Hennepin Arts supports Career Day 2025 by InspireMSP, connecting Twin Cities middle and high school students to creative careers
The two-day event takes place Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at Target Center for area middle and high school students
MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 19, 2025) — InspireMSP, with support from Hennepin Arts, is proud to present Career Day 2025, a dynamic two-day experience designed to connect Twin Cities middle and high school students with professionals in design, film, marketing, music, technology and other creative industries. The event will take place Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at Target Center.
Now in its third year, InspireMSP’s flagship event, Career Day, has grown from just 215 students in 2023 to nearly 1,600 expected participants in 2025. Since its beginning, Target Center, Hennepin Arts, Legends Global and Levy Restaurants have partnered to help students imagine bold futures and cultivate a more inclusive, dynamic creative workforce for Minnesota.
Career Day provides students with a unique opportunity to explore creative career pathways, ask questions of industry leaders, and discover how their ideas and talents can evolve into lifelong professions. More than a career fair, it’s a launchpad for young talent to engage with designers, filmmakers, artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and storytellers—many of whom once stood where these students are today.
“Career Day is more than a one-day event—it’s a transformational catalyst,” said Dan Ryan, Executive Director and Founder of InspireMSP. “This experience inspires students to dream, opens new doors, and create lasting possibilities for future opportunities. It’s a start that ignites the next generation of creatives.”
Featured speakers for 2025 include Tyrre Burks, founder and CEO of Players Health; PJ Hill, financial advisor and community leader; Dr. Gabriel Warren, provost and educator; and Aric Armon, Adidas footwear designer—among others. Students will participate in workshops, hands-on sessions, and direct mentorship opportunities across a wide range of creative fields.
Volunteer and investment opportunities are available for those who wish to support the next generation of creative professionals. Supporters help shape a future where creativity leads to economic opportunity, industry growth, and vibrant communities.
“At Hennepin Arts, we believe in the transformational power of creativity,” said Todd Duesing, President & CEO of Hennepin Arts. “Supporting Career Day aligns with our mission to inspire and connect our communities—and to ensure that the future of Minnesota’s creative industries includes everyone.”
For more information, please visit InspireMSP.org.
Hennepin Arts drives cultural and economic vitality in Minnesota through leadership of the dynamic Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis and educational programming that reaches every area of the state. Its historic theatres — Orpheum, State and Pantages — and the Dudley Riggs Theatre light up Hennepin Avenue with top-tier entertainment, including the best of Broadway and a wide variety of arts programming. Hennepin Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at HennepinArts.org.
This activity is made possible by voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.