Let's take care of each other — and ourselves — in the most radical and collaborative ways we can imagine.

Together is better,

Hannah K. Holman
Producing Artistic Director ​

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Adapted from our email newsletter: mailchi.mp/112e0a7f8027/our-work-continues
Stay up-to-date about Umbrella Collective by signing up at umbrellaco.org/connect

Dear artists and audience members,

This is a work-in-progress.

The script has not been written. The plot is changing day-by-day. Things are messy and uncertain, but full of possibility. As collaborative artists and new work makers, we know this feeling well.

We’re used to starting with nothing but questions.

We work through the uncertainty to make something out of nothing. We build entire worlds out of recycled fabric and the heartbeat of a drum. We create magical moments with a shift of the light. We craft intricate characters starting with nothing but a line from a poem and a spark of curiosity.

We thrive in the messy parts, the unfinished work.

We know what it means to work together even when we don’t know what comes next. It’s not easy. It takes bravery and trust to sit together in the unknowing — to acknowledge we don’t have all of the answers — but we believe that when we work together we can do so much more than we ever could alone.

So, right now we’re listening. We’re dreaming. We’re planning.

We’re breathing together even though we’re far apart. We’re devising new ways to collaborate. We’re embracing moments of stillness. We’re inventing new methods of care and practicing compassion — for ourselves and for each other. We’re brainstorming new ideas and stories and worlds. We’re imagining the futures we want to see.

We are in the midst of rehearsal.

We invite you to join us under the umbrella as we prepare for what comes next. We encourage you to be wild in your kindness and generous with your creativity. We welcome you to breathe together with us in uncertainty and complexity. We urge you to embrace your curiosity and your sense of play.

This wasn’t in our original rehearsal plans, but — together — I know we can find a way forward.

Together is better,

Hannah K. Holman
Producing Artistic Director 

P. S.     You may have heard that GiveMN is hosting a week of generosity starting today called #GiveAtHomeMN. As timelines continue to shift and funding sources remain uncertain over the next few months and years, artists and arts organizations need your support.

If you have means and desire, we’d love to turn your attention to these partners and friends doing key work to uphold the arts in this difficult moment:
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• Springboard for the Arts Emergency Relief Fund
  Providing essential funding directly to artists who have lost income.
  
  
• Twin Cities Logistics Collective
  Supporting black, trans, indigenous, and two-spirit artists who have been impacted.
  
  
• Minnesota Theater Alliance
  Supporting all 500+ performing arts organizations as we navigate what comes next.
  
  
• Minnesota Fringe Festival
  Recently cancelled the 2020 festival and needs support to return in 2021.

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And, of course, we welcome your support of our behind-the-scenes work in whatever ways make sense right now. Here are a few ways you can ensure new work continues to thrive in the future:
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• Join the Umbrella Circle with a monthly contribution of any amount
  Direct, ongoing support has the most impact on our future because it helps us plan and grow. You can also make one-time or annual contributions directly on our website.
  
  
• Visit our (new!) GiveMN donation page 
  We've recently become our own 501c3 organization, so we have a brand new page! During #GiveAtHomeMN, we're eligible for bonus grants throughout the week.
  
  
• Share a favorite moment with Umbrella Collective on your social media!
  Performing arts lovers all over the state will be using the hashtag #JustAnIntermission, and we'd love for you to join us:
  
  “Places, please!” Performers, directors, designers, musicians, and technicians know this common stage manager’s call well. It’s our cue to be ready, to prepare. Right now, Minnesota’s performing arts community is working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to prepare for what comes after this unexpected intermission. Please consider adding the arts to your worthy list of causes during this uncertain time, so we are able to continue telling stories that connect, heal, and transform. #JustAnIntermission #GiveAtHomeMN​