engagement
PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES THAT BUILD COMMUNITY
In Progress maintains powerful partnerships with communities across the state. Programs vary from operating an arts studio in northwestern Minnesota, to providing free family portraits, to digital arts program development, school residencies and so much more.
The art of the Digital
In Progress is partnering with the Cass Lake Bena School System to provide arts enrichment activities for youth and their families. We have identified artists that will travel to this community between January and August to provide photography, video and music experiences as part of the district’s out of school arts entichment activities. READ MORE
Conversations
In Progress will host an informal conversation and dinner In Progress artists and activists that hold ties with African immigrant communities and families living overseas. As conversations about opportunities and challenges facing our Afro-centered storytellers have been resonating in our hallways, it seemed time for artists to come together to visit, learn from one another and work together toward growing opportunities in the community. READ MORE.
FAMILY PORTRAITS
They say “the best things in life are free”. and that is certainly the case with our quarterly family portraiture sessions. Photographers Tomas Leal & Aaliyah McQueen dedicate one afternoon four times per year to honoring families through the art of photography. Everyone is welcome to stop by with friends and families to capture a moment and honor the people you love and respect. READ MORE.
Feast
FEAST is a shared cooking and conversation series where meals are cooked and prepped and added to over conversation about language and media. Each dialogue will take place around a shared meal, and will be facilitated by an artist that has prepared topic(s) for the meal conversation. READ MORE.
JOY OF BEING
The world we are living in is filled with much unrest as we contend with the hardships that are upon those most vulnerable in our communities. We are in a period of reconnection to our humanity and interdependence on each other that is generative of the glory in who we are despite what may be said against us. To know that our joy cannot be taken and is abundant are radical forms of resistance that converge with the celebrations we throw for ourselves, and every act of that is an ode to our being. READ MORE.
LIVING HISTORIES
Bois Forte Nation & Leech Lake Reservation: Living Histories supports youth from tribal communities as they weave together history and culture through the arts of digital media and writing. It is a program that builds leadership skills for individuals living within a community. The program was developed in 1998 and today typically serves hundreds of people each year. In 2023 In Progress is honored to partner with the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School / Leech Lake Reservation . In Progress artist Kristine Sorensen, will offer residency based activities that connect culture to learning to digital storytelling. READ MORE.
MOVIE NIGHTS
Please join us on our patio to watch some films, eat a little popcorn and join others in discussions about what it means to be a filmmaker. IP artists Kazua Melissa Vang and Sai Thao have selected some great films to share with you. Please note - some films are intended for developing filmmakers looking to be challenged, and others are dedicated to families looking to enjoy an evening out together. READ MORE.
open mics
Open Mics provide a safe space to perform works created or works in progress. We aim to host a positive environment for our artist community to be vulnerable and share art. Please come share your talent and/or enjoy the performances! All are welcome to join. READ MORE.
SOund healing for all
Sound Healing For All offers an introduction to the sounds of traditional singing bowls, chimes and other instrumentation, and their impact on health and well being. As participants learn the art of sound, they will be able to experience a sensation through sound vibration/ frequency - which the sound audio will be recorded and shared publicly. In Progress is currently seeking 8 participants that are ready to learn, experience and discuss their own processes for healing. Those that participate will be able to practice different instruments, record songs, and share their creations. Participants must be willing/able to sit down or lay in on the floor for an extended period of time. READ MORE.
STUDIO 110
In Progress has partnered with the community of Crookston Minnesota since its inception in 1996. Today we now operate a digital arts studio and exhibit space offering workshops, immersive arts training, and community activities. READ MORE.
STORIES OF RESILIENCY
In Progress is proud to announce a new partnership with Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul and their initiative - The Family Mobility Hub. IP artist Nicole Auginash will be producing a documentary short highlighting family stories regarding their participation in the Economic Mobility Hub a local initiative aimed at supporting Indigenous families in finding economic success. READ MORE.
Testimonials
IP artist Tiana LaPointe is partnering with Violence Free Minnesota to produce a series of video reflections regarding resiliency and support. Videos will be used to educate the public about important social issues and will be added to our website upon completion. READ MORE.
The Waterers
At In Progress, we have begun talking about how we can heighten our honoring of elder stories . We are talking a lot about what we are seeing others do and what we as In Progress artists have centered on over the past few decades, recognizing the growing need to gather and share stories offered by elders, as so many are transitioning from this physical existence. READ MORE.