UPSTREAM ARTS BLOG
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At the source of the river’s current
When we build a foundation and practice around consent, children will know how to recognize when their bodies are being disrespected. If they have experienced positive relationships where their boundaries are respected, they will be able to recognize when a relationship doesn’t feel safe.
In Small Moments: Self Advocacy is (an) Art
Video highlight reel from Upstream Arts' late 2020/early 2021 online classes for and with adults with disabilities. July 1st, 2021 marked the first day of Upstream Arts’ 16th year of practice, and the first major initiative we sent forth into the community was a...
We’re hiring! Apply now for our Administrative Coordinator position
We're hiring! Apply now for our Administrative Coordinator position Administrative CoordinatorAccepting applications through July 23, 2021 Reports To: Associate Director & Operations Manager Job Summary The Administrative Coordinator will support the daily...
Let’s Re•Focus One More Time
Let’s Re•Focus, One More Time Before we officially close out our 2020-21 fiscal year, our 15th year and one that has been like no other, I want to revisit Re•Focus, our online portrait exhibit closing June 30, just one more time. One more time to experience stories...
You are your #1 advocate
Self-Advocacy is (an) art This summer, Upstream Arts is launching our NEW Self-Advocacy programming, revolutionizing Self-Advocacy through the arts. Join us in class and use creativity to expand your voice and choice and live your best life - everyday. After a year of...
You’re invited to The Art of We: Re•Focus
Exhibit & Event Premiere: APRIL 29, 20216-7PM CST Available to view until exhibit closes on June 30. OnlineFreeFamily-Friendly Closed CaptioningAudio DescriptionASL Interpretation by Phyllis Genest-Stein YOU’RE INVITED to The Art of We: Re•Focus, our Annual...
The Art of Relationships: An Interview with Lindsey Samples and Evie Digirolamo
Read about our theme and goals for our year of (R)evolution.
There is Beauty in Both Spaces: An Interview with Cristina Castro
Read about our theme and goals for our year of (R)evolution.
Learning from Upstream Arts’ Self-Advocacy Classes
The biggest question I ask myself is: Am I taking short cuts with my support of Joe’s right to choose in favor of my own convenience?
In Small Moments: Finding a shared language through play
It’s difficult to define what play is, but for us, every moment of communication is a form of play, and an opportunity to discover meaning in our actions and expressions. Giving and receiving, an ordering of actions taken, a familiar structure from which we derive meaning, this is the base form through which we build play.
15 years and 10,000 hours
June 30, 2021 marks the completion of 15 years of Upstream Arts working with and alongside people with disabilities of all ages to share creative experiences, to work towards understanding and inclusion, and to share space together. These experiences have mostly...
Let’s See What Now Comes Into Focus: Julie Guidry in conversation with Board Chair Steve Anderson
Read about our theme and goals for our year of (R)evolution.
Announcing our Year of (R)evolution
Read about our theme and goals for our year of (R)evolution.
In Small Moments: Changing one thing
Julie Guidry describes how the nursing shortage at their son’s group home is impacting the family – and inspiring them to adapt.
Announcing our Year of (R)evolution
Read about our theme and goals for our year of (R)evolution.
In Small Moments: Silence and Understanding
As we collectively adapt to stay connected, Co-Founder and Artistic Director Matt Guidry illustrates Upstream Arts’ philosophy and practice through beautiful stories of small moments in classrooms and connecting with his own son, Caleb. I rocked my adult son to sleep...
Arts and Advocacy are not separate | Our work in the last year
As our fiscal year draws to a close, we look back humbly at the work we've been able to do with and alongside our disability community. Even and especially amidst sweeping societal change, we will continue to amplify the voice and choice of people of all abilities the...
Join us for the Summer Art Collective! July 6th-17th
Summer Arts Collective July 6th - 17th Some of the best in Twin Cities accessible arts experiences have come together to offer you an all-new online summer arts experience designed for people of all ages, abilities and disabilities! Choose from a variety of classes...