Who We Are
COMPAS is a statewide, non-profit arts organization that sparks students’ imaginations, brings creativity into the lives of older adults, and inspires people to create. At its core, COMPAS brings art to people. Professional artists work alongside students, teachers, senior citizens, patients and sometimes just passersby to help them discover their own creativity and learn a new skill.
Our artists are skilled in many art forms including visual arts, performing arts, music and writing and we are always looking to add new art forms to our offerings.
COMPAS’ direct programs range from in-depth residencies to summer employment to short performances; all include ways for people to participate. Our indirect programs help other organizations bring art to communities.
Our programs fall into these four categories:
- Arts Education connects artists with K-12 students and teachers in public and private schools, & all ages in libraries and festivals, community and recreation centers, etc.
- Arts in Health Care and Artful Aging bring participatory arts activities to older adults, patients and health care providers.
- ArtsWork teaches youth to make both a living and a life by employing them as apprentices to professional, mentoring artists during the summer.
- Art Donor Services allow workplace donors to pool their dollars into the United Arts Fund and facilitates grant programs to distribute monies from United Arts Fund — and from companies such as Travelers — to Minnesota community- and school-based organizations that work with the arts.
