Non-profit arts incubator
Arts’ Nest has been tasked
by the City of Minneapolis
with reviving the Cowles Center in 2026.
This is our temporary site, until we are able to take custody of the Cowles’ primary web address.
Cowles Center for Dance
& the Performing arts
Temporary Website
Help Bring the Cowles Center Back to Life!
Arts’ Nest — longtime operators of the Phoenix Theater — have been entrusted by the City of Minneapolis to revive the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts in 2026, following its closure in 2024 due to lack of funding.
This 508-seat landmark is a jewel of the Downtown Arts District - a world-class stage and civic treasure, fully remodeled less than 15 years ago. But today, it stands at a crossroads. Without community support, this space risks falling into disuse and disrepair. That would be a tragic loss for our city, our artists, and our audiences.
Here’s the reality:
The good news: Arts’ Nest won’t be paying a mortgage or lease — we’re operating the Cowles on behalf of the City of Minneapolis.
The challenge: Even when dark, the Cowles costs $190,000 a year just to maintain. And the financial resources of dance/performance companies — the artists we are entrusted to serve — are more strained than ever.
At a time when major funders — including the federal government — are pulling back from arts support, your contribution means more than ever.
Your gift today will help us:
Put emerging and professional dance artists back onstage
Sustain a treasured, historic building for future generations
Bring life and livelihood to the Minneapolis Downtown Arts District
Help us light up the Cowles again. Donate today and keep dance alive in Minneapolis.