Tibet Arts & Crafts: Preserving Culture and Strength at Midtown Global Market
For Ngawang Dakpa, owner of Tibet Arts & Gifts at Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis, the PROMISE Act Grant came at a time when his small business needed a boost the most.
“I heard about the PROMISE Act Grant online, so I decided to apply,” Ngawang said. “It helped me a lot, and I was able to get more inventory.”
His shop, a colorful corner of the market filled with handmade treasures from Nepal and India, had struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. “Business has been very slow as it’s been impacted by COVID, and even more so by the murder of George Floyd,” he shared. “The neighborhood faced many challenges after that. Things went from bad to worse, and I had to lower my prices just to keep customers coming. It was the only way to show them I was still here, standing with my community.”
After years of slow sales and rising costs, the PROMISE Act Grant gave his business the support it needed to restock and recover “Recently, I ordered a shipment from Nepal with lots of winter items, such as handmade linings and new designs,” he said excitedly. “Silk dresses, singing bowls, felted items, some Christmas décor, and more. I tried to keep the prices the same even though the new tariff rates affected items from India.”
Ngawang first started his business more than two decades ago. “I’ve been doing business under Tibet Arts & Gifts since 2001,” he said. “Before that, I was selling at Seven Bridges, which was run by Theresa Berglund. Around 2006 or 2007, she suggested I open a shop at Midtown Global Market. Since then, I’ve been here from day one.” Inside the shop, each handcrafted piece reflects the artistry and cultural heritage of its origins.
With the help of the PROMISE Act Grant, Ngawang was able to revitalize his inventory, maintain fair prices, and continue bringing handmade goods and cultural art to the Minneapolis community. What once felt like a struggle has turned into a story of renewal. With the help of the PROMISE Act Grant, Tibet Arts & Gifts continues to stand as a vibrant symbol of perseverance and community connection inside Midtown Global Market.
📸 See photos from Tibet Arts & Crafts below!
