About Us
Kulture Klub Collaborative (KKC) was founded by artist Dorit Cypis in 1992 and is now under the direction of Siddeeqah Shabazz. Since its inception, KKC has been a valued member of the community serving youth experiencing homelessness, with many partners in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and beyond. They are the only 501(c)3 nonprofit in the country who exclusively use the power of the arts to address social-emotional needs, heal trauma, and empower youth experiencing homelessness toward a hopeful future.
Entering its third decade of programming, KKC has served thousands of homeless young people who would not otherwise have access to consistent arts programming. KKC has attended over 1000+arts events at hundreds of local arts and cultural venues throughout the Twin Cities.
Through multi-disciplinary workshops, open mic performances, artist residencies, and attending art-related outings and performances, KKC delivers dignity and respect to these special young people as they enter adulthood.
Mission
The mission of Kulture Klub Collaborative is to provide a safe consistent space for youth experiencing homelessness to freely enjoy access to the arts. At KKC we believe that everyone is an artist. We expose, educate, and empower youth through quality multidisciplinary art experiences. We use art and creativity as a positive force in their lives for personal growth, social justice, actionable compassion, and community improvement.
Values
Goals
We strive to eliminate barriers to art access for youth who are experiencing homelessness.
We strive to provide pathways for youth to reach their full artistic potential and to work as professional artists.
We strive to expand our reach.
Why Kulture Klub
- Access To The Arts
- Heal Trauma
- Self-Expression
- Develop Skills
- Leadership Opportunities
- Personal Growth
- Reduce Stress
- Multidisciplinary Art Experiences
- Make Friends
- Find Hope
- Safe Space For Art Creation
- Personal Empowerment
- Positive Environment
- Community Improvement
- Develop Empathy & Compassion
- Learn To Use Art As A Tool For Social Justice
Our Staff
Siddeeqah Shabazz
Executive Director
“The programming we offer is incredibly important for our youth. It is not only therapeutic but we are expanding their world and giving them options, community, and connections.”
Glorius L. Martin
Program Manager
“How can anything EVER be good if our children ARE NOT?”
Malik Thomas Aka “Des”
Program Manager
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather become a man of value.”
Pauline Moll, MA, R-DMT
Creative Arts Therapist
Jaxon Bonsack
Development Manager
Board Members
Simona Zappas
KCC Board Member
Simona joined the board in 2023.
Christina Jacobson
KCC Board Member
Christina joined the KKC Board in 2020 and looks forward to more active volunteer opportunities in the future, including engaging in programming with the youth.
Zach Bagaason
KCC Board Member
“Medium Zach” Bagaason is a Minneapolis-based music producer, engineer, artist and educator and has served on our board of directors since 2016.
Romisha Gray
KCC Board Member
Being a part of Kuture Klub reminds her of how important it is to have art as a form of therapy, especially when life throws out so many unexpected challenges. She hopes to use her experience to help grow Kulture Klub and reach more people.