Arts Hub in Downtown Rochester, Minneosta
Griot Arts stands as more than just a bookstore or gallery—it's a hub for art, literature, and cultural expression, particularly celebrating the voices of Black and Brown artists, illustrators and writers.
A Community Arts and Literary Hub
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Rochester and founded and operated by Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara, Griot Arts offers the community a space where stories, histories, and artistic expressions are shared, preserved and uplifted.
The inspiration behind the name “Griot” itself is rooted in African traditions, where artists, poets, and musicians played a pivotal role in preserving the cultural heritage of their communities. These figures, known as griots, were not only keepers of stories but also advisors to leaders due to the importance of their role in maintaining the historical and cultural fabric of their societies.
Nfonoyim-Hara’s vision for Griot Arts is in line with this ancient tradition—art and culture have the power to keep communities alive, fostering a sense of connection across generations. “There are things that art and culture can do that other things can’t do in a community,” she explains.
A Space for Local Artists
Nfonoyim-Hara is passionate about fostering the local talent of artists of color. While she is currently running the day-to-day operations, she is actively building a community of local artists who are beginning to engage with the space in exciting and meaningful ways. “I love the opportunity to walk with people through the space to talk about the art that’s here, currently exhibited, as well as some of the cultural artifacts that we have in our space that are really intentional and kind of speak to different parts of the Black and African diaspora,” she shares.
Nfonoyim-Hara hopes to build even deeper connections with local artists, offering them a platform to showcase their work.
Looking Ahead
Griot Arts is just getting started. As the only independent bookstore in town with primarily new books, combined with its role as a gallery and community space, Griot Arts is poised to become an essential part of Rochester’s cultural landscape. It is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore and engage with local culture.
“I’m really looking forward to just more ways in which the local arts ecosystem can get engaged with what we’re doing and more artists and creatives that are out there in the city can be plugged into what we’re doing here,” says Nfonoyim-Hara.
A Community Space for Events
Griot Arts hosts a variety of monthly events. These events range from community open studios, poetry nights, and story times for children. They are also interested in other ideas from the community for how to use the space, such as book clubs or small-scale music performances.
Plan Your Visit
Located at 115 N Broadway Ave, Griot Arts offers free Downtown parking after 5 PM and on weekends.
More about Griot Arts
Looking for more to explore in Downtown Rochester? There’s always something happening, from live music and dance lessons to art walks and seasonal events. Check out the full lineup of activities and make the most of your visit!
Explore our Event Calendar: downtownrochestermn.com