2026 Innovation Lab Powered by
About OMG Studios Innovation Lab
OMG Studios Innovation Lab is an interactive and evolving music, art and literature immersion project that will function as a cultural content creator hub. Participants will create a wide array of multimedia, inspired by the Twin Cities’ rich music and art culture.
Mission Statement
OMG Studios Innovation Lab’s mission is to provide a creative outlet for youth music, art and literary expression, development and education.
OMG Studios Cultural Sustainability Promise
Our work is centered around building cultural sustainability and community, where music and art are essential to human survival and development. We are driven by love for humanity and a desire to empower, nurture, and improve the health and wellness of youth and families in under-invested communities.
2025 Cohort
2025 Cohort
2024 Cohort
2022-2023 Cohort - Beta
Program Requirements
Youth will embark on a creative journey into the filmmaking process behind Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: The Making of America through participation in four Art Innovation Lab sessions. These labs explore how Enlightenment-era art and science helped shape the ideologies that justified slavery, land seizure, and the forced removal of Indigenous peoples.
Minimum Program Requirements: (2026 Art Innovation Lab Program Guidelines)
- Age Requirement: 12-19
- Youth must exhibit a desire to learn about history and art.
Project Deliverable: Create their Allegory of the world they want to see. Allegory Meaning: A story, poem, sculpture, digital print or video that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.
Over the course of six weeks, youth participants will develop and manifest their own allegories of the world they want to see, using visual storytelling, art, and film as tools of inquiry and imagination. Their works will culminate in a public exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on June 28, the official premiere date of Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: The Making of America, presented in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center.
There is no fee to participate and all art supplies are provided. Participants will be immersed into Art development, exhibit curation and filmmaking, based on the historical context of producing “The Making of America” film under the direction of Monique Linder, Director/Film Producer. OMG Studios will select 10-20 applicants to participate in the 2026 Innovation Lab The Making of America Art curation project.
Schedule:
Saturday, March 14th | Instructor: Young Rembrandts | Time: 9:00am – 12noon (Age: 10-16). This session is open to partner schools and art programs. Online / In-Person (PHOTOS)
Saturday, March 28th | Instructor Bio: Alana Enfinity | Time: 9:00am – 12noon | Open to Innovation Lab participants 12-19, interested in submitting their Art for a chance to be showcased in “The Making of America” touring Art Exhibit.
Saturday, April 4th | Instructor: Seitu Jones | Time: 9:00am – 12noon | Open to Innovation Lab participants 12-19, interested in submitting their Art for a chance to be showcased in “The Making of America” touring Art Exhibit.
Saturday, April 11th | Instructor: Rekhet Si-Asar | Time: 9:00am – 12noon | | Open to Innovation Lab participants 12-19, interested in submitting their Art for a chance to be showcased in “The Making of America” touring Art Exhibit.
Breakfast / Lunch is served.