What happens when an international corporation with a record of ecological destruction and human rights abuse starts buying up land and mineral rights in your rural community?

In a time of heightened economic disparity and political upheaval, how are artists, organizers and activists in rural communities responding? What are some ways we can use our power as creative people to shape public narrative, create spaces of recognition and belonging, and build grassroots power?

Artists and cultural organizers with the Talon Mine Tours project and Spillway Fellow WLDFLWR GRP media collective will share stories and strategies from frontline rural communities in northern Minnesota and around the world – sparking a conversation about how these movements connect with what's emerging in your community. You'll get to:

Tour a mine that doesn’t exist with local tour guides!
Hear stories of rural defenders near and far!
Connect with artists and creative activists in your community!

Presented in partnership with our friends at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. This event is free to attend - any donations will support the work of WLDFLWR GRP.

About the Artists

Wildflower Group (WLDFLWR GRP) is a collective of artists and arts activists. We create informational media and storytelling projects to uplift frontline voices and inspire creative resurgence.

Talon Mine Tours is an educational tour company led by local artists, organizers, and community members in rural Aitkin County, Minnesota, where international mining giant Rio Tinto and Talon Metals propose to build a “nickel mining district” for Tesla electric vehicle batteries. We offer free pop-up “mine tours” as well as guided tours to nearby lakes, rivers, wild rice beds, and other places worth protecting.

Wildflower Group (WLDFLWR GRP) is grateful for the support of Art of the Rural’s Spillway Fellowship.

Talon Mine Tour & Wildflower Group Sowing Circle

Presented in partnership Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Talon Mine Tours project & WLDFLWR GRP will share stories & strategies from frontline rural communities in northern Minnesota & around the world. This event is FREE to attend.