opportunities
for artists to learn, create & share
In Progress has a 29 year history of connecting artists & community. Programming adapts on a continual basis as we must work to match resources to vision. We expend great effort to listen to our communities and adapt and create programming to meet their needs.
ACCESS
In Progress has been partnering with artists and communities since its inception to breakdown barriers that many encounter when working to create digital stories. From equipment, to space, to learning opportunities In Progress fights to continue paving the way for artists that under any other circumstance might not be able to create, lead or even compete with others. We have never asked any individual to pay a fee to participate. Instead In Progress staff and board work together to write grants, raise funds and provide services to larger businesses that bring in much of the income that supports ongoing access for developing artists. To find out more about this work, or to ask specific questions, please send an email to info@in-progress.org.
The Collective - menTORSHIP for artists
The Collective is a mentorship program that is dedicated to increasing the professional expertise and viability of emerging artists from under-represented communities. The program includes professional skill training, mentorship, access to professional tools, studio use, portfolio development, and networking opportunities. It is a mentorship program for artists of all ages that are committed to learning what it takes to be a creative digital producer in the areas of film, photography, and music. READ MORE.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
In Progress recognizes the need for newly developing arts and community groups to find welcoming space that they can meet and grow their own initiatives. Over the past several years we have had hundreds of community members utilize space to meet, visit, create and more. If you are interested in utilizing space in one of our studios to meet with others, but do not need specific training in digital arts and storytelling you can apply to become a community member. READ MORE.
CONVERGENCE
In Progress received a unique grant award to support film artists in advancing their skills as professional producers through intensive mentorship, and national networking. Artists will receive mentorship from professional producers, and will develop a supportive peer teaching cohort. Each artist selected to participate will also receive a stipend for their participation in the program. 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. Led by IP artists Raina Otoun, Teku Njiktka and Robin Perez READ MORE.
Digital Journeys
Digital Journeys an intensive mentorship program for younger makers. It focusses on individual and small group mentorship, work readiness, and collaborative learning. Each year 4-10 people under the age of 20 are selected to learn, create and work for In Progress, they work with professional mentors over time to learn how to work with the community using technology, and lead others. READ MORE.
Family portraits
They say “the best things in life are free”. and that is certainly the case with our seasonal family portraiture sessions. Photographers Tomas Leal & Aaliyah McQueen dedicates their time 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 provides a space for sharing and visiting through cooking and meaningful conversations. For those who would like to share a meal or learn how to cook, kitchen and grill are open at 4:00pm. Sharing of meals and conversations take place from 5-7pm. Folks are also welcome to bring their favorite dish, drink and or dessert from home to share as well. READ MORE.
FISCAL Sponsorship
In Progress provides fiscal sponsorship to artists with ideas. The organization provides financial oversight for small film projects and community initiatives that meet our purpose of “paving the way for new voices. READ MORE.
the independent artist
Embarking on the journey of a professional artist can be both exhilarating and challenging. The Independent Artist series is designed to guide developing artists through the fundamental steps of establishing a successful business structure. This series will provide invaluable insights into the critical aspects of initiating a business venture, covering key elements such as invoicing for services, developing a price sheet, and establishing a strong web presence.. 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
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.
Mentor Dinners
Beginning in 2025, In Progress will provide opportunities for those who are mentoring and leading program activity for In Progress to come together, share ideas, concerns and opportunities for one another. Our hope is that the dinners will lead to greater cross collaboration and support in the work that we do. 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.
Qhia Dab Neeg Film Retrospect
Qhia Dab Neeg is a recognition of Hmong storytelling, designed to honor the rich history, tradition, and culture of the Hmong people through film and video. The series will feature six community screenings and dialogues, highlighting 50 years of Hmong-American filmmaking in Minnesota. Additionally, Qhia Dab Neeg will gather and showcase live and recorded interviews with filmmakers and curators, offering deeper insights into each film and creating space for generational reflections on the Hmong-American experience. READ MORE.
RESILIENCE
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.
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.
TestimoniES
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.
VAPING STORIES
IP artists Kristine Sorensen and TJ Lor are working with the American Lung Association to produce a series of social media messages related to the impact of vaping on young adults. 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.