. It’s about making sure the Cultural Center continues to be a place where people connect, creativity grows, and our region has access to meaningful arts and cultural experiences for years to come.”

Four foundations invest in the future

The Cultural Center is especially grateful to four foundations whose generous investments have made a significant impact on the campaign, including three gifts of $100,000 and a $150,000 gift:

• McKnight Foundation, with a $150,000 lead investment supporting the continued vitality of arts and culture in Minnesota.

• Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, through the Frankenthaler Climate Initiative, supporting energy efficiency and sustainability in the visual arts.

• Blandin Foundation, through its Rural Placemaking Program, supporting community vitality and inclusive rural communities.

• Frank W. Veden Charitable Trust, helping advance the next phase of improvements to the Cultural Center in support of vibrant rural communities.

Along with these generous foundation partners, more than 75 percent of the campaign goal has been committed through the support of individual donors, businesses, community organizations, and other partners.

Approximately $550,000 remains to reach the $2.3 million goal. Every contribution helps move the project forward.

Construction progress

Phase 1 construction has focused on preserving and improving the Cultural Center’s historic building while increasing energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. Recent improvements include the installation of all 11 new energy-efficient upper-level windows and substantial work on the front façade, including new custom doors and windows.

Future phases will expand the building’s accessibility with an elevator, add studio and educational spaces, and create additional areas for meetings, gatherings, and community activities.

The gallery and gift store remain open during construction, and the Cultural Center continues to host exhibitions, concerts, classes, and community events. Visitors can expect some changes to building entrances as work progresses, with accessible entry available. The center appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding during construction.

Connect and celebrate 

on November 5

The Cultural Center invites community members, longtime supporters, and new friends to Connect & Celebrate on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The gathering will be an opportunity to share memories, celebrate the people and stories that have shaped the Cultural Center, and look ahead to what’s next. Guests are encouraged to bring stories, photographs, artifacts, or other items that reflect their connection to the Center, with time set aside to share experiences. All are welcome and there is no cost to attend.

Refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Guests are also welcome to stay for the Mitch Paul Groethe concert at 7:30 p.m. Concert tickets are available online or at the door.

“Whether you’ve been part of the Cultural Center since the beginning or are just getting to know us, we hope you’ll join us,” said Roder. “It’s a chance to reconnect, share some memories, and celebrate what we’ve accomplished together.”

Help cultivate the future

As the campaign moves toward its goal, the Cultural Center welcomes contributions of all sizes through one-time gifts and multi-year pledges. The Adopt-A-Window program, which sold out during Phase 1, will also return with additional opportunities in Phase 2.

To learn more about the Cultivating Community Capital Campaign, make a contribution, or explore ways to get involved, visit kulcher.org/about/capital-campaign, email capcamp@kulcher.org, or call 218-385-3339.

Event details: connect and celebrate

Date: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026

Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Location: New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, 24 N. Main Avenue, New York Mills

Admission: All are welcome, no cost to attend

Additional event: Mitch Paul Groethe concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available online or at the door.

About the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a nonprofit arts organization located in the heart of rural west-central Minnesota. Housed in a historic 1885 building, the Cultural Center is a regional hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning. Through year-round visual arts exhibitions, concerts, artist residencies, educational programs, a retail gallery featuring regional artists, and community events, the Center enriches the cultural life of the region while welcoming artists and visitors from near and far.

About the Cultivating Community 

Capital Campaign

The Cultivating Community Capital Campaign is a $2.3 million initiative to preserve the Cultural Center’s historic building, improve energy efficiency and accessibility, expand creative and educational spaces, and strengthen its role as a regional community resource.