About 825 Arts

Since 2009, our dedicated coalition of board members, volunteers, staff, representatives, small business owners, neighbors, and young artists have worked to realize this mission with the purchase and the renovation of the historic Victoria Theater at 825 University Ave into a community arts center for all of Frogtown and Rondo.

Programs

Black History Month Festival

📅 February 20–22

We’re bringing 3 powerful days of Black joy, culture, and excellence to the heart of Rondo/Frogtown! Each day is intentional, celebratory, and rooted in community‼️
Friday | Feb 20 – Black To The Future
A fun, interactive day celebrating Black history, inventions, creativity, and brilliance—designed to inspire our youth through learning and play.
Saturday | Feb 21 – They Call Me Daddy Podcast
Day two centers Black fathers and men through healing, conversation, and visibility. The evening features a LIVE podcast with “They Call Me Daddy podcast”, where three Black fathers share perspectives on parenting, mental health, and fatherhood today.
Sunday | Feb 22 – Black Girl Magic
The final day celebrates Black women and the healers within our community—especially beauticians—through a joyful, healing-centered experience. Activities include karaoke, candle making, double dutch, and a showcase of Black hair and beauty. This day honors Black girl magic and recognizes hair as both crown and care, giving flowers to the women who help others feel beautiful and whole.
We are currently seeking sponsors, vendors, and volunteers to help make this festival unforgettable and impactful for our community.
Attendance is free, but space fills up fast, so if you’d like to reserve a spot in advance, grab tickets now on 825 Arts’s Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/825-arts-33089334233
📧 Interested in getting involved? Email mercedes@825arts.com

Art-B-Q’s: Now Year Round!

No longer must you wait for summer, Art-B-Q’s are year round! From 6-8pm on the third Tuesday of every month, come to 825 Arts for free food, fun art, and community connection! The next Art-B-Q is November 18th.

Minecraft at 825 Arts

This by-kids-for-kids digital artspace is open every Saturday from 2-4pm! With freebuild, pvp, and guided activity space, plus seasonal competitions and SO MUCH MORE, you can build your dreams! Learn more on our Minecraft page.

Tales From The Neighborhood

Things are loud right now. If you’re looking for a quiet space to decompress, join us for Tales From The Neighborhood from 5-7pm January 29th. We’re hosting a quiet reflection space and potluck. Come be in community, write how you’re feeling, and find rest in art.

After School Programs at 825 Arts!

What are you doing after school? We’re going to 825 Arts! Starting January 12th, we’ve got a whole suite of after school specials. get your game on at Minecraft club from 4-5:30pm on Mondays, take to the stage with Theater Tuesdays from 4:15-5:30, and build to your heart’s content with LEGO on Fun Fridays! Get signed up for one or all of these programs at https://tinyurl.com/825AfterClass26

Ice Skating At Springboard!

Save the date! We’re partnering with @springboardarts to go ice skating! February 3rd from 4-6pm, join us at Springboard (262 University Ave W Saint Paul, MN 55103) for skates, cocoa, s’mores, and fun.
Learn more at https://springboardforthearts.org/events/springboard-on-ice/, and sign a pre-event waiver at https://springboardforthearts.formstack.com/forms/springboard_on_ice_waiver_

Artist Membership Program

Artist members gain community, access to our space, and a potential $500 to support their projects.

Explore More Programs

Speak Out And Lead

Frogtown Arts Festival

Current Programs

Minecraft

Artist Membership Program

Get Involved

Want to be part of 825 Art’s mission? GREAT!

Keep up to date with 825 Arts!

Upcoming Events Calendar:

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Accessibility at 825 Arts

We strive to be an accessible building for all who visit. Please refer to our accessibility guide for specific information about our building! Questions? Please email communications@825arts.org.

Parking: Lot parking is available at Ryan Plumbing on the corner of Avon and University. Street parking is available on the surrounding blocks. Parking is available on University Avenue after 6PM. Accessible parking drop off is available at our neighbor, Demera.

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Our past newsletters

Curious what we’ve been up to? Read this month’s newsletter:

Thank you to Our Funders!

 
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Women’s Foundation
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​This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board,
thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.