What are the opening hours?

Monday 3pm - 7pm Tuesday 2pm - 7pm Friday 12pm - 7pm Sunday 1pm - 5pm

SPNN

SPNN is a community media center that provides resources, equipment, and training.
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Founded in 1984 to offer a media voice to underrepresented people, SPNN is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that has since grown to harness its unique media tools, digital communications expertise, and spirit of innovation to elevate community media arts to a new level, becoming a national model. SPNN improves community social, civic, and economic equity via the transformative art of media making and 21st c

entury skill-building. Our mission is: to empower people to use media and communications to better lives, use authentic voice, and build common understanding. We utilize the power of technology to:

-Develop the personal and artistic expression of underrepresented people in media.
-Foster arts experimentation and collaboration among young people, emerging artists, and partners.
-Create meaningful connections between diverse arts voices and the broader community.
-Increase 21st century work-readiness skills of underserved youth and adults. SPNN’s four core areas—Community Media Access, Youth Programs, Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP), Production Services—help underrepresented populations grow artistically, build confidence, and equip adult and young learners with the 21st century skills they need to be successful in the workforce or the growing makers economy.

10/17/2024

Host Charla Marie Bailey speaks with photographer, author and peace activist John Noltner. Noltner is also the Founder and Executive director of A Peace of My Mind, a 501c3 whose mission is to bridge divides and build community through storytelling and art. To learn more about his nonprofit, check out his website: https://apeaceofmymind.org/

Watch the full episode on our youtube: https://youtu.be/CXQdO_OoEUk?si=dPMyFzO93zyzLOKT

10/15/2024

LAST CHANCE--make sure to sign up for our FX3 Camera class happening tomorrow! Next week is our Introduction to Photography class, and coming up in three weeks we are teaching our new Foley Sound Effects class!

Register at our website: https://spnn.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/spnn/publicaccess/eventCalendarBig.jsp

10/15/2024

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us for the Quirky Quiz Show! Your enthusiasm and support made the event unforgettable. We hope you had as much fun with the trivia hosted by Trivia Mafia, the quirky challenges, and the drawing items as we did!
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $5,300! This will help us support youth and adults as they learn to tell their stories through media, acquire vital digital skills to enhance job skills, and fund productions like our forums with the League of Women Voters of Saint Paul.
A special shoutout to our amazing sponsors who provided delicious food and beverages: Lake Monster Brewing, Taco House, and Zait & Za'atar. Your contributions were invaluable!
Together, we’re making a difference. Thank you for being part of this journey! ❤️

10/15/2024

SPNN recorded Aguilar Productions’ 21st annual La Familia: a Latino Heritage Celebration at St. Paul’s Historic Landmark Center. They presented the La Familia Latino Heritage Award to the 2024 recipients, and hosted local Twin Cities Latino artists including Donna Pena Mariachi and Colombia Live Colombian Folklore Dance Group. To learn more about Aguilar Productions, check out their website: https://www.aguilarproductions.com//.

Watch the event on our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7p8-SEQHl4

10/14/2024

Today is Indigenous People's Day, a day to pause and reflect on the painful history Indigenous people have faced and to celebrate their communities and their art.

We uplift this video created by Sequoia Hauk, a q***r multidisciplinary artist from the White Earth Nation and the Hoopa Valley, a Doc U and New Angle Fellows alum and SPNN teaching artist.

"Let the Water Speak" was the piece they created through SPNN's 2018 Doc U program. This film looks into the (in)accessibility of water with Indigenous people in MN and Micronesia.

A look into the (in)accessibility of water with Indigenous peoples in Minnesota and Micronesia. This documentary was made as a part of SPNN's 2018 Doc U prog...

