Minnesota's Legacy

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.