Springboard for the Arts is a not-for-profit arts service organization based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Springboard for the Arts provides arts-related resources to independent artists and arts organizations including professional development education and workshops, fiscal sponsorship, micro-lending, health care resources, and career consultations.[1]
History
Originating in 1978 as a program of United Arts, it became an independent non-profit organization in 1991 under the name of Resources and Counseling for the Arts. The organization changed its name to Springboard for the Arts in 2002.[2][3] Springboard also manages Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts (MnLA), the Minnesota chapter of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.[4][5] Laura Zabel has been Executive Director since 2005.[6]
In May 2020, the organization's building on University Avenue was among those damaged by arson during the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis–Saint Paul.[7][8]
In 2021 their universal basic income for artists initiative was among the first in the nation. The funds will go to working artists in St. Paul's Rondo and Frogtown neighborhoods.[9][10][11]
Research
In 2007, Springboard for the Arts partnered with Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and the Minnesota Craft Council to produce the economic impact study Artists Count: An Economic Impact Study of Artists in Minnesota.[12] Following this study, they purchased and converted a former auto showroom into a community hub called SpringBOX.[13][14]