In order to understand how the economic downturn will affect Northfield in particular, one must first consider what already exists.  Right now, the Northfield arts sector includes an interesting mix of assets and needs.  Overall, Northfield enjoys a very active arts community. 

• Many artists (professional and hobby)
  •  Music, dance, theater, literary, and visual arts
• Variety of arts organizations
  • Non-profits
  • Galleries and other businesses
  • Working studios
• Annual festivals, including ArtSwirl and Shakespeare in the Park
• Wide range of classes and workshops in all disciplines
• Arts education for youth
  
  • Arts-focused charter school (grades 6-12)
  • Northfield Union of Youth (The Key)
• Carleton and St. Olaf colleges as resources
  • Offer free admission to many exhibits, productions and performances
  • Bring professional artists to town
  • Some facility spaces available
• Multiple groups working to increase collaboration among different organizations and artists
  • Arts and Culture Commission of the City of Northfield
  • The Watering Hole for the Arts
  • Riverwalk Arts Quarter Initiative Committee
  • Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee of the Northfield Downtown Development Corporation
• Strong community support for the arts
  • Creation of the Arts and Culture Commission in response to a suggestion in ArtsPlan06 (a community proposal outlining a vision for the future of the arts in Northfield)
• Publications with information about the arts in Northfield
  • Northfield Entertainment Guide
  • Northfield.org
  • Northfield News
• Northfield's proximity to the Twin Cities