10/11/2024

It's almost time for the League of Women Voters of St. Paul 66A and 66 B Forum. If you can't join us in the studio you can watch it live on YouTube. It will also replay on channel 19.
https://youtube.com/live/TxJRX5UEd-E?feature=share

10/10/2024

Make sure you don't miss Dana's class this Wednesday! To learn more about the event, check out our website: https://spnn.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events #/events/9712

10/10/2024

Host Charla Marie Bailey speaks with owner and founder of Phynix Fire Candle Co., Cicero McGee. To learn more about Phynix Fire Candle Co.’s luxury, eco-friendly candles, and about Cicero McGee’s journey as a black, gay man starting his own business, check out his website: https://www.phynixfire.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooNRWLFrRIXJ824as7o_pNKscK0bnFNFZcZp5M6bHRWJGFx_oLp

To watch the full Forum episode, check out our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUVagUYf4Mo

10/08/2024

On September 24th, SPNN recorded The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library’s annual McDermott Lecture, titled “‘I want to write something new—something extraordinary:’ 100 Years of Gatsby,” at the Highland Park Community Center. The talk featured Dr. Anne Margaret Daniel, a professor at the New School University in NYC who has published widely on F. Scott Fitzgerald. This program is made possible in part by the State of Minnesota through an appropriation to the Minnesota Department of Education, funding The Friends as the Library of Congress-designated Minnesota Center for the Book. To learn more about The Friends of the Saint Paint Public Library, check out their website: https://thefriends.org/

Watch the full lecture on our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5djeCmPIrBo

10/07/2024

Tomorrow is October's two-day Field Production class, and our new Introduction to Photography class is in just two weeks. Be sure to check out SPNN's calendar to sign up for classes in the coming months: https://spnn.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/spnn/eventList.jsp

10/07/2024

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR OUR QUIRKY QUIZ SHOW! For more information, read the description below:

Do you like Trivia? Love supporting community organizations? Have a competitive streak? Then SPNN has a fun team building event for you and your friends or colleagues!

SPNN is hosting our annual trivia fundraiser on October 10th, from 6-9 pm. Trivia Mafia will be running the event, but we also have a some surprises in store for you! Tables can be purchased by a company or organization to send 5 people, or individuals can also form their own groups of 5 and fundraise $500 on their own!

But wait--this trivia isn't like the rest..you'll want to bring a little extra money for the drawing and cheats. Yes, we actually encourage cheating!

What's in it for you? A fun evening out while being able to support an organization that believes everyone should have the skills to navigate our digital world, and that telling the stories of our communities helps us better understand each other and brings us together.

For more information, check out the event on our website: https://spnn.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?fbclid=IwY2xjawFw-DlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdLnxZbuR4BDAPwjcCI2hMIftVBxPuwhtBOMNmlBbov2nNA4ZnNFX6F8VQ_aem_-1nOB1zEcCfvLg4-To8aUA #/events/8770

10/04/2024

Meet Eve, one of our CTEP members for the 2024-2025 service year! She is serving at CAPI, or the Center for Asian and Pacific Islanders, where she is working with digital literacy in job readiness for immigrant communities. At CAPI she is learning how to use digital tools to teach and guide others on how to leverage and prepare themselves for job searching, with building concrete skills such as resume and cover letter writing, mock interviewing, and job searching.
Eve loves to sing, write, cook, cuddle with her cat, spend time with family and friends, and live on her paddleboard.

To learn more about becoming a CTEP member with us, check out our website: https://spnn.org/ctep/position-descriptions

10/03/2024

This summer, SPNN has been doing archiving work with the Rondo Community of Saint Paul. Targeted and demolished by the construction of the I-94 Interstate, this neighborhood has been rebuilding and recovering for generations. Its history has been documented by individuals, organizations, and local leadership across a variety of videos that center around art, music, food, dance, and community celebration. SPNN has compiled a playlist of these artifacts for the community to be able to access to hopefully inspire connection through highlighting this civil rights struggle. This project has been financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society.

To access this playlist, see our youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ852mmSnFRAQi16FxdkJQ82ftteucfQZ

10/02/2024

Do you like Trivia? Love supporting community organizations? Have a competitive streak? Then SPNN has a fun team building event for you and your friends or colleagues!

SPNN is hosting our annual trivia fundraiser on October 10th, from 6-9 pm. Trivia Mafia will be running the event, but we also have a some surprises in store for you! Tables can be purchased by a company or organization to send 5 people, or individuals can also form their own groups of 5 and fundraise $500 on their own!

But wait--this trivia isn't like the rest..you'll want to bring a little extra money for the drawing and cheats. Yes, we actually encourage cheating!

What's in it for you? A fun evening out while being able to support an organization that believes everyone should have the skills to navigate our digital world, and that telling the stories of our communities helps us better understand each other and brings us together.

