Kristine Sorensen,
Kristine Sorensen is the owner and founder of MNMEDIA. She began her career in 1987 as a filmmaker, working in the area of production management for small independent films. In 1993 she established her own consulting business MNMEDIA, and has been working actively as a digital arts and education consultant throughout the nation.
Kristine's focus is on the use of digital
program director executive director of In Progress, a local nonprofit media arts organization whose mission is to diversify cultural dialogue and pave the way for new voices in the field of digital artmaking. In Progress provides opportunities for young people to develop their skills as storytellers, artists and leaders through the use of photography, video, music and other forms of digital media. This small nonprofit has been promoting the voices of young and newly developing artists since its inception in 1996. It is committed to breaking down barriers of geography, class, education and culture by using digital artmaking as a tool for public discourse while building the skills of young people so they may create, teach and lead.
In Progress has come a long way from its early years when it rented a 400-square-foot studio. Kristine volunteered as the executive director so that scarce dollars could be used to fund programs. In Progress soon developed a strong following among artists in Minnesota and beyond. Musicians, filmmakers and photographers flourished in the small spaces they had at In Progress, enabling them to create inspiring art about culture, identity and history. A small recording studio also gave young musicians a place to record.
When the economy went into recession, Kristine contributed her personal funds to renovate an artist gallery and studio at 213 Front Ave. where it attracted many youth from the north end neighborhood. The new space is equipped with tools to help neighborhood teens and adults record music and learn about digital photography and video production. It draws artists from the Twin Cities Latino, Native American, Hmong and African-American communities, creating a dynamic that enables creativity to flourish. Kristine works with a team of artists to mentor neighborhood youth and teach them career-oriented skills. These youth continue to look to In Progress for support and the technical skills needed for school and for work.
MN MEDIA is a for-profit consulting service dedicated to creating