Upstream Arts

It's time to Re·Focus

When the pandemic reached undeniable levels and the lockdowns began, questions of access  –  consistently championed by generations of disability advocates  –  finally entered mainstream discourse. Now one year and, for many of us, a whole lot of Zoom fatigue later, we’d like to ask: who is still missing from our daily consideration? And why?

In this spirit, we invite you to participate in our spring theme of Re·Focus. Invest in our $35,000 goal to continue and expand our free online classes for adults with disabilities, which will enable us to continue and expand our reach and our accessible offerings moving forward.

We invite you to celebrate with us by watching The Art of We: Re·Focus, our Annual Fundraiser, available to stream at your convenience April 29 - June 30, 2021:

Click here for the link for the event, with Open Captions (for Closed or optional captions, select one of the options below).
Click here to utilize ASL Interpretation by Phyllis Genest-Stein.
Click here to utilize Audio Description by Laurie Pape Hadley.

Today through May 11, 2021 double your impact with a new Matching Grant! Thanks to the generous support of the MaryAnn Lippay and Stephen Kanee Family Fund, all contributions between now and May 11th will be matched up to $10,000! Invest any amount to support members of our disability community in their journey of self-development.

Thank you for your curiosity about and investment in Upstream Arts and the work that we do at the intersection of Arts, Disability, and Learning. We wouldn't be able to do this work without you!

With gratitude for all you do,

All of us at Upstream Arts

Mission

Upstream Arts uses the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities.

Vision

We will change mindsets about ability and disability and promote more connected and engaged communities by increasing intentional opportunities for shared creative experiences.

History

Upstream Arts was founded in 2006 by parents that witnessed first-hand the positive impact of the arts education on their son, Caleb. Caleb, who is non-verbal, was born with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, which affects his physical and cognitive development. Caleb’s father, a professional theatre artist and educator in the Twin Cities, exposed Caleb to theatre and dance at a young age. Caleb, who previously had few tools to communicate, began to use the physical movements, body language, and facial expressions he learned through the arts to communicate and engage with those around him. Out of this spirit and determination, Upstream Arts was born.

Learn more about us and see what we're up to at  www.upstreamarts.org