Upstream Arts uses the power of the creative arts to activate and amplify the voice and choice of individuals with disabilities.

Sign Up for Self-Advocacy Classes!

Become a part of our community that is expanding our voice and choice through the arts!

Self-Advocacy classes for adults with disabilities ages 18+

Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays — February – May 2022

More details HERE.

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WHAT WE DO:

ONLINE CLASSES FOR INDIVIDUALS

PERFORMANCES & EXHIBITS

Our new 2020-2021 Annual Report is here!

Featuring stories, financials, quotes, photos and more from a year like no other. Read about our work in this beautiful report available in accessible PDF, screen reader-friendly text, and, narrated audio.

Read the Report

Browse our library of 30+ short arts-learning videos that you can do at home!

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WATCH OUR 5-MIN VIDEO

“Julie and I created Upstream Arts because we recognized that at the core of engagement and communication is a give and take, an action and reaction, a listening and responding. We knew from personal experience that the arts were a perfect medium through which to practice these fundamental human skills.”

Matt Guidry

Co-Founder and Artistic Director

20-Year Reflections: Beyond Minnesota

by Julie Guidry | 11/11/2025 | Reflection | 0 Comments

As we hit our 20-year mark and prepare to close our doors, Upstream Arts is reflecting on the last two decades of incredible work. Today's highlight: our work in Milwaukee, WI and Charlotte, NC In addition to working with partners all over the Twin Cities metro,...

20-Year Reflections: Upstream Arts presents…

by Julie Guidry | 10/30/2025 | Reflection | 0 Comments

Photo by Dave Luke.As we hit our 20-year mark and prepare to close our doors, Upstream Arts is reflecting on the last two decades of incredible work. Today's highlight: Upstream Arts presents... In addition to our mission – to use the creative arts to activate and...

20-Year Reflections: Art of Relationships and Art of Prevention

by Julie Guidry | 10/14/2025 | Reflection | 0 Comments

As we hit our 20-year mark and prepare to close our doors, Upstream Arts is reflecting on the last two decades of incredible work. Today's highlight: Art of Relationships and Art of Prevention In 2014, Upstream Arts embarked on a new program: the Art of Relationships....

20-Year Reflections: Studio Access

by Julie Guidry | 10/01/2025 | Reflection | 0 Comments

As we hit our 20-year mark and prepare to close our doors, Upstream Arts is reflecting on the last two decades of incredible work. Today's highlight: Studio Access The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a huge shift for everyone, Upstream Arts included. As...

Recap: Heart-filled Farewells at The Art of You: Carrying It Forward

by Julie Guidry | 10/01/2025 | Announcement, Events | 0 Comments

Photo credits: Above: Ellis Luke. All others Marla Olivia Photography, unless otherwise noted.Over 235 community members joined us in a joyful celebration at the Whim on Thursday, Sept 25 for The Art of You: Carrying It Forward! We were honored to celebrate with so...

20-Year Reflections: The Art of Me Photography Exhibits

by Julie Guidry | 09/16/2025 | Reflection | 0 Comments

As we hit our 20-year mark and prepare to close our doors, Upstream Arts is reflecting on the last two decades of incredible work. Today's highlight: The Art of Me photography exhibits and Upstream Arts' Refocus photo exhibit. So many of our residencies center on the...

20-Year Reflections: Self-Advocacy

by Julie Guidry | 09/05/2025 | Reflection | 0 Comments

As we hit our 20-year mark and prepare to close our doors, Upstream Arts is reflecting on the last two decades of incredible work. Today's highlight: Self-Advocacy Classes. In 2017, we launched the Art of Voice and Choice residency, a precursor to our Self-Advocacy...

What to expect (and what you can win!) at The Art of You: Carrying It Forward

by Julie Guidry | 09/04/2025 | Announcement, Events, Supporters | 0 Comments

We're looking forward to celebrating with you at our farewell event, The Art of You: Carrying It Forward. Join us September 25 from 6-9pm at The Whim, where we'll have a chance to connect, reminisce, and highlight the joy and power of our last 20 years. With good...

Parking and Accessibility at The Art of You: Carrying It Forward

by Julie Guidry | 09/04/2025 | Announcement, Events | 0 Comments

We're looking foward to connecting with you at our farewell event, The Art of You: Carrying It Forward, on September 25 from 6-9pm at The Whim. Here's everything you need to know to ensure that you can fully enjoy the evening.Get your ticket: Be sure to register for a...

Thank you to the incredible Sponsors of The Art of You: Carrying It Forward

by Julie Guidry | 08/18/2025 | Event, Supporters | 0 Comments

Premier Sponsors:Access Sponsor:Partner and In-Kind Sponsors:We're honored by the incredible support of our sponsors, whose generosity ensures that our farewell celebration remains completely free of charge and fully accessible! Join us on Thursday, September 25, 2025...