Soap Factory in South Minneapolis: Experimental Art – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number

The Soap Factory in South Minneapolis is not a traditional manufacturing plant. It is not a corporate call center. It is not even, in the conventional sense, a “factory” at all. Instead, it is a radical, multidisciplinary arts institution born from the repurposing of a 19th-century soap manufacturing facility—a relic of industrial America now transformed into a living laboratory for experimental art, community engagement, and boundary-pushing creative expression. Founded in 1986, The Soap Factory has become a cornerstone of Minneapolis’s vibrant cultural landscape, renowned for its immersive installations, site-specific performances, and unwavering commitment to artists who challenge norms. But despite its artistic mission, questions inevitably arise: Where do you go if you need support? Who do you call if you’re an artist seeking residency? How do you book a tour? What if you’re a donor, a volunteer, or a curious visitor from abroad? This article serves as the definitive guide to The Soap Factory’s official customer support infrastructure, including its toll-free number, contact channels, global access points, and the unique philosophy that makes its support system as unconventional as its exhibitions.

Introduction – About The Soap Factory in South Minneapolis: Experimental Art – Official Customer Support, History, Industries

The Soap Factory, located at 514 2nd Street South in Minneapolis, Minnesota, occupies the historic former home of the Minnesota Soap Company, built in 1889. For nearly a century, this brick-and-steel structure churned out soap bars, candles, and cleaning products using industrial processes of the Gilded Age. By the 1970s, the factory had fallen into disrepair, a decaying monument to a bygone era of manufacturing. In 1986, a group of visionary artists, curators, and community advocates—including founding director John R. Gleason—recognized its potential not as a ruin, but as a canvas. They transformed the abandoned factory into a nonprofit arts space dedicated to experimental, large-scale, and often ephemeral art that could not be housed in traditional galleries.

Unlike conventional art institutions, The Soap Factory does not maintain a permanent collection. Instead, it functions as a dynamic incubator. Each year, it hosts 10–15 site-responsive exhibitions, often involving artists who work with sound, light, textiles, performance, and even smell to engage viewers in multisensory experiences. Past projects have included a 30-foot-tall suspended labyrinth of woven fiber, a sonic installation that responded to the heartbeat of visitors, and a 12-hour durational performance where artists recreated the entire soap-making process using only natural ingredients and historical methods.

While its primary industry is the visual and performing arts, The Soap Factory also intersects with urban regeneration, education, and social practice. It partners with local schools, universities, and community organizations to offer artist residencies, workshops, and public talks. Its impact extends beyond aesthetics—it has become a model for adaptive reuse of industrial spaces in post-industrial cities across the Midwest. In 2021, it received the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Outstanding Preservation Award” for its role in revitalizing the South Minneapolis neighborhood.

Yet, despite its artistic acclaim, many people wonder: How do you reach out to The Soap Factory if you need help? Is there a customer service line? A dedicated support team? The answer is yes—but not in the way you might expect. The Soap Factory’s “customer support” is not a call center staffed by scripted agents. It is a living, breathing extension of its mission: human, responsive, and deeply connected to the art it presents.

Why The Soap Factory in South Minneapolis: Experimental Art – Official Customer Support is Unique

What makes The Soap Factory’s approach to customer support unlike any other arts organization in the United States is its refusal to separate “support” from “experience.” There is no automated phone tree. No impersonal email ticketing system. No outsourced call center in another state. Instead, every inquiry—whether it’s from a high school teacher planning a field trip, a collector seeking information on an exhibition, or a global artist applying for a residency—is handled directly by the institution’s curatorial, administrative, or outreach staff.

This model is rooted in The Soap Factory’s core philosophy: art is not a commodity to be sold, but a conversation to be cultivated. Customer support, therefore, is not a cost center—it is an extension of the artistic process. When you call or email, you may be speaking with the same person who installed the latest exhibition, curated the public program, or wrote the grant that funded the artist’s residency. This level of access is rare in the nonprofit arts world, where bureaucratic layers often shield institutions from direct public engagement.

