Katie's Birthday Fundraiser for Intermedia Arts

Since August, I've been interning at Intermedia Arts, a community art center about 5 blocks from my new home in Minneapolis. I moved to the Twin Cities about four and a half years ago, and immediately fell in love with the arts community here. I was (and still am) so excited to be living in a city that really understands the value of its artist citizens!

There are probably hundreds of arts organizations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, but Intermedia Arts is a truly special place. Beyond the physical space they offer for showcasing art of almost any imaginable medium, there is a unique emphasis placed on showcasing voices that you might not hear anywhere else. Whether it's the Queer Voices reading series, the B-Girl Be festival of women in hip-hop, the youth-led film and media programs, or the performances centered around Native identity and human rights, you can always trust that Intermedia will share with you art that is meaningul, powerful, and important.

In the short time that I've been here, I've really grown to cherish this organization as a resource in my community. I am proud to be part of a group of people working to promote community and understanding through art. And I love that I get to walk to my internship every day, passing my neighbors on the street, knowing that the work Intermedia does directly impacts the space and community we share.

My birthday falls on the Friday after Give to the Max Day 2011. I hope you will consider donating to Intermedia, not only as a birthday gift to me, but as a way to show your support for my work, and the work of all the amazing, inspiring people I’ve connected with in my new home!