For more information, check out the event on our website: https://spnn.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events #/events/8770

10/01/2024

SPNN is offering a new selection of classes this fall! Our Introduction to Photography class is in almost two weeks, and our regularly-scheduled Field Production class is next week, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Be sure to check out SPNN's calendar to sign up for classes in the coming months: https://spnn.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/spnn/eventList.jsp

09/30/2024

SPNN Forum host Charla Marie Bailey spoke with Donna Stoering, award-winning concert pianist and founder of Listen for Life. Storing’s organization aims to empower musicians of all cultures to use their abilities to help with outreach projects. To learn more about Listen for Life, check out their website: https://www.listenforlife.org/

Watch the full episode on our youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdeL4WdTH8o

09/27/2024

Meet Ari, one of our CTEP members for the 2024-2025 service year! She is serving at the Ramsey County Library in Shoreview. There she helps coordinate youth and adult programming–she runs arts and crafts programming for teenagers, tables at their open tech help sessions, and initiates and leads her own program ideas.
She is passionate about group storytelling in all forms, from theater to tabletop roleplaying games! She enjoys new and old speculative fiction, and has an orange cat named November whom she dearly loves.

To learn more about becoming a CTEP member with us, check out our website: https://spnn.org/ctep/position-descriptions

09/26/2024

The Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions/RCODE hosted its 7th Annual ‘Every Brick Counts’ Ceremony on Thursday, September 19th. Held at the Rondo Commemorative Plaza, the event recognized those who have purchased commemorative, engraved bricks for installation along the plaza’s history walk. This year, we will install 50+ bricks, the largest installation year since we began celebrating brick purchasers seven years ago. To learn more about the Rondo Center of Diverse Expression, check out their website: www.rcodemn.org

Watch the full video on our youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqqO_j6P8Gc

09/25/2024

Last week, SPNN hosted two forums run by the League of Women Voters of St. Paul and the League of Women Voters of Roseville Area. On September 17th, Max Sanders moderated the Minnesota House of Representatives for Districts 64A and 64B forum, where we heard from candidates Dan Walsh (64A), Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (64A), Rep. Dave Pinto (64B), and Peter Donahue (64B). On September 18th, Susan Johnson moderated the District 3 Candidate Forum, with Garrison McMurtrey and Joshua David Bau as the Ramsey County Commissioner candidates. To learn more about the League of Women Voters, check out their website: https://www.lwvmn.org/

Watch the full videos on our youtube:
Ramsey County Commissioner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ueuEy-FW08
MN House of Representatives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMMMTD7Ma6g

09/24/2024

Disability Viewpoints hosts Mark Hughes and Joan Wilshire brought on Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State, and Camisha Jones, a formerly incarcerated woman who has had her voting rights restored under new legislation to talk about voting and the upcoming elections.

Watch the full video on our youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKFfr0JhoBQ

09/23/2024

SPNN’s Forum hosted Laverne McCartney Knighton and Chaz Sandifer (theNEWmpls) to speak about the UNCF walk for education, which happened this Saturday, September 21st. The Twin Cities walk raises funds for African-American students, working with historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs. For more information, check out their website: https://uncf.org/

Watch the full episode on our youtube: https://youtu.be/PK6nCFWvvbE

09/20/2024

Do you like Trivia? Love supporting community organizations? Have a competitive streak? Then I have a fun team building event for you and your friend or colleagues.

SPNN is hosting our annual trivia fundraiser on Oct. 10. Trivia Mafia will be running the event, but we also have a some surprises in store for you! As this is a fundraiser- tables are $500 for a team of five. You'll want to bring a little extra money for the drawing and cheats. Yes, this fun event actually encourages cheating- for a price of course!

What is in it for you? You get a fun evening out while supporting an organization that believes everyone should have the skills to navigate our digital world and that telling the stories of our communities helps us better understand each other and brings us together.

09/17/2024

Meet one of our new hosts of SPNN Forum, Charla Marie Bailey. Make sure to look out for our upcoming episode on the 2024 UNCF Walk for Education and the Lakeview Terrace Farmers Market, and for an introduction from our other host Jiccarra N. Hollman, which will be available on our Youtube channel and socials!

