East Side Arts Council is a good idea that grew from it's community. In 1989, a grassroots citizen's group, concerned with social and economic conditions, suggested an arts council as one way to help revitalize St. Paul. Phalen Area Community Council sponsored an arts committee which eventually blossomed into the East Side Arts Council. ESAC incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1991.

Today's East Side Arts Council is dedicated to encouraging the creativity and strength of our community. It works with neighbors, artists and local groups to sustain, improve and celebrate the areas where we live and work. It's mission is to enrich the lives of East Side residents by providing diverse arts and cultural experiences for families and individuals.

The East Side is a place rich in history, creative potential, and change. Historically, a first stop for immigrants in the Twin Cities, the East Side has wonderful cultural assets, including Hmong, Italian, African, and Latino families living side by side.

The region is large and dynamic. It includes more than 100,000 people and encompasses many distinct and unique neighborhoods, from Phalen Lake to Dayton's Bluff over the Mississippi River, from areas around Interstate 35E and Swede Hollow to McKnight Road on the eastern edge of St. Paul.

Some of ESAC's arts programs focus on socio-economic concerns, others embrace cultural or educational concerns. Young people are a high priority for ESAC. They participate in ESAC's after school enrichment, ArtsYES, Urban Jam Dance, and Artmobile.

Other ESAC activities draw together people from across cultural and economic boundaries to share in the pleasure and fellowhip of the arts. Thursday Night LIVE! at Lake Phalen offers free outdoor summer concerts. The annual Harvest Festival showcases performing artists and draws thousands of people to the Payne Avenue Parade.