Art for All
Art for All: The Stephanie Evelo Program for Art Inclusion at the University of Minnesota Institute for Community Integration connects artists with disabilities with organizations throughout the Twin Cities area. In the exhibition, 16 artists from Minnesota and Wisconsin will showcase their work in various media, including 3D installations, fiber, watercolor and photographs. The exhibit is Feb. 2 to March 30 at the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St NE, Mpls. Gallery hours are Thu 3–7 p.m. and Sat noon–4 p.m.
Art for All features three events. At 6 p.m. Thu, Feb. 16, Alison Bergblom Johnson will speak on the topic of Disability Justice Through the Lens of Art and Supporting Non-disability-focused Galleries Curating Art by Artists with Disabilities. At 7-9 p.m. Sat, March 2, Cow Tipping Press will host a neurodiverse book release and author reading. At 4-7 p.m. Sat, March 30, there will be a closing reception and art market. Through exhibits and events, ICI’s Art for All creates inclusive spaces for discussing, promoting, and selling the artists’ work. FFI: https://art.ici.umn.edu/
Open Flow Forum
The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month. Upcoming dates are March 7 and April 6. Virtually join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability concerns. Facilitators are Tara Innmon, Kip Shane and Springboard for the Arts. The gatherings are fully accessible. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Andy Sturdevant at host organization Springboard for the Arts. Funding is available for access needs. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@springboardforthearts.org
Attend upcoming meetings
Off-Leash Area’s Off-Kilter program is hosting meetings with organizations that specialize in advocacy for people with disabilities. Performing artists with disabilities and advocates are invited to attend, to discuss their needs and desires from Off-Kilter and the broader Twin Cities performing arts.
Several meetings are planned, starting 1-3 p.m. Fri, March 3 at NAMI Minnesota, 1919 University Ave. W, Suite 400, St. Paul. State Services for the Blind hosts 1-3 p.m. Wed, March 8 at 2200 University Ave. W # 240, St Paul.
Springboard for the Arts will provide ASL interpretation 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, March 9 at 262 University Ave. W, St. Paul. Courage Kenny hosts the final meeting 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sat, March 11 at 3915 Golden Valley Road, Mpls.
Preregister for a meeting. FFI: 612-724-7372, offleash@offleasharea.org
Resources to Enjoy!
The Enjoy listings are for arts events as well as banquets, fundraisers and fun events by and for disability services organizations. Schedules may be subject to change. Some venues still may have mask and vaccine requirements. Please check with a venue or organization before making plans.
The Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) provides an Accessible Arts & Culture Calendar for arts patrons who use accessibility accommodations such as audio description, captioning, ASL interpreting and sensory-friendly accommodations. Link to more details at https://calendar.mnaccess.org. Be sure to check the listing or venue to find out its COVID-19 protocol and if an advance reservation is needed for the accessibility service.
Accessible events can be submitted to the MNAA Calendar (and MinnesotaPlaylist.com). A list of other venues follows the event listings.
To receive a free monthly events calendar: email mactfactor@icloud.com and/or info@mnaccess.org. Ask for the entire events list or specific lists for ASL interpreting, captioning, audio description, sensory-friendly accommodations or disability-related topics.
For other accessibility resources or upcoming webinars presented by MNAA, sign up for emails at https://mnaccess.org
