In Progress deeply values the relationships, programs, and people it has worked with over the past decades.  For In Progress, it is the programming of our past that informs our future.  Below are just a few examples of past programming:

AIN DAH YUNG 2022-2023

Ain Dah Yung is a support center and housing facility for Native American families. In Progress partnered with staff to produce digital stories about the power of family reunification. READ MORE.

Artists In The Schools 1990 -2010

Artists In The Schools was a roster based residency program that offered 1-20 day digital arts learning activities in schools throughout the state of Minnesota.  The program was funded by the state of MN and by individual schools through 2010.

Asian Media Access Camp 2008 - 2013

partnered  with In Progress to provide digital arts photography instruction to their youth.

Center for Book Arts 2016

 The Center for Book Arts in partnership with Youthprise invited In Progress artists over to learn the art of book making.  Sherita Townsend and Cha Lor were happy to engage and learned a lot in the process. 

COLLECTING SURVIVOR STORIES SCREENING & DISCUSSION SERIES 2023

Collecting Survivor Stories: was a screening and discussion series dedicated to uplifting Hmong voices of victims/survivors’ lived experiences around sexual violence. Activities are dedicated to the ways in which this part of our community has been able to rebuild their lives through resiliency, support, and for some - forgiveness. Each session is led by Transforming Generations staff , who developed this concept in partnership with those whose stories will be shared. READ MORE.

CONVERSATIONS 2023

In Progress produced a series of videos in partnership with the American Lung Association of Minnesota to produce social media statements that advocate for policy change in the state legislature. These videos provide insight into the efforts of medical professionals, providers and clients within the mental health field that have been developing new models for tobacco abatement services in mental health and chemical rehabilitation facilities. READ MORE.

Critical Eye 1997 - 2011

The Critical Eye began in 1997 and continued through 2011, It began as a weekend workshop but quickly became part of the core program offerings to youth living in the Twin Cities.  The program transitioned to what we now call Studio 213, and offers a wider array of digital arts mentorships to youth.

Cultural Arts Integration Workshop 2013

The Cultural Arts Integration Workshop 2013 invited In Progress artist Kristine Sorensen in to work with educators to teach them the art of digital storytelling using iPads.  The workshop served 24 educators from the Saint Louis School district and is already leading to some new partnerships with schools and artists. 

Digital Back Pack Program 2012 - 2013

Digital Back Pack was a program that In Progress offers from time to time professional development and asset building .  Cha Lor was the first artist to earn a digital backpack through fundraising in 2010.

Division of Indian Work 2014

The Division of Indian Work partnered with In Progress on many levels to provide young Native American artists the opportunity to tell their own stories (most recently in August).  They also worked with In Progress to help us develop a no-smoking policy!  

Dreams of Wild Health 2014

Dreams of Wild Health  youth were able to utilize Studio 213 for a video storytelling project led by Missy Whiteman and Deanna Rae Standing Cloud.  Youth put together a cooking show, and made videos that revealed the importance of indigenous practices related to the cultivation of food. 

Educator Workshops 1994 - 2001

Educator Workshops were the established in the mid 1990s to prepare educators on how to integrate creative technologies into classroom learning.  The workshops provided graduate credit, learning intensives, and lesson plan development.

ETHICS IN RADIO 2014

MPR Ethics in Radio Panel provided an opportunity for In Progress artists to reconnect with Kao Kalia Yang and hear media representatives perspectives on cultural representation and mass media. 

Exchange Tour 2019 - 2021

The EXCHANGE TOUR was dedicated to building appreciation for the arts by sharing digital stories across communities in the state of Minnesota.  Between June 2019 and October 2021 artwork was exchanged between five communities and then brought together in collective exhibits and screenings. CLICK HERE t o find out more.

Flipside Arts 2010 - 2022

In Progress partnered with the Saint Paul School District to provide after-school programming for middle school students attending 6 schools in the district. The project proved to be a great means for introducing youth to the power of digital storytelling and training new teaching artists.

Fresh Voices 1996 - 2018

It all began in 1996 with a single workshop about race and identity in rural Minnesota. From that first experience came 20+ years of digital arts programming for community artists of all ages. Fresh Voices continues today under the name of Studio 110 as we merged Fresh Voices programming within a new studio established in 2019. You can view the Fresh Voices archives by clicking here.

GP Digital Photography 2005 - 2020

In Progress partnered with Metropolitan State University to provide youth touring the University with digital photography exposure activities. In Progress developed photography curriculum, lessons, and hands on activities for more than 15 years, with the program concluding in 2020 during the pandemic.

HEARTBEAT 2023

Heartbeat is a program designed for youth ages 15-17 years old with a focus on using digital storytelling as a means to talk about healthy relationships, explore identity and share narratives around one’s lived experiences as Hmong and Southeast Asian youth. The digital storytelling program will take place at In Progress March 6 through May 8th. The project is led by artist and Transforming Generations staff Schoua Na Yang and supported by In Progress artists. READ MORE.

