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.

Art of making music

The Art of Making Music is a one of a kind workshop with the talented contemporary artist, Jeremy Gardner!  This is a two day workshop is dedicated to bringing music artists living in and around Leech Lake reservation together to learn the art of song writing, performance, beat making and sound engineering. READ MORE

DIGITAL ARTMAKING

THROUGH A CULTURAL LENS

Digital Art Making Through A Cultural Lens is a an after-school program for schools that provides cultraully based digital storytelling activities for students K12 and their teachers. This year artists Tiana LaPointe, Simmia Nelson and Eemanna Rovers will partner with the Blake School, Creative Arts High School and Daytons Bluff Community Center to offer activities. READ MORE.

FAMILY PORTRAITS

HONORING FAMILIES THROUGH THE ART OF PORTRAITURE PHOTOGRAPHY

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

dinner & dialogue series

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.

Indigenous Stories

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.

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

DIGITAL STORYTELLING IN ANISHINAABE COMMUNITIES & SCHOOLS

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 and North Woods School / Bois Forte Reservation. In Progress artists Kristine Sorensen, Aaliyah McQueen and Tiana LaPointe 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.

SOund healing for all

THE ART OF HEALING THROUGH SOUND CREATION

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.

STORIES OF RESILIENCY

YOUTH TELLING STORIES THROUGH THE ART OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

American Indian Community Housing Organization / Duluth: In Progress has been an active programming partner with the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) since 2010, curating a photography exhibit of images and writing produced by In Progress’s tribal based partners. In 2016 & 2018 In Progress worked with AICHO youth to produce artwork for the organization’s calendar - reaching thousands of families throughout the state. Samples of the artwork created are viewable in the galleries below. Now in 2023, In Progress artists Kristine Sorensen & Aaliyah McQueen will return to work with youth and staff to continue a digital storytelling experience for the youth that reside in its home residence. READ MORE.

STUDIO 110

DIGITAL ART MAKING IN THE RURAL NORTHWEST

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.

The Waterers

AN EFFORT TO HONOR THE STORIES OF OUR LOVED ONES

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.

YOUNG STARS

LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF IN PROGRESS ARTISTS

Studio 213 / Saint Paul: In 2023 In Progress will pilot a mentorship program for younger artists interested in developing their teaching and coordination skills at In Progress. IP artists Aaliyah McQueen & Kristine Sorensen will work with 6 youth that will be trained to work and teach at In Progress. Participants will receive training in digital production techniques, public presentation, planning, organizing and teaching techniques. READ MORE.