News

When everything seems to be unraveling, when the world is noisy, divided, and uncertain, creativity pulls us back together.

We’ve seen it over and over again. In times of crisis, art sparks connection. It comforts. It helps us make sense of what’s happening and imagine what’s possible. It gives people a voice when they feel unheard. It builds bridges when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.

Did you know creativity can bring joy, purpose, and connection to older adults? When they get the chance to create, whether it’s through painting, music, dance, or storytelling, it’s more than just a fun activity. It’s a way to feel valued, to connect with others, and to rediscover the joy of making something meaningful.

Every year, COMPAS publishes an anthology of student writing. You can check out our latest, Move Hands Down to Heart, here. It’s the 45th anthology of student work we’ve had the honor of publishing.

The 11/26/24 article, “Businesses helped make Minnesota’s arts scene. Will shrinking support break it?” highlights a growing crisis: the decline in funding for the arts across our state. This isn’t just a financial challenge for arts organizations; it’s a profound loss for our communities, particularly for children who are being deprived of access to creativity—something that has the power to change lives.

COMPAS Teaching Artists are the hidden secret behind some of the most impactful summer programs in the Twin Cities. 

Every year, organizations like the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota Boyschoir, and the Hennepin County Library rely on COMPAS to bring creativity, connection, and discovery to their summer offerings. These skilled professionals deliver more than just arts education—they create transformative experiences that help participants grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

COMPAS’s involvement was fueled by a chance reconnection. In the fall of 2023, veteran COMPAS spoken word artist and Principal Teaching Artist Frank Sentwali walked into the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, eager to deepen COMPAS’ connections with Saint Paul’s youth.

Jacqui Thompson’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As a recent guest on our Creativity on Tap podcast, she shared a story that reaches beyond the traditional definitions of success. It’s a tale of grit, reinvention, and a relentless drive to create. Her story highlights how creativity can be a force for transformation and connection, shaping both personal journeys and collective communities. From her groundbreaking work with music icon Prince to carving out a space in the world of mezcal, Jacqui has forged a path uniquely her own—and, in doing so, has made space for others to follow, inspiring new acts of creativity along the way