history of place
CFPA is located on ancestral and contemporary Indigenous land, home to the Dakota and other Native tribes. Taken through the Treaty with the Sioux, the land holds great historical, spiritual, and personal significance for its original stewards. We acknowledge Indigenous peoples as the past, present, and future caretakers of this place.
CFPA’s facility was built in 1923 as a convent for Incarnation Catholic Church, located at Pleasant Ave & 38th in South Minneapolis’ Kingfield neighborhood. After the convent closed, the building served as a women’s shelter.
In 1995, artist Jackie Hayes bought the building with the help of local artists and neighbors to create an arts center, providing studios, rehearsal space, offices, and housing. The architecture of the convent was well suited to be re-purposed as private and shared arts spaces.
Over the years, CFPA has provided flexible space to thousands of student and professional dancers, theater artists, movement practitioners, performance and dance companies, musicians, bodyworkers, therapists, and educators.
CFPA has served the local arts community in dynamic, responsive ways for 29 years.
Hosted the Artist's Collaborative, a membership providing healthcare, discounts, and resources.
Curated a community of resident arts organizations.
Published Spectator, a performing arts quarterly.
Taught seminars on theory/performance through the Center for Arts & Research.
Facilitated artist workshops to provide artist development opportunities.
Nurtured artist residencies, offering space, mentors, and audiences for performance.
Managed bulk mailing service for local arts organizations.
Created youth summer programs and performances.