Juxtaposition Arts, Inc

ABOUT JXTA 

Founded in 1995, JXTA is dedicated to the empowerment of young artists through hands-on education that fosters self-sufficiency and creative expression. By providing all programs at no cost, JXTA builds North Minneapolis' cultural, financial, and social capital, guiding youth within Minneapolis into creative industries and supporting equitable development in the area.

Each year, JXTA trains about 70 youth, ages 14-21, through a 12-week Visual Arts Literacy Training (VALT) program. Graduates can pursue apprenticeships in JXTALab micro-businesses—Environmental Design, Graphic Design, and Contemporary Design—producing professional design work for a diverse clientele. Apprentices work with teaching artists and Lab Leads on real projects, gaining skills, mentorship, and paid experience that lead to careers, higher education, and entrepreneurship.

Your Impact

A donation to Juxtaposition Arts (JXTA) has a profound impact, helping to create lasting change in North Minneapolis by empowering young people through art and hands-on education. Contributions directly support free, year-round creative training and employment for youth, enabling them to develop valuable skills in industries like design, urban planning, and environmental arts. This investment not only provides young artists with paid work experience and mentorship but also strengthens the local community by boosting cultural and economic vitality. Donors play a key role in fostering a pathway to self-sufficiency, creative careers, and a brighter future for the next generation.

Juxtaposition Arts Projects

Project: Butterfly Ramp in North Minneapolis

JXTA Artists: Contemporary

Project Brief: In 2022, Minneapolis Parks commissioned Juxtaposition Arts to design a custom feature for a new bike skills course in North Minneapolis. This feature would be a creative and distinctive addition to Hall Park.

"This project was very sentimental because I attended Elizabeth Hall Elementary as a kid. It was one of the main parks from my childhood, and this opportunity came with an immense feeling of nostalgia. I assisted with cutting out the wings and shapes, working with our fabricator on the frame, priming and painting the gradient on the wings, and the final process assembly. I was most excited to see my little 2D rendering come to life and be able to bring joy to kids in a place where I once used to find it." -Harmonee Harrison.