In 1870, railroad construction crews made camp on the east side of the Mississippi River, near the present railroad bridge. The area quickly became known as “The Crossing.” When “Brainerd” was later suggested as a name for the fledgling community (after the wife of the president of the railroad), the residents were not pleased. According to Dr. Carl Zappfe, an early area historian, the local folk preferred a Native American word which conveyed the idea of swift movement across a river: “Ogamagua,” or “The Crossing.” The Crossing Arts Alliance proudly honors this rich historical moment and its legacy of diversity and progressive thinking.

Our Mission
The Crossing Arts Alliance’s mission is to promote and enhance arts opportunities in the Central Lakes Area through facilities, partnering, and programming.
The Crossing’s goals are:

• To spearhead new facility planning and to encourage enhanced use of existing spaces for the arts.
• To nurture, validate and support vital arts programs through gallery exhibitions, studio activities and performances.
• To support accessible opportunities for life-long learning and participation in the arts.
• To encourage comprehensive arts education from pre-school through post-secondary.
• To provide leadership, to encourage networking, and to serve as an information clearinghouse for arts organizations and events.