Somali Museum of Minnesota

The Somali Museum of Minnesota will engage multigenerational audiences of Somali-Americans and non-Somali Minnesotans in hands-on cultural programming by expanding its mobile culture show and cultural workshops. The project will address an ongoing demand for in-person audience experiences, including those which introduce newcomers to Somali cultural art forms, and those that reinforce a connection between elder generations and youth. Project activities will include hiring and training four program coordinators, coaching museum staff in program facilitation, working with the resident artists to expand program offerings, and developing a monthly schedule of free and accessible workshops offered both on-site and at community partner locations. As a result, the museum will advance knowledge of Somali heritage art forms and cultural history, and strengthen connections between Somali-American generations.