Possibility, Change, and Springboard's Serviceberries
A reflection from outgoing Executive Director Laura Zabel on her 21 years at Springboard and her next steps.
June 25, 2026
By Laura Zabel
By Laura Zabel
A reflection from outgoing Executive Director Laura Zabel on her 21 years at Springboard and her next steps.
"There’s so much creativity that exists in [rural places] that gets overlooked."
Our outgoing Executive Director Laura Zabel shares exciting news for Springboard, the Coalition, and a new partnership with the Knight Foundation!
Minnesota’s artists aren’t that different from artists anywhere, but there are some unique parts of Minnesota’s ecosystem that explain the breadth and depth of the creative response to the federal immigration enforcement surge.
The regionally-based Artist Emergency Relief Fund Network assures that arts and culture workers are seen, valued, and supported, even when times are tough.
After 21 years of leading Springboard for the Arts, Laura Zabel announces plans to pass the baton to a new Executive Director.
Over 30,000 artists live in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota State Arts Board, from dancers and musicians to painters and crafters. Springboard for the Arts offers services to all of them.
In 2024, four Otter Tail County artists took part in a pilot program through Springboard for the Arts to draw attention to the idea of Guaranteed Income. Each created an art piece to showcase to the public with hopes of starting the conversation about Guaranteed Income and how it can help artists all across the state.
Over 30,000 artists live in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota State Arts Board, from dancers and musicians to painters and crafters. Springboard for the Arts offers services to all of them.
New Emergency Relief Funds for Artists will be available through 5 Regional Arts Councils
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