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Best Local Twin Cities Arts Programs To Support

Minnesota is home to several world-class arts organizations. The Walker, The Guthrie, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the new Cowles Center have all helped to put our arts scene on the map. However, there are also some smaller organizations that deserve recognition. If you are looking to donate some time or money in 2012, consider some of these lesser-known organizations.
Children and art
(credit: Thinkstock)

Art Buddies
2840 Bryant Ave S, Suite 405
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 334-6004
www.artbuddies.org

Through Art Buddies, children from low-income families are paired with mentors from the fields of advertising, design and architecture. Over the course of a seven to 10 week period, the mentor-child pair works closely together to build a project borne out of the child's imagination. Kids build confidence, expand their horizons and learn to believe in their own abilities. Help out this deserving organization with donations by mail, checks made out to Art Buddies, or online.

10/17 Arts & Culture - Interact Gallery - Sign
(credit: Coco Mault)

Interact
212 3rd Ave N, Suite 140
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 339-5145
www.interactcenter.com

Interact provides theater and studio arts opportunities for artists with a wide range of disabilities. The multicultural, multigenerational group embraces what they call "radical inclusion" by partnering with artists from a broad spectrum of experiences to create art that challenges an audience's ideas about disability. Interact offers a few donation opportunities. You can either make a direct, one-time donation, or become a sustaining member which will withdraw automatic monthly donations that fit within your budget. Look into their matching opportunities as well to capitalize on your contribution.

Related: Gallery Spotlight: Interact Center

Free Arts Minnesota
(credit: freeartsminnesota.org)

Free Arts Minnesota
400 N 1st Ave, Suite 518
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 824-2787
www.freeartsminnesota.org

Free Arts Minnesota provides art therapy services to children who have been exposed to domestic violence and abuse. Through the creation and expression of art, kids improve self-esteem, build confidence and begin to heal from the trauma of their experiences. Free Arts Minnesota provides services in Minneapolis, St. Paul and throughout the state. There are different tiers of donation ranging from $25 to $1,000. Each level assists a specific need within the organization.

Related: Art Therapy Program Helps Minn. Cancer Patients

Girl playing violin
(credit: Thinkstock)

Camden Music School
3751 Sheridan Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55412
(612) 618-0219
www.camdenmusicschool.com

Camden Music School provides musical instruction to children, adults and families who may not otherwise have such opportunities. With two locations in the Twin Cities, this non-profit helps to build communities by bringing together participants from widely diverse backgrounds to experience the joy of music. Support the Camden Music School Scholarship Fund by making a donation conducive with your comfort level.

St. Johns Boys Choir
(credit: St. John's Boys' Choir)

United Arts of Central Minnesota
913 West St Germain
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 257-3116
www.unitedartscm.com

If you're looking to donate your time or talents outside of the metro area, consider giving to United Arts of Central Minnesota. This non-profit, based in St. Cloud, helps to provide arts programming with efforts to improve the cultural climate in the middle region of the state. The organization supports the Chamber Music Society of St. Cloud, the Minnesota Center Chorale and the St. John's Boys' Choir, among others. This organization asks for different levels of contribution ranging from $50 to $1000. The majority of each donation will go to nine art organizations, while the remaining portion will help create funds for the future of the arts.

Mentoring Peace Through Art
(credit: mentoringpeace.org)

Mentoring Peace Through Art
113 9th Ave N
Hopkins, MN 55343
(952) 935-4717
www.mentoringpeace.org

Have you ever wondered who creates the amazing murals we see on buildings throughout the city? Mentoring Peace Through Art may be responsible for some of your favorites. This nonprofit helps to build more peaceful communities by organizing and creating expansive art projects that project positive images and block out gang graffiti. Help restore beauty to your favorite bridge by making a donation today.

Malia Frey is a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With over twenty years of experience in the fitness industry, she specializes in providing lifestyle, health, wellness and weight loss content for both online and print sources. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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