Minnesota's Legacy

Cristeta Boarini, Director of Programs, came to 826 MSP discouraged by the news industry, she found passion supporting young people in creating a positive relationship with writing. She talks about the expansion of 826 MSP and its mission to inspire for a lifetime

CAAM Chinese Dance Theater does not just to entertain, but also to celebrates Chinese cultural heritage through the universal language of dance. This segment highlights some of the programming CAAM does and the impact it has had on the community.

Robert Lehman works on The Cedar Cultural Center's annual Global Arts Festival. The Cedar aims to promote intercultural appreciation and understanding through the presentation of global music and dance. The festival offers accessible, free, and family friendly opportunities to hear innovative and unique artists from across the globe.

Arts Center of St Peter has been serving the communities artistic needs through gallery spaces, vending local art and providing creative equipment ranging from sewing machines to podcast radio microphones. The gallery is free to the public where local art is showcased.

The Trans Herbalism Zine is a project created to capture the power of plant medicine with a focus on trans and non-binary people. With a focus on flower essences the zine highlights ways one can create them and utilize them for self and community.

The South Central Service Cooperative, based in North Mankato, Minnesota, one of nine regional agencies called service cooperatives, established in 1976 by Minnesota Statute to enhance the work of their members. The Cooperative provides a young writers and artists conference annually as one of the programs provided to students. 

The unPrison Project engages people in Minnesota prisons on the art of storytelling and messaging. It works to builds literacy, mentoring and life skills to prepare for successful life after prison.

African Economic Development Solutions is an economic development agency dedicated to serving entrepreneurs, specializing with African communities who are adjusting to the United States. AEDS also puts on the Little Africa Festival off Snelling Avenue in St Paul to showcase and market entrepreneurs, build networks of relationships and support artists.

Ian Leask, executive director of Afton Press and talks about the release of their new book Latin Art in Minnesota which was funded by Minnesota Historical Society.

In Progress provides quality mentorship and access opportunities for digital art makers living in Crookston and Saint Paul, serving emerging artists of all ages while modeling innovative mentorship practices both in person and online.

The Audubon is working toward bird and forest restoration, including planting trees on the upper Mississippi river to restore bird habitat.

Liz Engleman speaks about the 12-day retreat at Tofte Lake Center they offered as part of the legacy grant funding for bi-POC and parent artists in Minnesota

Scott County Historical Society brought in consultants to increase Dakota voices along the Shakopee Riverfront Cultural Trail

The annual Freedom Festival at Goodridge Veterans Memorial Park is an entire day filled with artists performances and art. People from throughout the Goodrich area gather for the event, which also honors Veterans from the community.

The Playwrights' Center is an accelerator for playwrights and new plays. How do they accomplish this? Robert Chelimsky, Managing Director, explains how this organization supports artists and why their work is so important.

Founder of Juxtaposition arts, Roger Cummings, explains why the organization is such a crucial part of the thriving arts community in North Minneapolis and beyond.

The AIDS epidemic forever changed queer culture across the United States when it began in the 1980s. The gay community in Minneapolis did their best to take it in stride, which led to the creation of the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus. Executive Director Kevin Stocks explains why Minnesota legacy funds allow this organization to keep evolving and moving forward.

Arleta Little, Executive and Artistic Director of The Loft, shares why Minnesota Legacy funds are so crucial to growing the creativity of independent writers.

Toni Pierce-Sands, founder and artistic director of TU Dance, bringing dance education and performance to the Twin Cities for the past 20 years, talks about the story behind TU Dance.

Not only are the members of senior rock group Alive & Kickin alive, they’re also belting out songs to sold out crowds across Minnesota and the Midwest. Teri Deaver, Managing Director of Alive & Kickin, shares the impact on ensemble members.

Every June, the Delano Sculpture and Blues Fest draws community members to engage in art, music and fellowship along the Crow River in Delano, Minnesota. Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture board member Sarah Hellmich shares how the event got started.

Minnesota’s Cuban American Youth Organization (CAYO) provides chamber music collaborations, lessons, and immersive educational exchange programming for students.

Ashwini Ramaswami is the Choreographic Associate and Communications Director for the Ragamala Dance Company. The organization was founded by her mother, Rama Ramaswami, is an ode to the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam. Ragamala Dance Company keeps this form of dance alive by bringing performances to Minnesotans and beyond.

Tracy Rittmueller is an artist in residence at First United Methodist Church of the St Cloud. Tracy celebrates 12 artists who became a community after participating in her resilience and healing writing workshop where artists are given safe space to be seen and explore their artistic voice.

Ahn-Thu, Theater Director of Theater Mu celebrates the Theater Company's season of South East Asian Plays written by Minnesota-based South-east Asian playwrights and artists.