OUR Mission

To cultivate community connections through education, exposure to, and experiences with the arts.

Vision

The Crossing Arts Alliance is a beacon of the community, and a central hub for the arts in our region.

We cultivate an inclusive and dynamic environment for life-shaping interactions with the arts.

We believe that art is for everyone, and we pursue strategic partnerships that broaden connections and foster appreciation for the arts.

History

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 a 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 the river: Ogamagua, or The Crossing. The Crossing Arts Alliance proudly honors this rich historical moment and its legacy of diversity and progressive thinking.

Crossing Arts provides meaningful arts opportunities for everyone through access, education, and experiences.

The Crossing Arts Alliance is membership-based arts organization in Brainerd, MN. Comprised of artists, arts enthusiasts, and interested community members, we hope to inspire and enrich our community for those who create, and those who appreciate the arts. All our welcome! Learn more about becoming a member of Crossing Arts here.

The Crossing Arts Alliance (TCAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization founded in 2000 with assistance from the  Blandin Community Investment Partnership. 

Fed Tax ID - 41-1976625

Crossing Arts Alliance activities are funded, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Five Wings Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.