-
Free Arts offers a comprehensive creative empowerment curriculum, to help your organization heal the lives of children and families.
-
With Free Arts Minnesota, your donations provide thousands of children a year with a healing creative outlet. All amounts welcome.
-
Discover the healing power of art in the most rewarding way imaginable; byteaching it! Become a Free Arts Volunteer Mentor.
-
There are many ways to make enormous differences in the lives of children. Find out which way is best for you.
-
Art supplies, office equipment, musical instruments, event tickets and more. There are many items that you can contribute to help children thrive. Or check out Free Arts Minnesota's Wish List at Target Lists.
The Latest
News »
-
Volunteering: Improving Morale in Community and Company July 6, 2010
Long-time volunteer Courtney Kupsch blogs about the importance of volunteering. Read More »
Courtney recently wrote, "Every moment spent with [the Free Arts kids] inspires me to be more creative, appreciative, patient, helpful and communicative in the workplace and in my personal life."
Read the entire article here! -
Free Arts Minnesota Hires New Executive Director May 13, 2010
Dan Thomas, former chief operating officer of TPT, is hired as new executive director. Read More »
Free Arts Minnesota, today announced the hiring of Dan Thomas as the organization's new executive director, effective immediately.
"We are honored to have Dan join Free Arts," said Kim Witczak, Board Chair, Free Arts Minnesota. "His unique experiences and proven capabilities in strategic planning, organizational thinking, fundraising, and his commitment to the arts will help bring new direction and growth to our organization."
Thomas began his new position May 4, taking over for interim executive director James Delaney who has held the position since fall 2009. He will be responsible for strategic direction, external relationships and fundraising, board and executive committee relations, membership growth and development, communication and public relations, and administration.
Prior to joining Free Arts, Thomas built a distinguished 25-year career in the media industry where he most recently served as a consultant specializing in planning, media strategies and project fundraising. Prior to that, Thomas was chief operating officer at Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) for seven years, where he created a new online service, the Minnesota Video Vault, for anytime, anywhere viewing of TPT content. He funded the development by raising nearly $1 million. In 2007 he led the creation of Minnesota's first statewide television network. He obtained funding from the State of Minnesota and developed the programming plan with five other independent stations. He also oversaw the development of the Minnesota Channel - an innovative television service fueled by partnerships with non-profits.
"I'm incredibly pleased to be in a position that combines my lifelong interest in the arts with my desire to make a real difference in the community. The weak economy and job market have put more pressure on families and there is more need than ever for the good work that Free Arts offers. And yet resources have never been tighter," said Thomas. "My main focus as executive director will be to strengthen the foundation at Free Arts by raising crucial funds and stabilizing expenses. We have high goals to meet the needs of many children, which is challenging in our current economy."
Thomas is also a published poet with graduate degrees in both creative writing and film. He has been active in the community as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Composers Forum, a past member of Board of Directors of the Minnesota High Tech Association, a panelist for Minnesota State Arts Board and Metro Regional Arts Council, and a member of the Minneapolis Basilica Choir.