Our Programs

Arts in Health Care

This program strengthens community and wellness in health care sites around the Twin Cities and beyond. From neighborhood clinics to facilities for behavioral health, teen medical services, long-term therapy or end-of-life care, we have found that engaging in art stimulates recovery, increases quality of life, and connects staff and patients to each other in deeper ways. Learn more.

Arts Education Programs

For over forty years we have been working with schools on creative arts projects that practice professional art techniques, build connections with classroom curriculum, and explore global history and cultural diversity.  We publish an annual anthology of student writing from our residency work throughout Minnesota. We offer residencies, performances, workshops, exhibits, and professional development sessions.  Learn more about our program options from residencies to performances, our amazing artists, and COMPAS arts education scheduling tips.

Youth and Community Arts Programs

• ArtsWork offers an opportunity for youth to apprentice under professional artists in a work environment. ArtsWork projects take place each summer in the visual, literary or performing arts. Learn more.
• Community and Recreation Centers can bring in a COMPAS artist for their arts programming needs.  COMPAS artists are currently working at the Canvas, based out of Hancock Recreation Center, Saint Paul. The Canvas is an example of our arts programs happening in recreation centers.  Learn more.
• Libraries and Festivals:  COMPAS artists have performed for children's storytime, library "open house" days, and celebrations of literature, arts and culture held in libraries across the state.  COMPAS artists can present workshops, participate in art activity booths, or perform mainstage shows for fairs and festivals. Learn more.

Grants

As part of the mission of COMPAS, we engage communities in providing support to arts activities that work at the grass-roots level. COMPAS has a long history of grantmaking in the arts community through partnerships with a variety of foundations and corporations. Learn more about the United Arts Fund and Travelers Arts & Diversity Grants.