Kulture Klub Collaborative engages art and artistic practice to provide enriching opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness and artists to grow individually and to transform community.

Kulture Klub Collaborative is an independent nonprofit arts organization that brings together artists and youth experiencing homelessness at YouthLink in the Youth Opportunity Center, a crisis drop-in center located in downtown Minneapolis. Through workshops, open mics, cultural presentations, and "art views," highly mobile young people develop their creative expression, receive exposure to artistic excellence, and enter into a group of peers, supportive adults, and diverse social communities.

Established in 1992 by artist Dorit Cypis, KKC has developed and guided interactions and partnerships among homeless youth, professional artists, arts organizations, social service agencies, and funding institutions. In 19 years of history, KKC stands alone in the field of work created by artists and homeless youth. KKC offers artists a rare opportunity to develop a project with a community of young people with a unique perspective. Young people in crisis explore their creative expression, receive exposure to artistic excellence, and interact with a group of peers, supportive adults, and diverse social communities.

Kulture Klub has grown in many ways over the past several years. We have transitioned into an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization, developed a hard working Board of Directors, cultivated new funding relationships, and maintained a solid relationship with partnering organization YouthLink and the Youth Opportunity Center. Through all of this growth we have continued to provide innovative programs to increasing numbers of highly mobile young people.

Kulture Klub brings dignity and respect to youth experiencing homelessness and to artists, populations that are both culturally neglected and separated. This effort catalyzes new relationships between art and community. Kulture Klub is a bridge for young people experiencing homelessness to move from isolation to expression, towards finding a voice of participation in their communities.

Kulture Klub's Board of Directors:
Annie Schmidt, President
Walker Art Center

Ellen Guettler
Minnesota Public Radio

Kathryn Ross
Good Will Easter Seals

Malik Watkins
Travelers Foundation

Kulture Klub's Staff:
Jeff Hnilicka, Director
Sue Pohl, Social Service Coordinator
Ethan Turcotte, Arts Administrator