COMPAS Mission and Programs

COMPAS Mission and Programs

COMPAS delivers creative experiences that unleash the potential within all of us.

Creative Classroom Creativity is not owned by the arts, it is taught by them. We connect students from kindergarten to 12th grade with the life-changing power of creativity, reaching over 30,000 school children across Minnesota each year with residencies, workshops and performances. Our skilled Teaching Artists teach professional art techniques, build connections with classroom curriculum, explore history and cultural diversity, and nurture student potential.

Access Yes! Catalyzing creativity in all students through the arts. COMPAS works with special education classrooms, schools that specifically serve students with cognitive or physical differences, and or schools that specialize in content tailored toward students with autism or social emotional needs. We aim to give all students the opportunity to benefit from our artists' attention and expertise.

Creative Community Those who create the art define the culture.

Access Arts Empowering people of all abilities through the arts. Making art and connecting with each other through the arts stimulates the brain, reminds us who we are, and helps us know how to say all we want to say. COMPAS teaching artists create new access to a variety of creative experiences through performances, workshops, and long-term residencies.

AnyPlace Arts Bringing the arts wherever you are. From libraries, parks and festivals to after-school programs, shelters and recreation centers, COMPAS delivers enriching, creativity-growing experiences to all Minnesotans.

Artful Aging™ Creativity gives us purpose. Purpose is what keeps us alive. Artists work side-by-side with adults 55+ who live independently and in senior living centers. Engaging, artistic experiences bring joy and satisfaction to seniors as they discover new talents and renew old ones.

Arts in Healthcare When words fail to express, creativity allows us to heal. Our Arts in Healthcare programs strengthen community and wellness through professional arts performances and instruction. Creativity stimulates recovery, increases quality of life and connects staff and patients.

Youth Arts Creating a brighter future. Youth Arts programming equips youth to reach new heights. Inspired by their interests in the arts, youth learn life and business skills to help them succeed anywhere.

Women’s Writing Program Helping women create better lives and brighter futures. The Advisory Task Force on Justice Involved Women and Girls began a poetry writing program for women in Minnesota county jails and recently partnered with COMPAS to incorporate the program into our offerings. The program has grown to include Sherburne, Washington, and Ramsey County jails.

Our talented writers, musicians, visual artists and performance artists inspire all ages with hands-on programs throughout Minnesota.

For more information on any of these programs contact COMPAS at: 651.292.3249 or info@compas.org.