The Twin Rivers Center for the Arts (TRCA) task force was formed in May 2002 as a collaborative venture of local arts & cultural organizations, individual artists, and community members who share a common vision for the arts in Greater Mankato, which includes the cities of Mankato/North Mankato and the surrounding communities. TRCA grew out of the Mankato Area Coalition for the Arts, which began in the mid 1990s and created a comprehensive plan for the arts and culture in Greater Mankato.

In early 2006, TRCA officially incorporated, elected a board of directors, and achieved tax-exempt status under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. TRCA hired its first Executive Director in April 2007, funded in part with a generous grant from the Mardag Foundation and matched with funds raised from the local community. In 2007, TRCA partnered with Tony Frentz, a local developer, to establish the Emy Frentz Arts Guild in downtown Mankato, which houses TRCA’s business office, a gallery, and artist studio space.