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Dear AFTI Community, We have a little update to share, and an invitation. We recently learned that Art from the Inside was not selected to move forward in the 2026 MN Cup competition. Of course, we’re disappointed. We believed deeply in the vision we brought forward, and we were excited about the opportunity to share it with an even wider audience. But here’s the thing: Phoenix Rising isn’t going anywhere. Our vision for a creative reentry community in Saint Paul with affordable housing for returning citizens, artist studios, a gallery, gathering and event spaces, entrepreneurship opportunities, and a place where people can rebuild their lives through creativity and connection is still very much a dream of ours. In fact, we believe in it more than ever. MN Cup gave us an opportunity to sharpen the vision, talk with new people, think bigger, and imagine what might be possible. We’re grateful for that experience, and we’re going to keep building toward Phoenix Rising one relationship, one partnership, one opportunity, and one step at a time. And this is where you come in. If you believe in what Art from the Inside is doing, now is a wonderful time to invest in the work. Your donation helps us continue creating opportunities for incarcerated and justice-impacted artists through our art and wellness programs, exhibitions, fellowships, mentorship, community events, and the growing vision behind Phoenix Rising. You don’t have to wait for the big building to support the big vision. Every gift helps us keep the fire burning. Whether you give $25, $100, $500 or whatever feels meaningful to you, your support tells our artists that their creativity matters, their stories matter, and their futures matter. Phoenix Rising may not have won this round. But we’re still rising. And we’d love to have you with us. DONATE TO ART FROM THE INSIDE Thank you for believing in this work, cheering us on, sharing our artists’ stories, and helping us imagine what reentry can look like when creativity, dignity, and community are at the center. With gratitude, Jessica & Antonio Espinosa
Co-Executive Directors
Art from the Inside Watch our MN Cup video:
Art from the Inside – Phoenix Rising (YouTube) With gratitude, Jessica Espinosa & Antonio Espinosa & the whole AFTI Team
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