On Thursday, October 17, from 4:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Grand Forks Curling Club was filled with energy during this month’s Business After Hours event, hosted by BBI International and the Public Arts Commission. The event brought together local nonprofits, business leaders, and community members for an evening of networking while showing off exhibits from the Children’s Museum pop-up.
As one of the Chamber of Commerce’s largest monthly networking events, Business After Hours attracts around 250 attendees, making it a key opportunity for local organizations to connect. Held at a different member business each month, the event provides a unique experience for the business community. This month’s event added a creative spin with an interactive pop-up museum and a focus on non-profits supporting public art. Organizations in attendance included the Empire Arts Center, the River Forks Watercolor Society, and Arts for Vets.
Business After Hours events have become essential for local professionals looking to expand their networks and collaborate with others. For students, these events are a chance to meet and learn from industry leaders, businesses, and non-profits. Networking at events like these can open doors for internships, collaborations, and future employment opportunities.
A key feature of this month’s event was the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, which promoted its “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead” initiative. S.T.E.A.M., which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, is the museum’s educational focus, with interactive exhibits designed to foster innovation and playful learning. The museum’s 28,000-square-foot facility will feature permanent and rotating exhibits, multilevel play structures, and spaces for family programs. By focusing on industries and resources unique to the region, the museum aims to spark imagination and inspire future innovators.
A museum representative explained that by emphasizing S.T.E.A.M., the museum hopes to provide kids with hands-on experiences that will support their growth and learning in a fun and engaging environment.
BBI International’s involvement as co-host of the event underscored the key role that local businesses play in supporting community initiatives. Known primarily for its work in the energy and media industries, and the Grand Forks UAS Sumit, BBI International has also shown support for Grand Forks’ local culture and creativity.
As a Chamber of Commerce member, BBI is interested in fostering collaboration between business and the arts. This partnership with the Public Arts Commission has allowed it to promote public art projects in Grand Forks. BBI International also supports the Public Arts Commission with administrative and logistical assistance, strengthening its community impact.
This collaboration between local businesses and arts organizations highlights the growing recognition that arts and culture contribute to improving Grand Forks and its residents.
Jill Nelson, president of the Public Arts Commission and director of operations for the Grand Forks Park District, was present to share the commission’s mission and vision for the city. “Our goal is to support local artists and cultural projects, which in turn helps build a more connected community,” Nelson said. She explained how the commission collaborates with key local organizations, such as the University of North Dakota and the Grand Forks Park District, to expand public art initiatives throughout the city.
Nelson emphasized that the Public Arts Commission seeks to engage students in these efforts, seeing them as vital contributors to the future of public art in Grand Forks. She noted that student involvement is critical because students bring fresh perspectives and new ideas, which can help identify community needs that might not be obvious to others. “Students can inspire our entire community through their creativity and enthusiasm,” Nelson said.
The Public Arts Commission continues to seek ways to involve students in public art projects through internships and creative collaborations. Nelson explained that students are encouraged to bring their innovative ideas to the table, helping to create a more vibrant, culturally rich Grand Forks.
For students attending Business After Hours, the event provided an opportunity to explore how the arts intersect with business and public engagement. Local non-profits discussed their initiatives, believing that public art plays a central role in creating a thriving community. Projects like the Children’s Museum’s S.T.E.A.M. initiative and various public art installations, including the Arbor Park sculpture’s relocation to University Park across the city, display the significant role of creativity in shaping the cultural landscape of Grand Forks.
Nelson urged students to get involved, stating that public art projects improve the community and enhance the quality of life for those who participate. “Investing in your community means investing in your own quality of life,” Nelson added. “Art has the power to inspire and bring people together, and students have so much to contribute to that vision.”
For more information on the Grand Forks East Grand Forks Chamber business after hours, visit https://www.gochamber.org/business-after-hours.html.
To keep up to date with the children’s museum, visit https://www.grandforkschildrensmuseum.com.
Davíd Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daví[email protected].
