partnErs in growing communities

learn more about some of our community members working to building community in our spaces

In Progress has long provided meeting and activity space for artists and community members to gather and collaborate in our studios. While we've offered this service informally in the past, we are now taking steps to better acknowledge and share the incredible work happening in our spaces. Here are some of our individual and organizational partners utilizing our studios to build communities.

American Lung Association

IP artists Kristine and TJ Lor are leading a social media awareness project about vaping risks working with the American Lung Association. The two will be traviling to Superior WI to interview college students about their observations regarding the impact of vaping on post-secondary campuses.

Alluma

Alluma, is a trauma-informed mental health and substance use care serving the northwest region of the state. Staff will be utilizing our studio in Crookston Minnesota to hold public events, workshosp, community building activities and creative production.

APIAMN

APIAMN has been an In Progress community partner since its very beginning. It’s purpose is to “empower and equip Asian Pacific Islander American filmmakers to tell their unique, entertaining, and powerful stories.” They currently offer skill training and collaborative opportunities to artist identifying as Asian and living in Minnesota. They utilize both our studios in Saint Paul and Crookston to meet, conduct workshops and screen film works they are connected to.

Apsara the musical

Aspara The Musical led by artist Narate Keys will be using studio space to rehearse a new musical for the fringe festival taking place summer 2025.

Black Youth Healing Arts Center - Compass Project:

Artist Jibra'il Abdul-Azeem will lead a group of young men in recording music and creating songs that focus on healing and community building.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TASK FORCE

The Indigenous Peoples task Force was founded in 1987 to develop and implement culturally appropriate HIV education and direct services to the Native community in Minnesota. They utilize teaching and meeting spaces at In Progress in order to further their work on behalf of Indigenous youth living in Saint Paul.

Metropolitan Regional Ars Council

The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council utilized In Progress’s main studio to conduct one of it’s board meetings on February 25th 2025. The meeting brought together arts leaders from throughout the metro area to make decisions on behalf of MRAC’s constituency. Kathy Mouacheupao has been connected to In progress since her earliest days of working as a professional artist, and MRAC has been a long time supporter for the arts - both for In Progress and arts groups throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs.

MK Self healing Sessions

My name is Mai Ka (MK) Yang. I am an artist and entrepreneur. Through the integration of arts, life coaching, and spiritual healing my work focuses on practicing and promoting the art of healing holistically, specifically in self healing. Currently, my work involves guiding animals, individuals, and families to overcome their limiting beliefs and traumas.

Modern Hmong Girl Event

What is Girls Day Out? Exactly how it sounds! It’s a fun-filled day dedicated to making new friends, bonding, and being unapologetically you. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, catch up with old friends, or simply enjoy a night of laughter and good vibes, GDO is the perfect way to unwind and have a great time. Come for the fun, stay for the memories!

MUSIC mentorship with stefon

Stefon Taylor - known to many as Bionik will hold music mentorship sessions with youth, utilize space for creative meetings, presentations, and workshops, and to collaborate with other Saint Paul arts and community organizations to build a stronger network of support for youth. The youth that will benefit from these activities range in need of support.

Polk County Family Resource Center

IP artists from the Crookston area are building a new partnership with staff and community members at the Polk County Family Resource Center, Former IP artist and board member Victoria Abrigo Ramirez has been advocating for this new partnership bringing In Progress in to work with the community using photograpny and video.

Transforming Generations

Transforming Generations in a non-profit organization dedicated to organizing, educating, and transforming cultural and power dynamics to end gender-based violence.Artist Kristy Moua will be working on DRAG training and community advocacy at Studio 213 beginning March 2025. The organization will also utilize studio space for staff meetings and community planning activities.

Twin Cities Listening Lounge

Ngoc Bui will lead an activity for audio makers/artists come to and share their work. This series of events will help help cultivate community and skill sharing between audio makers of all kinds.

WISE: Women's Initiative for Self Empowerment (WISE)

IP artist Khopa Vang will be leading a series of training activities for the local Kareni community on Active Bystander Intervention Training (ABIT) workshop for the Karen Community.

Wonderlust Productions

Wonderlust Productions first connected with InProgress in 2022, when they partnered with us and provided a space to record our podcast Our House: The Capitol Project Podcast about state government. Since then, it's been a great resource for us at Wonderlust Productions as an alternative recording and rehearsal space to our office. WP is only a 3 minute drive from the space. Moving forward WP will be utilizing our podcasting and music studio rooms as a resource for when they need a quiet space to record audio projects, as well as occasional rehearsal space.

Youth Leadership Initiative

Ntxheb Chang & Lee Vue of the Youth Leadership Initiative are leading activities and meetings at the studio as they “really love the space and how community oriented it is. “ The organization serves youth from Midway, Frogtown and East Side of Saint Paul. In the coming months we hope to get to know the young people that are involved better so they can connect with other opportunities we offer.