Honoring Elders 2023

Honoring elders provides editing support to the Hmong Museum as they work to create digital archives that include elder interviews and instruction in traditional practices. READ MORE.

IMPACT STORIES 2023

American Lung Association of Duluth & Northwest Wisconsin Lung Health Alliance In Progress began working with the American Lung Association in 2017 to provide digital storytelling opportunities for youth. In 2023 In Progress will work with students from McGregor, Duluth, Cloquet and Wisconsin to create social messaging pieces targeting local policy changes regarding vaping in schools. READ MORE.

Indian Treaties Project 2010 - 2013

Indian Treaties Project - In Progress artists Kristine Sorensen and David Sam were selected to travel and meet with youth from 4 Minnesota reservations to collect stories for a state-wide exhibit on Indian Treaties.  Youth were interviewed from different communities about what life is like for them and their families and how they are connected to treaty lands.

La Familia 2000 - 2003

La Familia was an artist development initiative for Latino based artists.  The program included mentorship, technical training, network development and dialogues.

LaSemana. 2003 - 2007

La Semana was a summer digital artmaking workshop for adopted Latino youth.  The program focused on using video as a tool to explore Latino culture.

Label 213 2018 - 2019

LABEL 213 was a professional development program dedicated to advancing the artistic path of contemporary music artists.  In Progress staff identified music artists, that already had experience working with In Progress and had completed 3 or more songs. To find out more about this program and the benefitting artists, just CLICK HERE.

Latino Youth Filmmaking Project. 2003 - 2008

The Latino Youth Filmmaking Project represented a unique partnership between Aspen Film and In Progress.  Each summer for 6 years, artist Kristine Sorensen traveled with an In progress intern to Carbondale Colorado, where the two partnered with AFF to provide creative arts instruction to 20+ Latino youth seeking to tell their own stories.  The project continued until funding sources dissipated in 2008.  Though no longer a program, In Progress maintains contact with local community members and youth artists.

Mis/Education 2014 - 2015

Mis/Education brought youth and adults together sharing ideas, and reach out through the art of digital storytelling.  

Native Arts Learning 1990 - 1998

The Native Media Arts Program began as a summer workshop for students of the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School.  Over time and with support from the McKnight Foundation, the project developed into a national model for digital storytelling.  The program has now merged with the Ogichidaakweg Program and continues as Living Histories.

Native Chat Film Festival 2010 - 2011

The Native Chat Film Festival represented a partnership between In Progress and the Indigenous Peoples Task Force to create opportunities for Native American youth to create and present videos that delved into issues that effect Indigenous communities in Minnesota.

North End Arts Initiative 2014 - 2019

The North End Arts Initiative was a neighborhood wide effort to establish studio 213 as a resource for artists and their families living in the north end neighborhood of Saint Paul. It allowed In Progress artists to present a series of arts activities that were accessible and reflective of those living in our North End neighborhood.   The initiative spanned 5 years and included numerous workshops for youth and families, community based exhibits, public screenings, dialogues and community celebrations.

Ogichidaakweg 1998 - 2009

Ogichidaakweg (Sisters In Leadership)  began as a intensive leadership and digital artmaking initiative for young women living on the Leech Lake Reservation.  Over time the program grew to include projects in Nett Lake Village and the inclusion of young men.  In 2010 the program transitioned into the program we now call Living Histories.

Ojibwemowining. 2013-2016

In Progress partnered with Fond du lac Tribal and Community College to develop a digital arts studio dedicated to serving American Indian students, and community members in the act of preserving and celebrating Anishinaabe culture.  The studio is now up and running and ready to engage the community with a series of digital arts based activities and events.  In Progress continues to provide informal consultation and looks forward to future partnerships.

Our Red Lake Spirit 2014 - 2020

Our Red Lake Spirit provided program model development, staff training, and youth workshop and exhibition opportunities through the Red Lake Chemical Health Program in Red Lake Nation. The project was developed as part of a community centered initiative to build positive norms using digital storytelling as a key component of delivery.

PORTRAITS of Recovery 2020 - 2021

Portraits of Recovery was a video documentary project that represented a partnership between Red Lake Chemical Health, In Progress and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. RLCH staff generously shared their stories in support of those seeking insight into the many different paths to sobriety. The documentary depict how staff use culture, traditional practices, and the teachings of others to help them stay sober. Directed by Karen Barrett and produced by Tomas Leal, Kristine Sorensen & Tiana LaPointe. To view the video and find out more about the project just CLICK HERE.

Project Preserve 1995 - 2012

Project Preserve represented a partnership with Red Lake High School to provide digital storytelling opportunities to high school students that connected youth to their community, their histories, and traditions.  The program is on hiatus as the school recently retired the lead educator in charge of the program.

Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival 2010 - 2021

The Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival was the first Hmong centered film festival ever presented. Conceived and led by IP artist Kao Choua Vue , this festival brought a focus on the storytelling achievements of Hmong filmmakers from throughout the world. The festival was held annually for 8 years, took a pause and then returned with a virtual festival held in partnership with Hmong filmmakers from Sacramento.

Respecting Voice - 2023

A partnership with Don’t Call Me Josephine Un-silenced and the Leech Lake Band of OJibwe to provide consultation and space for the development of a model that uses digital storytelling as a form of data collection and evaluation . IP artists Rena Bouchard, Regina Zapata and Kristine Sorensen are all engaged in supporting this unique initiative as part of their work with Studio 110. READ MORE.

REZ BALL BOOK LAUNCH - 2023

Come and celebrate the release of Rez Ball. I’ll be reading and sharing the first chapter for the very first time, followed by a Q& A and book signings. Would love to see all of my Twin Cities friends and family! Byron began creating stories in the late 1990s as part of Project Preserve, a program that helped manifest what In Progress is today. At that time he led a team of fellow students in creating an award winning video about a young basketball player who’s ego gets the better of him, until a spirit comes and sets him on a new path. READ MORE

Rural Landscapes 1995 -2010

Rural Landscapes represented a series of digital arts partnerships with rural Minnesota schools.  In Progress artists would plan and implement a series of activities that included curriculum development, learning activities and teacher training.  In Progress is still very open to working with greater Minnesota communities - especially those that lack adequate storytelling resources.

Saib Kuv 2007 - 2010

Saib Kuv was established to provide a place for young Hmong artists to explore their connection to Hmong traditions, histories and ceremonies.   The program included intergenerational dialogues, creative artmaking workshops and exhibits - culminating with a large scale exhibit and celebration at the McKnight Foundation in 2010.  The program later transitioned to Qhia Dab Neeg.

Saint Paul Art Crawl 1999 - 2011

The Saint Paul Art Crawl allowed In Progress artists to learn the art of curating while introducing themselves as artists to the broader Saint Paul community.  Twice a year, youth artists would come together to develop exhibit ideas, curate and present the artwork of In Progress.  This process has now transitioned into our work with Studio 213.

Street Stops and Mountain Tops 2013 - 2018

Street Stops and Mountain Tops led by Tou Saiko Lee held a dance off at Studio 213 as an effort to raise awareness and funds for a cultural music exchange between the U.S. and Thai artists.  We continue to support this initiative as a fiscal sponsor to Tou Saiko Lee.

Stories of Strength & Resiliency 2010-2012

Stories of Strength & Resiliency was commissioned by the Bureau of Indian Education in their efforts to strengthen the public voice of tribal school students in the nation.  In Progress artists visited with 20 schools in the nation and worked with over 200 students to produce a series of videos about what makes young people strong and resilient.  The project lasted for only one year, but the hope is that In Progress will be able to establish future partnerships.

SOUL CALL 2023

Cydi Yang of Cydi Like The City will be rehearsing with a collaborative team of artists to present Soul Call a new play commissioned by the Cedar Lake Theater. “Soul Call is a modern interpretation of the traditional Hmong hu plig ceremony. In this ceremony, a soul is called back to the body after experiences of darkness create a disconnect. Cydi spoke with Twin Cities music writer Youa Vang about pushing their artistic boundaries, exploring their expression as a Hmong person, and what the art of spoken word means to them. “ READ MORE.

Through The Eagles Eye 1991 - 2012

Through The Eagles Eye began as a summer video storytelling workshop and expanded over-time into a federally recognized best practices model for digital arts learning.  The partnership between In Progress and the Four Directions Charter School brought digital storytelling front and center in the learning process with students and became a core part of a graduation path for at-risk urban Indian youth.  

Trans Day of Visibility PORTRAITURE EVENT 2023

Transforming Generations and In Progress are partnering up to offer free professional photoshoots in honor of Trans Day of Visibility with a special emphaisis on Hmong/Southeast Asian identifying trans individuals, families and loved ones. READ MORE.

Travel 1999  - 2011

Travel has always been a part of how In Progress artists develop and grow.  Whether to conferences, film festivals or national gatherings, young artists benefit from meeting others in new professional arenas.  We have taken a break from national travel as we work to establish our studio in Saint Paul but hope to resume travel in 2014. 

Voices of the North End 2016 - 2020

Voices of the North End was a digital storytelling initiative dedicated to raising the public visibility of the residents and local businesses that call this Saint Paul neighborhood home. The project placed 8 local photographers and videographers in the heart of the neighborhood . The project culminated in a community showcase, a series of community exhibits, and a catalog that is available for free download.

Youth Express 2006 - 2009

Youth Express is a neighborhood development program for youth.  between 2006 and 2009 they would bring youth over to In Progress to learn how to take photographs and make videos.  It was a great way to introduce youth to In Progress and give them some strong exposure to digital storytelling.