Instagram Story Save

SPEAK MPLS will be closed this Friday for ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA: DAY OF TRUTH & FREEDOM. Our team stands in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors and against the actions of the federal government that have deeply harmed our communities. This general strike has been called by a coalition of community organizations, unions, and faith leaders, with more supporters joining each day. Friday will be an economic blackout built around collective reflection and action. No work. No school. No shopping. Statewide prayer vigils are planned and a peaceful march will begin at The Commons Park (425 Portland Ave. S, Minneapolis) at 2 PM.

While our doors are closed, we remain here for our community and our members. Stories are power, and SPEAK MPLS exists to amplify your voice. Reach out to us and tell us what you need. Members may arrange equipment pickup today by 8 PM, and we will reopen Saturday with normal business hours.

Visit our link in bio for more details about ICE OUT MN and the list of demands.

That’s a wrap on Art-A-Whirl 2026! @speakmpls hit the streets for Art Check, chatting with art lovers and collectors about the incredible local artwork they discovered this weekend. Drop a comment and tag an artist you supported 👇

Thanks for another unforgettable Art-A-Whirl celebrating creativity, community, and independent artists. Keep buying local art all year long!

"Everyone has a really different culture behind the art that they are creating" Today is the last day to see art, enjoy music, eat food and much more at Art-A-Whirl!

#artawhirl2026 #nemaamn #northeastartsdistrict #mnart

There are just a few hours left in Day 2 of Art-A-Whirl, the largest open artist studio tour in the country, so don’t miss these hidden gems across Northeast Minneapolis tonight ✨

Keep the good times rollin’ with live music, LIVE TATTOOS, art vendors, and craft ciders at @sociablecider. Then gallop on over to @mnicecream for WRODEO DIVE featuring bull riding presented by @minneapolisrodeo alongside 30+ local artists, food trucks, and more 🤠🔥 Run don’t walk to @lisaeliasmetal behind the Waterbury Building for live music, art vendors, food trucks, and an outdoor art party. Don’t miss Cinema Red @pfunctionary main gallery in the Northrup King Building, in partnership with the artists and collectives behind @cinefilmufest. Then cap off the night by hopping over to @recoverybikeshop to borrow a bike for an hour or all weekend and roll with @sparcle.bike at 8:15pm tonight for a Disco Cowboy night ride through the Arts District.

“Movies of the future!” That’s the longtime mantra of @unclelloydkaufman and @tromateam and in this clip from his visit to the SPEAK MPLS studio, Lloyd talks about taking on Warner Bros. and what it looks like to fight for creative freedom in an industry dominated by massive corporations. Get Tromatized by the full Lloyd Kaufman interview with @chazraps where they discuss geopolitics, how Minneapolis is inspiring the world, the importance of independent film, and what he looks for in a movie.

Watch the full exclusive interview tonight on SPEAK MPLS TV Channel 17 at 9pm Central. Link in bio.

"Seeing all of the creative minds collectively defrosting and displaying all of their artwork that they're really proud of is super inspiring" If you haven't gotten a chance there are still two more days of Art-A-Whirl to attend including today. Come over to see our artistic community's creations and participate in events!

#artawhirl2026 #nemaamn #northeastartsdistrict #mnart

It’s time for Fit Checks at Art-A-Whirl, the largest open artist studio tour in the country! SPEAK MPLS was out across Northeast Minneapolis taking in Day 1 fashion, and let’s just say…you did not disappoint. From thrifted threads and head-to-toe @parkwaypizzamn gear to gluten-free cracker @eat.rivalz hats, Temu ensembles, and @unclelloydkaufman wearing very important pants, the streets were serving equal parts art, chaos, and snack aisle couture. 😂 Art-A-Whirl is BACK, kids! More stories, interviews, and whirlin’ ahead all weekend long, so stay tuned. 🎶: @richlee_x

Toxic waste levels are critical at SPEAK MPLS today. @chazraps sat down with the legendary @unclelloydkaufman of Troma Entertainment Inc. to talk independent media, injustice and shakespeare. Lloyd is in Minneapolis for a Fan-TOXIC double feature at @heightstheatermn. Class of Nuke ’Em High in 35mm is tonight, and experience #shakespearesshitstorm tomorrow at 7pm.

Watch the full interview with @unclelloydkaufman tomorrow on SPEAK MPLS TV Channel 17 at 3pm before the sludge gets cleaned up by the authorities.

“The ICE agents are still here… and until they go, we’re not going to go.” -Daniel Angier

SPEAK MPLS stopped by the Whipple Building today, May 15th, to hear directly from community members continuing the daily presence outside the facility. Daniel shared that ICE vehicles are still coming and going, and that community members remain committed to showing up in protest and solidarity.

Reports from clergy on site today indicated that 25 people were flown out. @havenwatchmn continues to monitor detainees released from the gates, providing rapid response support. Donations of food, water, and hot weather supplies are currently needed. Through the snow and now the heat, they say they’ll remain until ICE leaves Minnesota.

"It's an explosion of art" See you starting at 5pm this evening! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to connect with your local artist community and enjoy a variety of events at Art-A-Whirl!

#artawhirl2026 #nemaamn #mnart #northeastartsdistrict

"We all humans. We have to come together - that's going to make the world better for everybody"

The toll on Eat Street isn't just financial - it's emotional, mental, and human.

Checks are going out this week--thank you so much for your generosity in supporting these businesses. How do you support them now? By walking in the door and getting something to eat!

Cristian DeLeon has been in the Twin Cities for 24 years and opened El Sazon Taco at East Street Crossing four years ago. To Cristian, this neighborhood is what America is - a fun community where people from different parts of the world come together. When federal agents occupied the area, he and many in the neighborhood felt attacked. But people rallied together, fought for each other, and showed up.

SPEAK MPLS sat down with Cristian to talk about the diversity that makes this neighborhood special, what it meant to feel Minnesota come together during crisis, and why we're better when we recognize we're all human.

This is the eighth in a series of conversations with the people of Eat Street, stay tuned for more. We hope these stories will inspire you to visit, share and donate.

Show up For Eat Street | showupforeatstreet.com

📽️ SPEAK MPLS
🍽️ Visit Eat Street
📣 Share their stories
🔗 showupforeatstreet.com

What i mean when i say i want to make plans... Great session with @notsting at @speakmpls the other day.

Some more wild stuff to come!

#lightart #trippy #visuals #newmedia #projectionmapping