A traditional Somali hut was donated by a community in Xingalool, Puntland, transported to Mpls., temporarily erected on Lake Street near Blasdell Avenue during Somali Independence Day June 21 displaying its iconic nomadic heritage.
The Somali Artifact and Cultural Museum that opened at Plaza Verde 15th and Lake Street last year facilitated the gift and will display it at its new location beginning July 11th. The Museum is committed to providing opportunities for cross-cultural education and thus is partnering with the Hennepin Theater Trust to co-curate a gallery by animating vacant city spaces with art.
The Somali Museum”'s Made Here gallery at 319 1st Avenue North, Mpls. 55401 opens July 11.
Traditional arts are endangered due to upheaval, migration, and the increasing urbanization of Somali society. The Somali Museum”'s collection of over 700 artifacts offers hope that the tradition will continue and is the only center dedicated to preserving and promoting Somali arts and folklore anywhere in the world. Also fostering connections between community organizations, advocates, and artists like at the Festival on Lake Street. The Museum is currently seeking volunteers to assist with greeting gallery visitors and cataloguing the collection. Please call (612) 234-1625 to volunteer. All levels of weekly commitment are welcome.
