joy of being

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Narratives in minnesota

Joy of Being is a visibility initiative rooted in using digital artmaking as a tool to honor the diversity and joy that exists within LGBTQIA+ narratives. A diverse collection of stories by artists and community will be created that celebrates the lived experiences of those that participate.

In a time marked by unrest, the series emphasizes reconnection—to our shared humanity, to one another, and to the understanding that our lives are shaped through love and care. Each episode honors joy as something abundant and enduring: a radical, lived truth.

The storytellers in this series are heroic, brave, and resilient—celebrating themselves and one another as an ode to being. We ask that all of our community - listen and then share these stories widely.

In 2026 Joy of Being will engage ten participants in adding to work already produced since 2019. This is currently an invite only initiative, but we are willing to consider anyone with a story to participate.

With the support of In Progress artists, participants will:
• Create new digital portraits and narrative works;
• Contribute to a permanent, open-access digital archive housed on In Progress’s website and secured through long-term storage;
• Help shape a short online study guide to assist educators and community facilitators in teaching about LGBTQIA+ cultural diversity.

Scheduled Activities

INTroductions

SatURday, July 18th 4-6PM / Studio 213 & Virtual

Joy of Being artists and participants have the opportunity to meet in person, discuss project ideas and plan future collaborative activities. A light meal will be served.

rsvp

Collaborative art making

August 2026

Artists and participants will gather for on site creative production activities that connect project ideas, creative play and story together. Possibilities include field portraiture work, studio portraiture work, group podcasting sessions, and more.

Individual Mentorship & Art making

August - September 2026

Participants are paired up with artists to develop digital artwork expressive of their “joy of being.” These sessions are scheduled between participant and artistic mentor. Aspects of work include planning detail, creative production and editing. As work is completed it is collected and connected to others pieces in a curatorial process.

Exhibition and Dialogue

November - December 2026
Artwork is shared at In progress’s studio sites (Saint Paul & Crookston) as well as other sites determined by participants. In Progress will host during this time opportunities for artists to share and engage in dialogue around the content of their work.