Alight is a nonprofit that serves four million displaced people a year in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe.
For the three days of Art-A-Whirl, May 15-17, Alight’s offices became a busy art gallery. Located at 1325 Quincy St. NE, Alight is at the center of Art-A-Whirl’s activity. This year, with 500 pieces of artwork donated by over 200 artists, the event became an opportunity for a fundraiser that ultimately raised $25,000.
Alight, 1325 Quincy St. NE, a nonprofit focused on helping displaced people, hosted a charity art gallery at this year’s Art-A-Whirl. (Provided)
Alight staff and volunteers walk alongside their “customers” on their journeys to rebuild their lives. Alight provides education, livelihood opportunities, healthcare and safe spaces for those fleeing violence. Alight also seeks to unleash “abundance” in every person: Addressing basic needs and building lives filled with joy, dignity and connection. You can learn more about Alight at https://www.wearealight.org/.
Chris Kindler, Annual Fund Director, and Leah Combs, Team Lead, explained why Alight chose Quincy Street for its offices’ location. The organization was seeking a welcoming space connected to the larger community and reflecting its values. Northeast Minneapolis, with its history of providing opportunities to immigrants, was deemed an appropriate location. A street-level storefront provides a direct connection to Quincy Street. Local “customers,” volunteers and events for the larger community are regularly invited into the space.
The Alight fundraiser came together quickly. In addition to donating artwork, multiple Northeast artists were integral to the sale’s planning. Requests for donations spread by word of mouth and through contact with local arts groups.
Alight artists raised roughly $25,000 over the weekend. (Mina Adsit)
Artist Anna Palmquist from the Northrup King Building helped with initial artist outreach. When she heard that Alight did not plan to be open on Friday, artist Beth Elliot spoke up to say that her best sales occurred on the first night of Art-A-Whirl. As a result, Alight opened its sale on Friday as well. At the event, artists set the sales price for their work. Sales tags include the artist’s statement on their work and why they were moved to contribute.
Links to the artists’ websites and Northeast studio locations were also on the tags, with a blue graphic highlighting art produced by Northeast artists. Visitors were introduced to both Alight’s mission and to local artists. The quantity and value of the contributed artwork are reflected in the $25,000 raised.
Alight plans to hold a similar fundraiser in 2027. A few pieces of artwork remain for sale at Alight’s Quincy Street offices. Two online galleries are available at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/alight.