NYMRCC Launches $2.3 Million Capital Campaign
Community Invited to April 17 Kick-Off Open House
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center (NYMRCC) has officially launched its Cultivating Community Capital Campaign, a $2.3 million effort to preserve, enhance, and expand one of the region’s most important rural arts and community spaces.
To celebrate this milestone, the Cultural Center invites the public to a Capital Campaign Kick-Off Open House on Friday, April 17, from 4–6 PM. The event will offer an opportunity for community members to learn more about the campaign, explore future plans, and share their ideas.
The campaign was initially “soft-launched” in July 2025 with a transformative $500,000 investment from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Farmers & Merchants State Bank of New York Mills. Since then, strong support from regional funders and local donors has propelled the effort forward, surpassing 60% of its fundraising goal and moving into a full public launch.
“For nearly 35 years, this space has been at the heart of our rural region,” said Executive Director Betsy Roder. “We work hard to be a place where people gather to create, learn, listen, and belong. Now, we’re at a defining moment. With this campaign, we have the opportunity to not only preserve what we’ve built, but to expand what’s possible for future generations.”
Housed in New York Mills’ oldest downtown building, dating back to 1885, the Cultural Center has served as a rural hub for arts and community life since 1992. Today, the historic structure requires significant reinvestment to remain safe, accessible, and sustainable.
To address structural concerns with the building’s façade, Phase I construction began as soon as initial funding thresholds were met. Tuckpointing was completed this past fall, and work will resume on April 21, 2026, with the replacement of front windows and the entry stoop.
“During this construction period, we’ll have a temporary entryway, and will be inviting the community to help us paint murals to make it more visually appealing inside,” Roder said. “We will continue most of our regular programming during construction, we simply ask for patience as we navigate temporary adjustments. With continued community support, we hope to complete fundraising this summer and break ground on a Phase II expansion this fall.”
The project includes critical structural repairs, improved accessibility, energy-efficient upgrades, and expanded space to better serve artists, audiences, and the broader community.
“This is about more than maintaining a building,” Roder added. “It’s about ensuring that rural creativity, connection, and culture continue to thrive. We are committed to keeping this space welcoming and accessible to everyone, now and into the future.”
Kick-Off Open House – Friday, April 17, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Community members are invited to attend and:
- Learn about campaign plans and future vision
- View design renderings and restoration updates
- Take a guided tour of the historic facility
- Participate in a community mural painting activity
- Share ideas and input on the Center’s future
- Connect with staff, board members, and campaign leaders
Complimentary refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome.
The Cultural Center will continue to share updates and provide opportunities for public engagement throughout the campaign.
To learn more or make a gift, visit https://kulcher.org/about/capital-campaign/ or call 218-385-3339.
About the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. The Center offers concerts in an intimate listening room, visual art exhibitions, arts education, a retail gallery and gift store featuring regional artists, an artist residency program, a public sculpture park, and community events that bring people together. For more information, visit https://kulcher.org/ or call 218-385-3339.