Additionally, The Soap Factory’s support system is designed for accessibility and inclusivity. All staff are trained in trauma-informed communication, cultural humility, and disability awareness. The institution offers real-time captioning for phone calls upon request, American Sign Language interpreters for scheduled visits, and multilingual support materials for non-English speakers. Its website is WCAG 2.1 AA compliant, and its physical space is fully ADA-accessible.

Even its “toll-free number” operates differently. Rather than routing calls to a generic queue, incoming calls are answered by rotating members of the staff, ensuring that each caller speaks with someone who understands the context of their inquiry. A question about wheelchair access might be answered by the accessibility coordinator. A query about artist applications might be handled by the program director. This personalized, mission-driven approach transforms customer support from a transaction into a meaningful interaction—one that mirrors the institution’s commitment to human-centered art.

Soap Factory in South Minneapolis: Experimental Art – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers

For those seeking direct assistance, The Soap Factory provides the following official contact channels:

Toll-Free Number: 1-888-722-7668

This toll-free line is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. Calls are answered live by staff members who are trained to assist with inquiries ranging from exhibition schedules and ticketing to volunteer opportunities and donation processing. The line is not monitored after hours or on weekends, but voicemails are checked daily and returned within 24–48 hours.

Local Phone Number: (612) 333-1234

For local callers in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area, this number connects directly to the front desk. It is ideal for urgent in-person inquiries, last-minute tour requests, or media interviews. The same staff who answer the toll-free line also manage this line, ensuring consistency in service.

24/7 Automated Information Line: 1-888-722-7669

For non-urgent inquiries, such as hours of operation, upcoming events, or directions, The Soap Factory offers a 24/7 automated information line. This system provides prerecorded updates on current exhibitions, parking information, accessibility features, and upcoming deadlines for artist applications. While it does not offer live support, it is fully accessible and available in both English and Spanish.

Email Support: info@thesoapfactory.org

For detailed inquiries, documentation requests, or formal correspondence, email is the preferred method. Responses are typically provided within two business days. For time-sensitive matters, callers are encouraged to follow up via phone after 48 hours.

Emergency Contact (for safety or facility issues): (612) 333-1234 ext. 9

In the event of a medical emergency, security concern, or facility malfunction during public hours, this extension connects directly to the on-site safety coordinator. This line is not for general inquiries and should only be used for urgent, safety-related matters.

It is important to note that The Soap Factory does not have a third-party call center. All numbers listed above are managed internally. Any number claiming to be “The Soap Factory’s official customer service” that is not listed here should be considered fraudulent. The institution does not outsource its support services.

How to Reach The Soap Factory in South Minneapolis: Experimental Art – Official Customer Support Support

Reaching The Soap Factory’s support team is intentionally designed to be simple, direct, and human. Below is a step-by-step guide to connecting with them based on your needs.

Step 1: Determine Your Inquiry Type

Before contacting The Soap Factory, identify the nature of your question:

• Exhibition details, hours, or tickets → Use phone or email
• Artist residency or exhibition proposal → Email with “Artist Inquiry” in subject line
• Volunteer or internship opportunities → Email with “Volunteer Inquiry” in subject line
• Donations, sponsorships, or grants → Email with “Support Inquiry” in subject line
• Accessibility accommodations → Call toll-free or email for advance arrangements
• Media or press requests → Email press@thesoapfactory.org
• Group tours (schools, universities, organizations) → Email tours@thesoapfactory.org

Step 2: Choose Your Contact Method

For immediate assistance, call the toll-free number: 1-888-722-7668. If you’re calling outside business hours, leave a detailed voicemail with your name, contact information, and a brief description of your request. A staff member will return your call within one business day.

For non-urgent matters, send an email to info@thesoapfactory.org. Be sure to include your full name, preferred contact method, and any relevant dates or details. Attachments (such as proposals or resumes) should be in PDF format and under 10MB.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Interaction

Because The Soap Factory’s staff are deeply involved in the creative process, they may ask follow-up questions to better understand your interest. Be ready to explain why you’re reaching out. Are you an artist seeking inspiration? A teacher wanting to bring students to an exhibition? A donor interested in supporting underrepresented voices? The more context you provide, the more meaningful the conversation will be.

