History

History

Some Basic Information

Working as a Non-Profit
In Progress is a non-profit (501c3) arts organization. Like all non profits we have a board of directors, numerous programs, and a large constituency of young artists. Unlike most organizations, In Progress has been operated from its inception with no full time administrative staff. We have chosen this method for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, money is tight. We at In Progress continue to make tough choices between funding program initiatives and raising general operating support. With only a minimum set of resources we have had to prioritize what is most important to keeping the integrity of In Progress alive. Because In Progress was formed by those that first participated in community driven programs, our board of directors and volunteer force have held strong to the belief that programs are more important than assets. In Progress also believes in slow and steady growth. We want to keep the quality of our programming high and the relationship with In Progress youth strong and binding. So we move forward slowly. In 2006 we hope to introduce our first paid administrative staff. It is a big step for In Progress but it is finally time to begin a slow growth towards building the foundation for this dynamic and unusual non-profit.
Organizational History In Progress began as a series of youth based video and photography workshops offered by the Center for Arts Criticism. The Center, which was founded in 1984, sponsored and nurtured these activities for five years, as they grew strong and flourished. Each workshop was unique in nature, reflecting the diverse geographic and cultural needs of the community being served. Kristine Sorensen and Bienvenida Matias, two nationally recognized artists, partnered together to develop these programs and worked closely with community representatives to ensure their stability and growth. In 1999, some of the youth that had participated in these individual workshops came together to discuss ways in which they could, share, learn and support one another. This is when In Progress found its name, its collective strength, and a body of young artists willing to work together towards a common set of goals.
In January 2000, The Center for Arts Criticism began to integrate its programming into that of In Progress, revising its mission, and changing its name. In 2005, In Progress now serves more than 1000 young artists, 50 educators, and 150 emerging artists from throughout the state of Minnesota and beyond. Below is a chronological story of how In Progress came into being. The history spans more than twenty years and presents a strong case for why we are now ready to get busy.
The links below will take you on a journey of better understanding what In Progress is today. Just click below to “walk backwards” through the moments that shaped In Progress:
Pre-In Progress
The Early Years
In Progress Today