Works Progress Project Fund

Who we are. Works Progress is an multi-disciplinary collaborative focused on the creation of one of a kind public programs, exhibits, artworks, and events that inspire, inform and connect the people and ideas of the Twin Cities. Founded in 2006, Works Progress is known best for its flagship programs Solutions Twin Cities , Give & Take , and Salon Saloon . In addition to these ongoing programs, Works Progress is engaged in numerous collaborative projects with a diverse array of institutional and community partners. Members of Works Progress also produce original public artworks and interventions. By connecting people and ideas across traditional creative, social, and cultural boundaries, we encourage a vibrant and resilient cultural ecology in our community. We believe that this relationship-building work helps to strengthen our communities by restoring some of their connective tissue, and by providing a platform for people to share their passions.

How we work. Works Progress strives to create an organizational and program structure that is fundamentally diverse in its skills and interests, and all of our programs are a reflection of this approach. While there is a core group at the center of Works Progress , our list of collaborators is always changing, and includes some of the Twin Cities' most innovative young writers, designers, thinkers and makers, as well as some of the regions most innovative organizations. Each of us brings a unique set of skills and interests to the table, which means we are constantly challenged to see things from surprising perspectives. This interdisciplinary approach is what we love most about our work, and what keeps us working!

What we do. Thanks in large part to your generous support Works Progress has had an amazing year in 2010. Over the last 12 months we’ve seen 2 monthly event series (Give & Take , and Salon Saloon ) take hold, had the opportunity to create an interactive art exhibition at Intermedia Arts (We Work Here: A Conversation on Art, Economics, and Community ), collaborated with The Walker Art Center on their Open Field project, and were accepted as artists-in-residence with Minneapolis Art on Wheels, where we created a project called Movement Museum . We’ve also done some long-term strategic planning for the Solutions Twin Cities series of events and the future of Works Progress as a whole. Visit our website for more information about what we do .

Why we need your support right now. As we look forward to 2011, we’re planning to keep up the energy as we continue to expand the audiences and impact of our work to new communities across Minnesota. With your support, 2011 will see the continuation of Give & Take and Salon Saloon , the reintroduction of our Solutions Twin Cities event, as well as a variety of new and exciting programs, exhibits, and events that will bring Works Progress to new Twin Cities neighborhoods, and small towns in Greater Minnesota. The co-founders and collaborators of Works Progress often work with limited resources, and have become expert at doing a lot with a little. With your investment, we can begin to build a sustainable long-term framework for Works Progress. We hope that in addition to your financial investment, you will consider getting involved by attending our programs or sending your thoughts and ideas to us via our website , Twitter , or Facebook .

Our Goal: Raising $3,000 by the end of 2010. With a community investment of $3,000 dollars, Works Progress can continue to develop the above mentioned programs and initiatives. Money raised will go directly toward program costs. Please feel free to contact us for more details.