The Celtic Junction Arts Center (CJAC) announces developments that further its mission to celebrate, preserve, and promote Irish cultural arts in Minnesota. CJAC has received three notable grants, is launching a new membership program, and is introducing the Ireland Network Minnesota, a new business-focused partner organization.
CJAC is honored to receive $56,968 in operational funds from the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB). This is the first year CJAC has been eligible to apply. Receiving this significant amount underscores MSAB's recognition of CJAC's role as Minnesota's premier Irish cultural center. The recipients of this grant represent a "who's who" of Minnesota nonprofits and CJAC is proud to be included among them.
CJAC has been awarded four months of professional nonprofit advisement from MN Compass, valued at $70,000. This partnership will provide CJAC with high-quality strategic planning and organizational development, further strengthening its capacity to serve the community.
In addition, CJAC will continue to receive financial backing in the coming year from the Department of Foreign Affairs Emigrant Support Program of the Government of Ireland. This award, totaling $85,000, highlights Ireland's support of the Irish diaspora and will further enable CJAC to sustain and expand its programs, reinforcing its commitment to the Irish community in Minnesota.
New Membership Drive
To celebrate these achievements and create a solid foundation for the future, CJAC is launching a new membership program on September 15 with an outdoor concert featuring the Wild Colonial Bhoys, the Mick Sterling and Cate Fierro Acoustic Quartet, and duo Danny Diamond and Brian Miller. This marks a pivotal milestone as CJAC introduces a membership program for the first time in its 15-year history.
Membership is structured as follows:
· Ages 19-24: $25 per year
· Individual Adults: $50 per year
· Couples: $75 per year (children 18 and under are free)
Membership benefits include free admission to the September 15t concert event, a personal McKiernan Library card, and access to advanced purchase pricing at the door for any CJAC event.
For an additional $25, CJAC members can join the newly formed Ireland Network Minnesota (INM) for a year. This 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization was founded by Ruairi Barnwell, President of Ireland Network Chicago from 2022 to 2024.
INM is a business networking group and a social, cultural, and professional hub for individuals from Ireland and those with Irish heritage or interests. Supported and sanctioned by Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the organization offers a robust calendar of events, including pub nights, golf outings, boating events, a breakfast club, and a quarterly speaker series titled IN Conversations. These activities provide ample opportunities for networking, community building, and fostering stronger business connections within the Irish diaspora. Learn more on their website.
We had an amazing time at Milwaukee Irish Fest this weekend! It was such a joy exploring the festival and connecting with Vice Consul Pádraig Manning and Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason.@IrelandAmbUSA @mkeirishfest #CelticCulture #IrishCommunity pic.twitter.com/jGyDBh18n3
— Celtic Junction Arts Center (CJAC) (@celticjunction) August 20, 2024
CJAC views its new partnership with Ireland Network Minnesota as mutually beneficial for both the arts and business communities. This collaboration will enrich the cultural landscape, provide valuable networking opportunities for professionals, and ultimately strengthen both organizations and the communities they serve.
About the Arts Center
The Celtic Junction Arts Center (CJAC) is a non-profit cultural nexus located in the Creative Enterprise Zone of St. Paul at 836 Prior Ave North. Awarded "Best Irish Center/Festival in North America" by Irish Central's Creativity and Arts Awards, CJAC has been a beacon for traditional and contemporary arts since 2009. This premier, intimate venue houses the Eoin McKiernan Library and hosts an array of music concerts, cultural events, outreach activities, and educational programs. CJAC is also home to several organizations including the Center for Irish Music, the Irish Fair of Minnesota, O’Shea Irish Dance, and, now, Ireland Network Minnesota. CJAC is committed to multi-disciplinary instruction, performance, research, and community building.
For more information about CJAC, the new membership drive, or upcoming events, please visit their website.