09/16/2024

On Friday, September 6th, SPNN hosted the Youth Community Journalism Institute's special Town Hall Conversation in collaboration with Conversaciones de Salud, produced in partnership by the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation and Carmen Robles and Associates LLC. Youth worked with reporting on opioids awareness, and the event featured a panel of experts, stories from affected families, and community responses.

View the whole conversation on our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8emUxaN5mVQ "

Address

550 Vandalia Street
Saint Paul, MN
55114

Opening Hours

Monday	3pm - 7pm
Tuesday	2pm - 7pm
Friday	12pm - 7pm
Sunday	1pm - 5pm

Telephone

(651) 224-5153

Website

http://www.spnn.org/, https://spnn.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/gtmd--2024

Alerts

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Contact The Business

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Videos

Host Charla Marie Bailey speaks with photographer, author and peace activist John Noltner. Noltner is also the Founder and Executive director of A Peace of My Mind, a 501c3 whose mission is to bridge divides and build community through storytelling and art. To learn more about his nonprofit, check out his website: https://apeaceofmymind.org/ Watch the full episode on our youtube: https://youtu.be/CXQdO_OoEUk?si=dPMyFzO93zyzLOKT

Host Charla Marie Bailey speaks with owner and founder of Phynix Fire Candle Co., Cicero McGee. To learn more about Phynix Fire Candle Co.’s luxury, eco-friendly candles, and about Cicero McGee’s journey as a black, gay man starting his own business, check out his website: https://www.phynixfire.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooNRWLFrRIXJ824as7o_pNKscK0bnFNFZcZp5M6bHRWJGFx_oLp To watch the full Forum episode, check out our Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUVagUYf4Mo

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR OUR QUIRKY QUIZ SHOW! For more information, read the description below: Do you like Trivia? Love supporting community organizations? Have a competitive streak? Then SPNN has a fun team building event for you and your friends or colleagues! SPNN is hosting our annual trivia fundraiser on October 10th, from 6-9 pm. Trivia Mafia will be running the event, but we also have a some surprises in store for you! Tables can be purchased by a company or organization to send 5 people, or individuals can also form their own groups of 5 and fundraise $500 on their own! But wait--this trivia isn't like the rest..you'll want to bring a little extra money for the drawing and cheats. Yes, we actually encourage cheating! What's in it for you? A fun evening out while being able to support an organization that believes everyone should have the skills to navigate our digital world, and that telling the stories of our communities helps us better understand each other and brings us together. For more information, check out the event on our website: https://spnn.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?fbclid=IwY2xjawFw-DlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdLnxZbuR4BDAPwjcCI2hMIftVBxPuwhtBOMNmlBbov2nNA4ZnNFX6F8VQ_aem_-1nOB1zEcCfvLg4-To8aUA#/events/8770

Do you like Trivia? Love supporting community organizations? Have a competitive streak? Then SPNN has a fun team building event for you and your friends or colleagues! SPNN is hosting our annual trivia fundraiser on October 10th, from 6-9 pm. Trivia Mafia will be running the event, but we also have a some surprises in store for you! Tables can be purchased by a company or organization to send 5 people, or individuals can also form their own groups of 5 and fundraise $500 on their own! But wait--this trivia isn't like the rest..you'll want to bring a little extra money for the drawing and cheats. Yes, we actually encourage cheating! What's in it for you? A fun evening out while being able to support an organization that believes everyone should have the skills to navigate our digital world, and that telling the stories of our communities helps us better understand each other and brings us together. For more information, check out the event on our website: https://spnn.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events#/events/8770

SPNN Forum host Charla Marie Bailey spoke with Donna Stoering, award-winning concert pianist and founder of Listen for Life. Storing’s organization aims to empower musicians of all cultures to use their abilities to help with outreach projects. To learn more about Listen for Life, check out their website: https://www.listenforlife.org/ Watch the full episode on our youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdeL4WdTH8o

SPNN’s Forum hosted Laverne McCartney Knighton and Chaz Sandifer (theNEWmpls) to speak about the UNCF walk for education, which happened this Saturday, September 21st. The Twin Cities walk raises funds for African-American students, working with historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs. For more information, check out their website: https://uncf.org/ Watch the full episode on our youtube: https://youtu.be/PK6nCFWvvbE

Charla Marie Bailey introducing our upcoming episode.

