Springboard for the Arts

Won’t you celebrate with me
that every day someone has tried
to make a living as an artist
and with the help of Springboard they did not fail?

 “Who We Were” by Hawona Sullivan Janzen
Springboard Grand Opening Ceremony

Join Springboard for the Arts and make a difference in the lives of Minnesota artists with a tax-deductible donation. In October 2021, Springboard officially opened our new offices and community space on University Avenue in St. Paul. What was once a vacant used car dealership has now been transformed by artists and community members into a dynamic and welcoming space. With our doors open to the public, we are expanding our impact and reach through advocacy, programs, and partnerships that highlight how artists are essential in our communities.

Last year, with the support of donors—like you!—we were able to serve over 22,000 artists with much-needed emergency relief funds, paid fellowships, professional trainings, collaborative programs, resources for making a living and a life, and more. What unifies our work is a commitment to changing policies and structures so they are more creative, expansive, and informed by and supportive of the needs of people who typically hold the least amount of power. This focus on human-centered systems is key to our work and impact. 

Your donation today will allow us to serve thousands more artists across Minnesota and the country by:

+ Funding advocacy efforts to expand our guaranteed income for artists pilot program, a partnership with the City of Saint Paul and one of the first guaranteed income pilots in the nation to focus on the creative workforce;

+ Building capacity for artists by providing in-person and virtual trainings, professional and technical development, and meaningful opportunities to collaborate and partner with other organizations and artists; 

+ Growing community and neighborhood connections through site activation at our new Saint Paul location, where we host and provide support for pop-up artist markets, poetry slams, soul line dancing, song circles, and more;

+ Increasing resiliency and connections among artists living in rural places in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. 

Artists bring meaning, joy, and connection into our lives. If this is work you value, please consider making a donation today to Springboard for the Arts. Gifts of all sizes are welcome and needed. Make a tax-deductible donation and receive invitations to virtual and in-person events, communications with insider information, and more. Thank you for your support! 

Springboard's opening celebrations in October 2021. Photo by Destiny Roberts.