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Dear Friends, We have some exciting news! We're honored to share that Art from the Inside has been selected as a 2026 MN Cup Semi-Finalist. MN Cup is one of Minnesota's largest and most competitive startup competitions, supporting organizations with bold ideas that have the potential to create meaningful social and economic impact. Being selected as a semi-finalist is a significant milestone, and we're incredibly grateful to be recognized alongside so many innovative organizations across our state. For us, this recognition is about much more than a competition. It is an affirmation that the voices, talents, and creative leadership of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists deserve to be seen, valued, and invested in. Through this opportunity, we're advancing a vision that has been growing for years: creating pathways where art becomes a catalyst for healing, belonging, economic opportunity, and community transformation. As part of the next round of MN Cup, we're developing plans for Phoenix Rising Artist Lofts. This will be a first-of-its-kind creative community that will provide affordable housing, artist studios, gallery space, entrepreneurship support, and community gathering space for formerly incarcerated artists. We believe that when people have the opportunity to create, connect, and contribute, entire communities become stronger. This moment belongs to all of us. Every artist who trusted us with their work. Every volunteer who showed up. Every donor who believed in our mission. Every partner who opened a door. Every person who attended an exhibition, shared our story, or encouraged us to keep going has given us the hope and vision to pursue this dream. Over the coming weeks, we'll be preparing for the next phase of the competition, including submitting our business plan and pitching our vision to judges. It's both exciting and humbling, and we would be grateful if you would cheer us on as we continue this journey. Thank you for believing that art has the power to transform lives. Thank you for believing in second chances. And thank you for being part of the Art from the Inside family. With gratitude, Jessica Espinosa & Antonio Espinosa & the AFTI Team
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