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www.lelandconsulting.com Page 3 <br />Figure 4. Rooftop Patio Overlooking the River at Brick and Bourbon in Downtown Stillwater <br /> <br />Source: Discover Stillwater. <br /> <br />Artists on Main Street – Willmar, MN <br />Categories: Placemaking, Events <br />Major Outcomes: Increased visits to Downtown throughout the year; community-building <br />Description: <br />Artists on Main Street is a program operated by local organizations, Rethos and Springboard for the Arts. The <br />organizations work with cities to bring art and art -related events downtown, focusing on small and rural cities. Member <br />cities rfeceive funding and resources for the creation of art -based physical, economic, and social solutions for <br />downtown. <br />One of the current participating cities is Willmar, MN, located in Kandiyohi County southwest of St. Cloud. The City’s <br />approach to using the resources provided by the program involves having “small and many” events to attract a wide <br />variety of residents downtown throughout the year with a goal of creating community. In its first year, Willmar received <br />$20,000 from the program, which funded 13 projects. These included murals, seating areas, art workshops, and a <br />community picnic. In its second year, the City aimed to utilize the program to bolster public outreach for its <br />Comprehensive Plan update. City Planner Sarah Swedburg emphasized that in bringing people downtown for events <br />throughout the year, it built downtown’s identity as a place to meet friends and take part in community. <br />Page 149 of 157