Two major arts conferences are coming to Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding areas in September and October.
The American Crafts Council (ACC) event will take place Sept. 4-6. The International Sculpture Center’s International Sculpture Conference (ISC) will run Oct. 21-26.
Both the ACC and the International Sculpture Center are nationally recognized nonprofit organizations promoting arts. The ACC, based in Minneapolis, champions craft artists and focuses on artist advocacy. The International Sculpture Center, based in Pittsburgh, focuses on sculptural arts. Each organization produces a sought-after industry magazine.
The Northeast Minneapolis Arts District galleries, artists, tours and events will be involved in planning both events when they come to Minneapolis.
The American Crafts Council
The ACC will host its 2026 American Craft Connects: ACC Conference & Awards Sept. 4-6.
The ACC was founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. It hosts national craft shows and conferences and publishes a quarterly magazine called American Craft. In 2010, the organization relocated from New York to Minneapolis. The ACC is now located in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, with headquarters at 1400 Van Buren St. NE.
The conference will kick off at the Weisman. It will feature, will feature 23 presentations and panels. The event will start with the ACC Biennial Awards Celebration 2026, an event dedicated to celebrating “the legacy and future of American craft,” according to the ACC’s website. The conference requires a ticket purchase. Individuals can participate on many levels, ranging from single panels and events to a pass to the entire conference.
The International Sculpture Center
The ISC will present its 32nd International Sculpture Conference October 21-26. According to the ISC, “The Evolving Field of Sculpture: Shaping the Future of Public Culture” will be geared towards artists, arts administrators, educators, museum staff, curators, students and patrons.
The International Sculpture Center was founded in 1960 by Elden Tefft and James A. Sterritt at the University of Kansas. It is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Penn. It publishes “Sculpture” magazine. Johannah Hutchison is their executive director/publisher.
The ISC conference will feature keynote presentations by acclaimed Arts District artist Dyani White Hawk with Minneapolis artist Angela Two Stars and New York artist Jean Shin. The conference will bring together sculptors, public artists, educators, curators, fabricators, students, and arts professionals from around the globe. The four-day event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, networking events, studio tours and unique cultural experiences throughout the Twin Cities.
All are welcome and encouraged to participate in these conferences.
A sculpture exhibition in the Northeast Arts District
NE Sculpture I Gallery Factory,
1720 Madison St. NE, will host “Proof of Life: 2026 Alumni Exhibition” inside and outside the gallery. The exhibition Sunday, Oct. 25 will feature a range of sculptures and video performances.
These works often explore political themes and reflect the artists’ commitment to artistic innovation and social advocacy.
Both conferences are likely to bring together hundreds of participants from across the country and around the world to the Twin Cities. Accomplished and award-winning artists, museum directors and a “who’s who” of the sculpture and craft worlds will see the state’s art scene.
Learn more about how you can participate by visiting https://craftcouncil.org/events/american-craft-connects/ and https://sculpture.org/mpage/TwinCities2026.