Most people think of Minneapolis as the City of Lakes or the Mill City.
But if current trends continue, Minneapolis also may become known as the City of Arts. Increasingly, Minneapolis is using public art to help shape its identity. From manhole covers to boulevards, artistic designs are busting out all over in a city that used to be known more for its mills, lakes and grain elevators. Avenue of the Arts, Midtown Greenway and the Near North Housing development are a few examples of how the city wants to promote the arts. Smaller-scale efforts include the Mary Richards statue planned for Nicollet Mall and gateway arts projects in various neighborhoods.