At COMPAS we believe we are all born creative but we must work to stay that way. Our creativity is precious. We can't squande ... r it, we can't defund it, we can't let it become extracurricular. Because it's not. Its essential, its elemental, it's healing, teaching and life giving. For 40+ years COMPAS has demonstrated commitment and leadership in the field of creative art-filled learning. As the premier arts education organization in Minnesota, last year COMPAS engaged over 54,000 Minnesotans in hands-on arts-making. We consider our work a success when it sparks people to power their imagination, to learn, grow and develop as a person and in their shared experience with others. This can take shape in many ways, but we consistently receive feedback that our programs foster growth: withdrawn students awaken; students and teachers see each other in a new light; self-confidence improves; youth connect with mentors; young people gain new artistic, social, and job skills; patients respond better to treatment; and artists are inspired and challenged. read more