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December 2009

Dear Friends:

As we enter our seventeenth year of programming, we find ourselves in a unique position of fantastic accomplishment and new transition. This past year has been benchmarked by three major Artists-in-Residence projects, and has brought us to Peavey Plaza, Franconia Sculpture Park, the Soo Visual Arts Center, and the Art Car Parade. It culminated at the Walker Art Center to celebrate one of our most ambitious projects to date, Home Is Where You Make It, a four-week intensive collaboration with 16 homeless youth in creative writing, photography, and sculpture.

The teens have worked with internationally recognized artists such as Lauri Lyons [NYC], Tish Jones [MSP], and Connie Cohen [MSP] to slow down, reflect, sift and sort, and ultimately produce compelling works of art that reflect their layered histories. Our year ends with a beautiful 78-page full-color book documenting the Home project, which is available for browsing or purchase at www.blurb.com, or downtown Minneapolis at Twice the Gift in the IDS Center.

Our year-end has also said goodbye to outgoing director Mike Hoyt after eleven years of service and leadership. Mike has truly been a driving force, providing vision and opportunity for both the organization and the individual teens he has served. He kept making room for magic to happen here in this laboratory between homeless youth, artists, and KKC staff; he always made sure everyone had their solo.

Over 16 years of partnering with Twin Cities’ social service agencies, artists, and arts organizations, 4,877 homeless teens have accessed over 700 different arts events at over 100 local venues.

Our belief is that artists are powerful models for bridging survival with inspiration. Through artist-led workshops, open mics, cultural presentations, and visits to galleries and theaters, seeing independent films, and meeting filmmakers, musicians, and performers, homeless teens develop their creative expression and sense of worth as they navigate their worlds. The artists challenge the youth to honor their layered existence, think critically, work collaboratively, and take risks through art.

During our recently completed fiscal year, KKC had over 885 visits by homeless youth. We continue to grow, remain innovative, and challenge ourselves and our clients.

As we enter the upcoming year of programming, we ask you to become part of the KKC laboratory through your support.

Please consider a gift of any size. A gift of $10 can purchase a journal for youth who—no matter where the streets take them—can have a safe and portable space for self-expression. A gift of $150 can pay for artist-led workshops at our drop-in center or purchase tickets for a performance at the Walker Art Center. A gift of $300 provides a full day outing at Franconia Sculpture Park, including BBQ. A donation of $1000 will cover the travel expenses for an Artist-in-Residence from New York.

Any amount of support is significant and can directly affect a population that is extremely vulnerable and often invisible to the general public.

Every year in Minnesota, there are an estimated 22,410 runaway or homeless youth. Over 89% of the teens we serve are youth of color; 60% are young women; a third identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. We are making a difference in the lives of the youth we serve, in the lives of the artists with whom we work, and in our community as a whole.

I am truly honored to serve as Interim Executive Director, and, alongside veteran staff of Amy Snyder and Sue Pohl, look forward to the hard work and excitement of this unique organization.

Thanks for your support,

Patricia Healy McMeans
Interim Director

Kulture Klub wish list

Artlab:
Paint/brushes – acrylic, full palette
Fabric paint – all colors
Drawing tools, pencils, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils
Markers, variety of colors
Paper, rolls and sheets of drawing paper
Pre-stretched canvas boards
Easels

Tools:
Drill
Hand tools (screw drivers, hammers, wrenches, etc.)
Wood carving tools
Wood burning tools
Sewing machine

Art supplies for youth (portable):
Paint sets (acrylic, watercolor)
Sketchbooks & Journals
Markers, pencils, pens
Legal pads
Daily planners, organizers

Photo/video:
Single use cameras
Polaroid cameras
Film – 35mm, Polaroid
Mini DV tapes
Photo processing
Portable microphone (DV)
Tripod

Office supplies:
Floppy, CD-R, DVD disks
Copy paper, printer paper
Mailing labels
Archive materials, for photos, flyers, etc…
Bulk copying or printing
Web hosting, web design

Misc:
Blank tee-shirts
Backpacks/shoulder bags
Gift cards/certificates (bookstores, music shops, theaters, etc…)
Computers: (call or email first)
IBM/PC compatible
New or used, Pentium 4 or higher
Final Cut Pro software

Patty Healy McMeans
Kulture Klub Collaborative
41 N. 12th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Phone 612-252-1248
e-mail info@kultureklub.org

KULTURE KLUB COLLABORATIVE

How you can help Kulture Klub