How We Got Here
The Nordic Center in Duluth, Minnesota is a non-profit cultural organization founded in 2011. Our mission is to share Nordic culture with the greater community through social, educational, and arts programs. Our downtown building was built in 1908 as the home of the Sons of Norway local lodge. Now with new ownership the building is home to the Nordic Center Duluth and Prøve Gallery; each with storefronts on Lake Avenue; and Superior Ballroom Dance Studio upstairs. From its founding, the Nordic Center has sought to represent the cultures of all the Nordic countries. We highlight Nordic contributions past and present – always shared as part of the rich mosaic of cultures in this beautiful Northeast Minnesota region. Grounded by our values of respect, learning, teamwork, creativity and inclusivity, we take program inspirations from past and present Nordic Cultures and translate them to unique and relevant American experience. All are welcome at the Nordic Center.
The Nordic Center’s downtown location provides an accessible, intimate and attractive space for local, regional, national and global artists of many disciplines. Exhibits, events, lectures, and performances reflect a wide sampling of Northern cultures. Our Programming Committee is continually seeking unique ideas for exhibitions, concerts, performances, lectures and events.
For program participants of all ages, the Nordic Center provides an inclusive community for exploration, learning and creativity. Members play a vital role through donations and volunteering. Partnerships with our downtown Duluth neighbors and other community organizations enrich and expand our perspectives. With cooperation of an active membership, governing boards, affiliated artists and community participants, the Nordic Center contributes quality arts and cultural programming to Duluth and to the surrounding region.
Mission & Vision
Nordic Center Mission
To share Nordic culture with
the greater community
through social, educational,
and arts programs.
Nordic Center Vision
A warm and inclusive place for
community engagement in traditional,
contemporary and emerging
Nordic culture and knowledge.
Who We Are
We provide cultural experiences for everyone.
We were once an idea, a vision, a dream.
We are now an idea enacted, a vision being realized, a dream daring to dream more.
We are forward in thinking and program design.
We look backward to learn.
We love to laugh.
We are a home to people of Nordic ancestry.
We are a home to people NOT of Nordic ancestry.
We believe in we. NOT I.
We believe children enrich our lives.
We believe in families – all families.
We don’t like mean people.
We obsess over details.
We believe in providing high quality events, classes and programs.
We believe that learning a language brings us closer to a culture.
We are active in the pursuit of authenticity.
We love art.
We love learning.
We recruit creative people and pursue creative ideas.
We are relevant.
We give to our community.
We partner with other community organizations.
We operate in a warm, inviting, home-like setting.
We love to entertain.
We love to be entertained.
We are traditional.
We are non-traditional.
We love what we do.
We love Nordic foods and serve them at every opportunity.
We believe all Nordic people are more alike than different.
We create an environment of mutual respect.
We value our guests, our students and our program participants.
We are curious about everything.
We are stopped by nothing.
We are on a mission to make the world a more culturally aware and tolerant place
Board of Directors
Justin Anderson
Tara Austin, Secretary
Scott Camps
Mike Conlan
Jonathon Estes, Treasurer
Jeffery Kalstrom
Karen Keenan, Co-Chair
Bjorn Killerud, Co-Chair
Denise Perry
Arna Rennan
Lukas Walls
Join the Nordic Center Board of Directors
The Nordic Center is seeking individuals with creative skills who share a passion to explore opportunities that promote the vision and mission of the Nordic Center. Board positions are currently open and anyone interested is encouraged to apply.
Community Partners
The Nordic Center is pleased to collaborate and participate in cultural, arts and educational endeavors with the following organizations – together our culture is growing. There are far too many collaborative groups to name each one. This list represents some, but not all:
American Indian Community Housing Organization
Arrowhead Regional Arts Commission
Carlton County Historical Society
Douglas County Historical Society
Downtown Duluth Artists Collective
Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra
Kanteleen Soittajat, Kantele Musicians
Ladies of Kaleva Aallotaren Tupa #15
Nóatún Community Wooden Boat Works