Career Development Grant

This project will be an installation-based solo exhibition of my work that explores the concept of ôMinnesota Nice.ö Using film, photography, and collage, this exhibition will raise awareness of social discrepancies in the realm of human experience. It uses visual imagery, and the experiential space of the gallery, to explore the idea that, while individuals from different backgrounds and heritages, our journeys are more alike than unlike. At times, we need to be guided to this realization. Unfortunately we often don't let ourselves get close enough to each other to see those connections where they do exist. MN Nice will create a space where viewers are confronted with questions about cultural commonalities, differences, and the social forces that create and perpetuate human rifts. Goals include stimulating important conversations, reaching a population that would not normally be aware of these intertwined social issues, and furthering my name, reputation, and income as an artist. My plan is to create an installation of film, photography, and collage that articulates not only what the notion of what "Minnesota Nice" means to me, but also to explore the possible and layered meanings of what this regional phrase means to others as well. Through my artwork, I hope to show what from multiple perspectives what the experience of "Minnesota Nice" embodies, with all its many layers. My goal is to start a much-needed conversation in my community and beyond. While these are often difficult and uncomfortable conversations about social and cultural divisions, I will be using my artwork to create a starting point for visitors and community members to reflect on, consider from new perspectives, and engage with. My goal is to hopefully ignite thoughts that help us move forward with new perspectives of one another. The methods I will use to measure the outcome of this project will be varied, including but not limited to: comment books for visitor feedback; dialogue with fellow artists, viewers, school groups, politicians, etc.; and tracking possible TV, radio, social media, and other media exposure. Possible gallery events (such as discussion groups or an artist talk) may also be used to foster and measure conversation around these topics. I also plan to measure outcomes through the sale of art as well.