Robert J. Jones
Located in North Minneapolis, the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) strives to be an inspirational place that transforms research and partnership between the University, North Minneapolis, and the urban core to co-create a more equitable and just future. Since opening its doors in 2009, UROC has worked to build thriving, innovative, and respectful collaborations; create new models of urban-focused community engagement; and strengthen the University as a vital engaged 21st century university serving the public good.
Although rain was in the forecast, the skies cleared and the sun came out just in time for UROC staff to welcome more than 170 guests to UROC’s Community Day 2026. The building and parking lot came alive with conversations, laughter, opportunities to connect with neighbors and local organizations, and to discover the work happening through University-community partnerships.
What would a Family Resource Center look like if it were designed with the community, for the community? That’s the question UROC and Hennepin County are working together to answer as they explore the development of a new Family Resource Center serving North Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, and Brooklyn Center.
On July 30, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Provost Gretchen Ritter visited UROC to learn more about its history, mission, initiatives, and goals. Throughout the morning, she met with Laurie Van Egeren, Vice Provost for Public Engagement; UROC leadership; Community Advisory Board members; academic partners; and UROC residents to learn about their projects and involvement with UROC.
Opening reception: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: UROC Gallery
Explore paintings, photographs, textiles, sculpture, writing, and more by artists from CommonBond communities across the Twin Cities. Creative Lives celebrates ten years of learning, experimentation, and creative community through Arts & Aging. Some artists are beginning a new practice. Others are returning to an earlier interest or developing work they have pursued for years. Together, their work offers different experiences, materials, and ways of seeing.
CommonBond’s Arts & Aging program has brought free arts classes, materials included, into the communities where people live. Led by professional teaching artists, the program gives adults 55 and older opportunities to learn techniques, build skills, experiment with materials, and follow their own creative directions. Creative Lives marks the program’s tenth year by bringing original work by CommonBond resident artists from across the Twin Cities into one shared public exhibition at UROC Gallery. The exhibition includes work created through many different practices, materials, subjects, and levels of experience. Some artists are showing work from a long-established practice. Others discovered or returned to art through an Arts & Aging class. The work is varied because the artists and their creative lives are varied.
The program began in 2016 with a storytelling class at Riverview Senior Apartments through an EngAGE Heartland pilot supported by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy. It grew to include more CommonBond communities, professional teaching artists, and forms of creative practice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, classes continued through Zoom, phone calls, and materials sent through the mail. More recently, Arts & Aging expanded beyond senior communities to include adults 55 and older living in CommonBond’s family and supportive housing.
The exhibition also recognizes the professional teaching artists, site staff, program staff, partners, funders, friends, and family members who have sustained Arts & Aging over the past decade. Their contributions have made it possible for classes to remain free, materials to be included, and creative learning to take place within CommonBond communities.