EXHALE: Reflections on Guaranteed Income

With Minnesota emerging as the epicenter of the national guaranteed income movement, a series of art exhibits, comedy shows, community workshops, and family activities will bring the economic justice policy to life in St. Paul and rural Fergus Falls from September 16-22 as part of International Basic Income Week. 

In partnership with organizations, artists, and community leaders across the Twin Cities, Springboard for the Arts, Minnesota’s leading organization led by artists for artists, is spearheading the weeklong series of events aimed at advocating for guaranteed income programs. The organization's Guaranteed Income for Artists pilot program, launched in 2021, provides $500 monthly subsidies to 75 artists in St. Paul and rural Otter Tail County. Initial data from the Springboard for the Arts program shows funds directed to critical needs: 36% for essential purchases, 30% for food, and 10% for housing.

As one of the nation's longest-running and artist-focused guaranteed income initiatives—and the only one supporting rural artists—Springboard for the Arts will launch the program's third phase during Basic Income Week, expanding its reach and impact.

Now in its 17th year, Basic Income Week unites communities worldwide under the 2024 theme: "Basic Income: Foundation for a Fair and Just Society." This global movement has sparked over 100 pilot programs across the United States, testing the impact of Guaranteed Income (GI) or Unconditional Basic Income (UBI).

"We're advocating for widespread adoption of guaranteed income programs, and these events are our megaphone," said Ricardo Beaird, Community Development Director of Springboard for the Arts. "Through provocative art, razor-sharp comedy, and honest conversations, we're not just telling—we're showing the power of guaranteed income in action. When artists can focus on their work instead of worrying about basic needs, everyone benefits. That's the transformation we're pushing for."

Marquee events include:

● Opening Reception for the "EXHALE" Exhibition (Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6-8 pm CT, 262 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN, 55103): Curated by Emerging Curators Institute, this showcase features artworks, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations, created by 25 artists participating in Minnesota's Guaranteed Income for Artists pilot program. All featured artists received stipends through Springboard's Artists Respond program to create artwork about the futures that guaranteed income holds.

● Creative Economy Open House in Fergus Falls (Wednesday, Sept. 18, 4-6pm, 201 West Lincoln Ave., Fergus Falls, MN 56537): Experience the vibrant artistic community of rural Otter Tail County at this interactive event. Featuring an arts and crafts supply swap, wooden birdhouse painting, and creative family-friendly activities led by local artists, this open house showcases how guaranteed income can support artists and revitalize rural economies and culture.

● Blackout x FAWK Present: A Laugh in the Bucket (Friday, Sept. 20, 7-9pm, 643 Virginia St, St. Paul, MN 55103): Blackout Improv Comedy and FUNNY ASIAN WOMEN KOLLECTIVE (FAWK) will perform at Black Youth Healing Arts Center in St. Paul, using their quick wit to explore themes of economic security, artistic freedom, and community well-being. The troupes promise to bring the concept of guaranteed income to the stage in unexpected and hilarious ways.

● Family Day (Saturday, Sept. 21, 10am-2pm, 262 University Ave W., St. Paul, MN 55103): Join Springboard for the Arts in St. Paul for a day of creativity and connection. This event features all-ages, artist-led activities, including a goat petting zoo inspired by the pilot participant and goat herder Kandace Creel Falcón’s striking billboard project along MN County Highway 210. Connecting rural values with guaranteed income, the billboard has made goats the unofficial mascot of guaranteed income, symbolizing the ways financial stability can impact communities.

To learn more check out the Springboard For the Arts website here.