.jpg)
Growth, economic impact and collaboration highlighted in presentation
Ely is an arts town, particularly for its size and particularly in comparison to other similar-sized communities.
The anecdotal evidence that backs up those claims was bolstered by data Tuesday, during a presentation at City Hall by Ian Lah, executive director of the Northern Lakes Arts Association.
In a roughly 10-minute address to city council members, Lah highlighted the collabration between NLAA and other groups that make up the Ely Cultural Alliance, and pointed to data showing the economic impact of the arts in Ely.
From organizations to events, festivals to focus, Ely has become a haven for arts and art-related events.
That was particularly true during and in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, when spending by arts-related groups surged by 68 percent in Ely, from roughly $775,000 to just over $1.3 million.
“This is during a time when most arts and cultural organizations across the nation struggled to survive,” said Lah. “In Ely, we didn’t just survive, we thrived.”
Lah said that in 2024, attendance at arts related events has led to $500,000 in direct spending at Ely area businesses, and that cultural activities “engaged 26,000 additional people,” not only from the Ely area but across the region, Duluth, the Twin Cities and other states.
“This influx of visitors is critical for keeping our businesses vibrant, even during our off seasons,” said Lah.
Lah highlighted the efforts of the Ely Cultural Alliance, “a group of organizations dedicated to enriching our community through arts and culture.”
That alliance includes the NLAA, Ely Folk School, Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust, Tofte Lake Center, Dorothy Molter Museum, Boundary Waters Connect, Ely’s Historic State Theater and the Listening Point Foundation.
“Collectively we work together to strengthen Ely’s identify by fostering creativity, collaboration and cultural preservation,” said Lah. “It’s about creating synergy between businesses and non-profit organizations.” Lah added that “more than just a collaboration of arts organizations, we are a vision. A vision where creativity knows no bounds.”
‘We believe by nurturing arts and culture of our town, we are not just enhancing Ely but investing in its core and resilience,” said Lah.
Whether it’s events promoted by NLAA or other groups, Ely has a plethora of arts-related attractions throughout the year.
Lah highlighted how the arts “have brought people together in truly remarkable ways,” citing events such as the annual “Dancing with the Stars” to events put on by the Ely Folk School.
A 2012 Ely High School graduate who went on to college and eventual worked as an actor and artist, Lah returned home in 2020 and said “I made a decision to come back home where I realized I could make the most impact.”
He said Ely has made notable cultural advances since his childhood years, noting the closure of the State Theater then and school cuts in arts programming.
“We were missing the vitality and cultural richness we enjoy today,” said Lah.
Lah contends Ely has become “a hub for arts and culture in northern Minnesota” and called for city officials to recognize the arts’ impact on Ely and to support investments critical in sustaining “the momentum we’ve built.”
He highlighted two upcoming events including a Nov. 18 “Ely for Ely” workshop at the Grand Ely Lodge, bringing together representatives of local entities and nonprofits, as well as the Nov. 19 meeting of the Ely Cultural Alliance.
Ely’s support for the arts makes it “more united, attractive and welcoming to potential new residents and businesses,” Lah said.
While council members took no formal action, several recognized Lah for his address, including member Paul Kess.
“For a family that has investment in the arts community this is great to see,” said Kess. “It reminds us in fact that arts is part of our culture, our community. It’s not an add-on, it’s part of who we are.”