Are you a nonprofit or small business owner that needs proactive legal help? This week on the SPNN Forum Anahita Champion talked with two folks from Legal Corps. This video gives you a quick snippet of how Legal Corps can help you. You can also watch the full show on SPNN channel 19 in Saint Paul or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Vjw0B29os

OVER THE DECADES, SPNN has had the honor and opportunity to coverage many local events…..and today’s #ThrowbackThursday is a on beat 🥁🤩Do you recognize anyone or remember participating? If so, tag them below. 🎉Our production team has been working hard to upload archived footage to our YouTube channel- we invite you to view!JOIN US MAY 10th for our 40th Anniversary Celebration- details via our event page.

Give to the MAX!

It's GIVE TO THE MAX Day! Embrace the power of community with us. Help us reach $7,500! https://www.givemn.org/organization/SPNN Your support is not just a lifeline for SPNN—it affirms our collective commitment to nurturing, educating, and uplifting our community. Together, let's ensure that the beacon of SPNN continues to shine brightly for all who rely on its services. Join us and be a part of a movement that enriches lives and strengthens the very bonds of our community. Embrace the power of community with us. Your support is not just a lifeline for SPNN—it affirms our collective commitment to nurturing, educating, and uplifting our community. Together, let's ensure that the beacon of SPNN continues to shine brightly for all who rely on its services. Join us and be a part of a movement that enriches lives and strengthens the very bonds of our community. https://www.givemn.org/organization/Spnn

Meet our QUIRKY Quiz Show Host!

MEET Quirky Quiz Show host, Tane Danger! “I am not your typical host. I don't usually like to stand behind a podiun read a script. My favorite part of hosting events are the authentic moments that's an on-stage interview or interacting with the audience.” JOIN US TONIGHT at 6:00 PM & let's get Quirky! Details + info on the different ways you can participate: linktr.ee/myspnn

13 SECONDS! But we do know a chicKAN cross the road on foot.😂 WILL YOU BE AT OUR QUIRKY QUIZ SHOW TONIGHT? Not part of a team? No problem! 1) You can contribute to a specific team 2) Attend in the audience to play 4) Make a donation from afar BRING YOUR CASH $10 members / $15 general public cash at the door to get a front row seat for the madness. Audience members are invited to cheer on the teams, laugh at the jokes, learn about SPNN, and participate in our drawings for great prizes. Who likes to enter into drawings?! We have curated some special packages and experiences up for grabs: - "Get Ready for Fall" - "No Need to W(h)ine About It" - "Instant Happy Hour" - "Walker, Don't Run" and more! DETAILS: linktr.ee/myspnn PS: we highly encourage QUIRKY outfits and costumes Appetizers provided and cash bar will be available. We are grateful for our supporting sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Ryan Companies Silver Sponsor: Bremer Bank Food Sponsors: King Coil and Taco House Drink Sponsors: La Dona Brewery and Lake Monster Brewing

Check your inbox friends, you’ve got mail! We sent a special SIGNAL to you this morning 🤩 📧

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: SPNN's Quirky Quiz Show is coming NOV. 2nd! Assemble your team and join us for a zany evening of team trivia and fun challenges where your fundraising might help you gain an edge over the other teams. We are delighted to welcome back Host Tane Danger to make things fun AND super quirky. 🗓️ Thursday, November 2nd 📍The Kwame McDonald Studio at SPNN 550 Vandalia Street, Suite 170 St. Paul, MN 55114 BRING CASH! We will be drawing tickets for great prizes + there will be a cash bar on sight. 👏🏽 This event helps support SPNN’s work mentoring young media makers, helping disadvantaged job seekers, and providing a venue for telling important community stories. 🙏🏽 We need your help to provide these services and more for folks who depend on our innovative technology, digital literacy, and media access programs! That's where you come in! Gather (or join) a team of five and raise at least $500 per team. You can each chip in $100, or you and your teammates can go forth and spread the word about SPNN's good work and raise $10 from your ten closest friends or $5 from 20 friends, etc. LINK to register: linktr.ee/myspnn or scan the QR code shown. THANK YOU to Ryan Companies for being our presenting sponsor for the 2023 Quirky Quiz Show.