Alight-Supporting Refuge Communities Through Creativity
Written by: Mina Adsit
Alight is a non-profit that serves 4 million displaced people a year in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. For the three days of Art A Whirl, May 15-17, Alight’s offices became a busy art gallery. Located at 1325 Quincy Street NE, Alight is at the center of Art A Whirl’s activity. This year, with 500 pieces of artwork donated by over 200 artists, the event became an opportunity for a fundraiser.
Art a Whirl 2026 – Alight Website
Alight staff and volunteers walk alongside their “customers” on their journeys to rebuild their lives. Alight provides education, livelihood opportunities, healthcare, and safe spaces for those fleeing violence. Also, Alight seeks to unleash “abundance” in every person. Meaning not only addressing basic needs, but also building lives filled with joy, dignity, and connection. https://www.wearealight.org/
Chris Kindler, Annual Fund Director, and Leah Combs, Team Lead, explained why Quincy Street was chosen as the location for their offices. The organization was seeking a welcoming space connected to the larger community and reflecting its values. Northeast Minneapolis was an appropriate location with its history of providing opportunities for immigrants from around the world. The energy and creative culture of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District was a good fit for their mission. A street-level storefront provides a direct connection to Quincy Street. Local “customers”, volunteers, and events for the larger community are regularly invited into the space.
The Alight fundraiser was put together quickly. In addition to donating artwork, multiple Northeast artists were integral to the sale’s planning. Requests for donations spread by word of mouth and through contact with local arts groups. Artist Anna Palmquist from the Northrup King Building helped with initial artist outreach. When she heard that Alight did not plan to be open on Friday, artist Beth Elliot spoke up to say that her best sales occurred on the first night of Art A Whirl. As a result, Alight opened its sale on Friday as well. Artists set the sales price for their work. Sales tags include the artist’s statement on their work and why they were moved to contribute. Links to the artists’ websites and Northeast studio locations were also on the tags—a blue graphic highlighted which art came from Northeast artists. Visitors were introduced to both Alight’s mission and to local artists. The quantity and value of the contributed artwork are reflected in the $25,000 raised.
Alight plans to hold a similar fundraiser in 2027. A few pieces of artwork remain for sale at Alight’s Quincy Street offices. An online gallery is available at Alight-A-Whirl Art Market & Alight-A-Whirl Art Market #2.
