In 2021, the APM Research Lab (part of The Current’s parent company, APMG) conducted the Minnesota Diverse Communities Survey. One area of focus: to dig deeper and determine how the experience of arts and culture in Minnesota differs among the state’s diverse communities.

SSRS of Glen Mills Pennsylvania conducted the survey from April 26 to June 14, 2021, using targeted mailings to encourage high priority populations to complete a web-based version of the questionnaire, as well as telephone interviews, all with the goal of attaining as representative a sample as possible of various racial and ethnic groups in Minnesota.

“This survey is all about listening,” says Benjamin Clary, research associate at APM Research Lab. “We began with listening sessions among BIPOC Minnesotans throughout the state, and we built the survey out of topics and issues that arose from those discussions. One data point from the survey that spoke loudly to me is that younger BIPOC Minnesotans (ages 18-29) were the least likely to say the state’s cultural amenities reflected their culture and heritage, while white Minnesotans in the same age bracket were most likely to say their culture was well reflected in the state’s cultural amenities. Although overall arts and culture in Minnesota get high marks, there is still clearly room to grow towards greater inclusion.”

Overall, the survey results from 1,532 respondents show that many Minnesotans are appreciative of—and actively engaged with—the artistic and cultural offerings available in the state. Nearly three-quarters of all Minnesotans rate the state’s cultural amenities positively and one-quarter of Minnesota adults take advantage of them at least once a month. But when looking at the results by race and ethnicity, the picture becomes far more complex.

The following infographics show some of the high-level takeaways from the work.

Most white (74%) and BIPOC Minnesotans (69%) appreciate the state’s arts amenities, such as music, museums, and theaters.

However, only 28% rate Minnesota’s arts & culture as excellent, including 22% of BIPOC Minnesotans. An additional 45% rate them as good.

White Minnesotans see their heritage better represented in the arts than local BIPOC and immigrant populations.

A majority of Twin Cities residents (78%) rate the state’s cultural amenities positively, compared to 67% of those in Greater Minnesota.

A majority of Minnesotans who identify as Democrats (79%) and Republicans (65%) both rate the state’s cultural amenities positively.

Respondents also got to answer this question, “What is the single most positive thing happening in Minnesota right now?” Here’s a sampling of the replies:

• “Music and outdoor cultural events restarting.” - a 34-year-old Latinx female based in the Twin Cities

• “Music.” - a 35-year-old Black female based in the Twin Cities

• “Arts and recognition.” - a 40-year-old Hmong male based in the Twin Cities

• “More Native artists and authors being brought to the table as equals, not “native inspired” appropriation.” - a 36-year-old Indigenous female based in Greater Minnesota

• “We are starting to be proud of being Somali American and also working together to create art and showcase our identity.” - an 18-year-old Somali female based in the Twin Cities

To find out more about the arts and culture portion of the Minnesota’s Diverse Communities Survey, check out the APM Research Lab’s in-depth report on their findings.