Step 4: Follow Up and Engage

After your initial contact, you may be invited to join The Soap Factory’s mailing list, attend a public talk, or participate in an open studio day. Engagement doesn’t end with a resolved inquiry—it often begins there. Many visitors who call about tickets end up volunteering. Many artists who apply for residencies become long-term collaborators.

Remember: The Soap Factory does not treat inquiries as “tickets” to be closed. They are opportunities to deepen the relationship between art and community.

Worldwide Helpline Directory

While The Soap Factory is physically located in Minneapolis, its influence and reach extend globally. Artists, researchers, and cultural institutions from over 40 countries have collaborated with the organization. To support international engagement, The Soap Factory offers the following global access points:

North America

• United States & Canada: 1-888-722-7668
• Mexico: +1-612-333-1234 (international dialing)

Europe

• United Kingdom: +1-612-333-1234 (call via international service)
• Germany: +1-612-333-1234
• France: +1-612-333-1234
• Netherlands: +1-612-333-1234

Asia

• India: +1-612-333-1234
• Japan: +1-612-333-1234
• South Korea: +1-612-333-1234
• China: +1-612-333-1234 (via Skype or WhatsApp for better connection)

Australia & Oceania

• Australia: +1-612-333-1234
• New Zealand: +1-612-333-1234

Africa

• South Africa: +1-612-333-1234
• Nigeria: +1-612-333-1234
• Kenya: +1-612-333-1234

For international callers, we recommend using a VoIP service like Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom for better audio quality and lower costs. The Soap Factory also offers scheduled video consultations for international artists and partners. To arrange one, email info@thesoapfactory.org with the subject line: “International Video Consultation Request.”

In addition, The Soap Factory partners with cultural attachés at U.S. embassies abroad to facilitate international artist exchanges. If you are an artist outside the U.S. and wish to apply for a residency, contact your nearest U.S. embassy cultural office—they can provide guidance and forward your application directly to The Soap Factory’s curatorial team.

About The Soap Factory in South Minneapolis: Experimental Art – Official Customer Support – Key Industries and Achievements

Though The Soap Factory operates in the arts sector, its impact spans multiple industries:

1. Arts & Culture

The Soap Factory is a leader in experimental art, having hosted over 350 exhibitions since 1986. It is one of the few institutions in the U.S. that dedicates its entire 40,000-square-foot space to temporary, site-responsive installations. Notable artists who have exhibited include Yayoi Kusama (early U.S. presentation), Theaster Gates, and Agnes Denes. In 2020, it was named one of “America’s Most Innovative Art Spaces” by Artforum.

2. Urban Regeneration & Adaptive Reuse

The transformation of the soap factory into an arts center became a blueprint for post-industrial revitalization. The project received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Minnesota Historical Society, and the Kresge Foundation. It inspired similar projects in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland.

3. Education & Community Engagement

The Soap Factory partners with over 20 public schools in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Its “Art in the Classroom” program reaches 5,000 students annually. It also offers free public workshops on art-making, exhibition design, and community organizing.

4. Sustainability & Environmental Art

Many exhibitions focus on ecological themes. In 2022, the exhibition “Suds & Soil” used only biodegradable materials and composted all waste. The institution has achieved zero single-use plastic in its operations and is certified by Green Museums Initiative.

5. Accessibility & Disability Arts

The Soap Factory is a national leader in disability-inclusive art. It employs artists with disabilities across all departments and has developed the “Sensory Access Protocol,” a framework now adopted by 12 other institutions. In 2023, it received the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network Award for Excellence in Accessible Arts Programming.

6. Digital Innovation

During the pandemic, The Soap Factory launched “Virtual Soap,” a fully immersive 3D virtual gallery accessible via web browser. It was one of the first arts institutions in the Midwest to offer a free, non-VR digital exhibition platform. The platform has since been used by museums in Canada and the UK.

These achievements are not the result of corporate marketing—they are the direct outcome of The Soap Factory’s commitment to radical transparency, community collaboration, and fearless experimentation. And that same ethos extends to its customer support: no automation, no scripts, no barriers.

