Creative Futures Fund

The $300,000 Creative Futures Fund is a bold investment in the future of youth creativity. As the Chicago Avenue Project (CAP) celebrates 30 years — and as we grow into our newly renovated Pillsbury Creative Commons — this fund ensures that our youth programs continue to thrive as creative homes for decades to come.

Across every youth program at Pillsbury House + Theatre, our Arts Integration & Education Values guide the work:

“We believe creativity helps young people discover their gifts, explore their worlds, and build confidence. Through deep relationships with professional artists, young people experience compassionate mentorship, curiosity, collaboration, and the joy of self-expression. We model care in the creative process — for ourselves, for each other, and for our community.” – Arts Integration/Education Values Statement

Chicago Avenue Project — 30 Years of Storytelling

Since 1996, CAP has paired young people with the Twin Cities’ leading playwrights, actors, and directors to explore the power of imagination and original storytelling. Through partnerships with neighborhood schools, youth dive into scene creation, poetry, puppetry, and immersive role play — culminating in joyful performances on the PH+T stage.

Our after-school program deepens this mentorship.
• In acting semesters, youth perform in 10-minute plays written especially for them.
• In playwriting semesters, youth co-write original works performed by professional actors.

The results are always hilarious, heartwarming, and bursting with the brilliance of young minds.

South High School HART Partnership

For over 30 years, the HART (Hands-On Art) class at South High School has embodied creativity and activism — from bookmaking to spoken word, theatre to podcasting, puppetry to public art. Through a longstanding partnership, PH+T Resident Teaching Artists support students as they connect with community arts mentors, try new art forms, and see themselves as creators and leaders.

This collaboration weaves themes of social justice, civic participation, and the transformative role of art in our lives. Together, students have proudly designed and performed a parade section for the May Day Parade for the past three years.

Southside Youth Stilt Troupe

Each summer, young people across South Minneapolis learn to walk tall — literally — with PH+T’s Resident Teaching Artists. Stilt walking builds balance, bravery, and bold performance energy, with students training in local parks and community spaces.

We are currently developing a year-round youth stilt troupe, where young performers will learn the full artistic tradition — movement, costume, rhythm, and spectacle. Stay tuned for what rises next!

Why It Matters

PH+T youth programs are not simply about learning to act, write, or perform. They are about creating safe and joyful spaces where every young person can grow their creativity, confidence, and voice — and know they belong.

Join Us in Building the Future

By contributing to the Creative Futures Fund, you help sustain mentorship, arts education, and the transformational power of youth storytelling. Your support ensures these programs continue to ignite imagination and community for generations to come.