Altered Esthetics

Our Mission:

To foster an inclusive and sustainable arts community through exhibitions, education, and outreach.

Our Vision: 

We envision a vibrant, inclusive arts community that supports artists and their engagement with a wider audience. We envision an economically vital arts community where diverse views and opinions can be exchanged. To support our vision we provide open spaces for participatory arts experiences.

Our Values:

Engagement, Diversity, Authenticity, and Access

• We encourage a community engaged in robust dialogue, the creation of new works that are accessible.

• We help artists develop their voice and refine their practice by providing educational opportunities.

• We support a diversity of artists, mediums and audiences.

• We build transparent partnerships between Altered Esthetics, the arts community and the public.

• We embrace ethical practices in our operations and communication with funders, artists and community members.

History:

Altered Esthetics was founded in 2004 by Jamie Schumacher to assist low-income and unrepresented artists in Minneapolis. Over time, Ae has evolved to meet the needs in the growing Minneapolis/ St. Paul arts scene. Our mission now includes arts education and community building.

In 2014, we closed our gallery doors at the Q.arma Building in Northeast Minneapolis to explore pop-up exhibitions in different locations around the Twin Cities. Ae held regular exhibitions at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis' West Bank from 2016 - 2018. Now, Ae hosts workshops, microcinemas, and other events at various Twin Cities venues including libraries, bookstores, theaters, and art studios/ maker spaces.

Ae is operated by a volunteer board who dedicate their time and talent to the organization's mission and vision. In 2006, Ae gained nonprofit 501-C3 status. With exhibitions showcasing emerging artists, an annual avant-garde film festival, and professional and educational workshops for artists, Ae continues to contribute to the artistic community in the Twin Cities.