Entrepreneurial Studies Students Hold Fundraising Exhibition

A team of MCAD students in the Entrepreneurial Studies program have come together to create an exhibition that raises awareness of human trafficking.

Joining Forces: The Super Exhibition began in 2021 when the Chief Creative Officer of Edelman, the world's largest public relations firm, reached out to faculty member Nancy Rice. At the time, Edelman was working with Talitha Kum, a network of more than 2,000 nuns stationed in 70 countries, who identify, rescue and rehabilitate people who have endured forced prostitution or slave labor, often accompanied by beatings, starvation, and other abuse. In an effort to assist, Edelman created a Super Nuns page on Patreon, but still needed help raising awareness.

Rice, a firm believer in having students work with real clients while in school, put her class to the task. A team led by MCAD student Madison Mead decided to hold an exhibition that would not only raise awareness of human trafficking but draw donors to the Super Nuns website. Mead and her teammates hoped that an exhibition would engage the community. "As artists, [we] have superpowers, and we recognize those powers as something that can change the world, or at least make a dent," said student Justin Lees.

Through their own art and art gathered from community members, the students put on an outdoor exhibition on MCAD and Mia's lawns last May. The exhibition included pieces inspired by Talitha Kum's work and QR codes that visitors could scan to visit the Super Nun's page and view a virtual tour of Joining Forces: The Super Exhibition. The students hope to work together again, even post-graduation. I'm personally a dreamer, I've got big ideas," says Mead, "But I know I need my classmates around to make it tangible."

Learn More

• "Minneapolis art students join forces in the fight against human trafficking"
  (startribune.com—March 4, 2022)
• Super Nuns on Patreon