Dear JXTA family:
This has been a trying year. We are battling a dual pandemic against a deadly virus and a system built to tear down Black and Brown people. Like so many, the team at JXTA has been constantly responding to changes from the pandemic, police brutality, and uprisings in our communities. Internally, JXTA has also been managing major transitions. Our beloved Co-Founder and CEO DeAnna Cummings accepted a position at the McKnight Foundation in June, exiting her 25-year tenure at JXTA. In August, our new Managing Director Gabrielle Grier took the helm and is leveraging her background in youth development, education, and fine art to steer us into the future. For the last several months, we’ve been knee-deep in strategic planning. And thanks to all of you, we’re nearing a $2 million goal for our Capital & Legacy Campaign.
Our new Managing Director, Gabrielle Grier, started out as a Teaching Artist in the Ceramics Lab. Here she is directing apprentices in the JXTA Gallery earlier this year.
It’s clear to us that ensuring the sustainability and vitality of this work for generations to come is more important than ever. Through all of this year’s turmoil, JXTA has continued to provide employment, income and opportunity to young creatives on the Northside, host community events, and contribute to the revitalization of our neighborhood. Your ongoing support guarantees that this Black-led, youth-focused art and design development center will thrive despite the challenges of this year, into the next 25 years and beyond. Become a sustaining donor today.
Our Halloween party looked a little different this year, with mandated social distancing, hand sanitizing, and mask-wearing protocols, but we still managed to have a spook-tacular time.
JXTA IS…
- The only Black-led art and design organization in North Minneapolis
- A pillar in the Twin Cities creative economy
- Powered by the energy, voice, vision, and talents of artists and youth
- Invested in the long-game to build social and economic justice by training and employing young people
- 25 years strong; rising for the next 25 and beyond
YOUTH are already building the abundant and just future they envision. Help us raise $2 million towards our Legacy & Capital campaign this year to build the creativity of youth in North Minneapolis.
Build JXTA.
Build Minneapolis.
Build the future.