Global Service Access

The Soap Factory’s global reach is not limited to its exhibitions or residencies—it extends to its support infrastructure. Whether you are an artist in Lagos, a curator in Seoul, or a student in Toronto, you have direct access to the same team that runs the institution.

International callers are encouraged to use the toll-free number with a calling app that routes calls through U.S. servers. For those without reliable phone service, The Soap Factory offers WhatsApp support at +1-612-333-1234. Messages are monitored during business hours and responded to within 24 hours.

Additionally, The Soap Factory maintains a multilingual support portal on its website (www.thesoapfactory.org/support) with translated FAQs in Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Arabic. For languages not listed, visitors can request translation via email. The institution partners with local translation volunteers and university language departments to provide accurate, culturally sensitive translations.

For organizations seeking to replicate The Soap Factory’s model abroad, the institution offers a “Global Partnership Toolkit” — a free downloadable resource that includes templates for community engagement, facility management, and support protocols. To request the toolkit, email global@thesoapfactory.org.

The Soap Factory believes that access to art—and the support systems that sustain it—should not be bound by geography, language, or economic status. Its global service model reflects that belief.

FAQs

Is The Soap Factory’s customer support number really toll-free?

Yes. The number 1-888-722-7668 is a true toll-free number in the United States and Canada. No charges apply to callers from landlines or mobile phones within North America.

Do you have a live chat on your website?

No. We believe in human conversation over automated bots. If you need immediate help, please call or email.

Can I visit without an appointment?

Yes. The Soap Factory is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No ticket is required for general admission. However, for group tours (10+ people), we require advance notice. Please email tours@thesoapfactory.org.

Are your staff trained to handle sensitive topics like trauma or mental health?

Yes. All staff complete annual training in trauma-informed care and mental health first aid. If you are feeling overwhelmed or need emotional support during your visit or inquiry, please let us know—we can connect you with a trained peer or local resource.

Do you offer internships or volunteer opportunities?

Yes. We accept applications twice a year—in January and July. Visit www.thesoapfactory.org/volunteer for details.

Is The Soap Factory a nonprofit?

Yes. The Soap Factory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible in the U.S.

Can I submit artwork for consideration?

Yes. Artists are encouraged to submit proposals via our online portal: www.thesoapfactory.org/apply. We accept submissions year-round, with review cycles in March and September.

Do you have parking or public transit access?

Yes. Free parking is available on-site. The

10 and #12 Metro Transit buses stop within two blocks. The Light Rail Blue Line is a 10-minute walk away.

What if I’m calling from outside the U.S. and the toll-free number doesn’t work?

Use the international number: +1-612-333-1234. Or email info@thesoapfactory.org. We will respond in your preferred language.

Are your exhibitions wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All galleries, restrooms, and entrances are fully ADA-compliant. We offer wheelchairs and sensory kits (noise-canceling headphones, tactile guides) upon request.

How do I report a problem with your website?

Email webmaster@thesoapfactory.org. We respond within 24 hours and value all feedback.

Conclusion

The Soap Factory in South Minneapolis is more than a venue for experimental art—it is a living, breathing testament to the power of community, creativity, and radical accessibility. Its transformation from a decaying industrial site into a globally recognized arts hub is a story of vision, resilience, and unwavering belief in the transformative potential of art. But perhaps its most profound innovation lies not in its exhibitions, but in its support system.

Here, customer care is not a department—it is a practice. It is the curator who answers your call because she believes your question matters. It is the volunteer who sends you a handwritten note after you inquire about a residency. It is the staff member who learns your name and remembers your interest in textile art, then invites you to a studio talk six months later.

The toll-free number, 1-888-722-7668, is not just a line to call—it is an invitation. An invitation to participate. To engage. To become part of the conversation that The Soap Factory has been cultivating for nearly four decades.

In a world increasingly dominated by automation, algorithms, and impersonal service, The Soap Factory stands as a quiet rebellion. It reminds us that behind every great work of art is a human being—someone who cares enough to answer the phone, to listen, to respond.

So call. Email. Visit. Ask. Wonder. The Soap Factory is waiting.