Art In This Present Moment
Suzanne Victoria Cross: Exploring Her Story to Help Others
In her theatrical piece, This is How We Stand, Suzanne Victoria Cross explores the ideals of empathy and understanding through storytelling and movement.
As a caregiver to her mother with Alzheimer's and as a Black woman living in a plus-size body, Suzanne has had to learn how to navigate in society that’s not always accepting of marginalized individuals.
This project was created in partnership with Pangea World Theater.
The Artist
Suzanne Victoria Cross - caregiver, writer, theater performer and stage manager
About the Organization
Pangea World Theater strives to build a just world by creating a multi-disciplinary theater that embodies decolonizing practices of solidarity, sustainability and equity. Since its inception in 1995, it has worked with artists to create new aesthetic realities for an increasingly diverse audience.
“ I’m not making this for everyone. I’m not making this to be quiet and small and to fit into a box of what people want my art to be. And that’s a huge step for me.”
Suzanne Victoria Cross
Art In This Present Moment
This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. We provided grants to three Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.
More Stories
We’ve Moved
On January 21, 2025, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation relocated to Osborn370, a dynamic hub of innovation and diversity in downtown Saint Paul.
Read about our move
From Lab to Stage: Kenji Shoemaker's Unique Path in Theater
There’s a unique art and science to prop and stage design. These skills helped former scientist Kenji Shoemaker switch careers, showcasing his talents behind the curtains.
See the project
Open Arms of Minnesota: Delivering Hope, One Meal at a Time
Learn how one organization is changing lives with medically tailored meals.
Watch the video
2024: A Year of Partnership and Innovation
In 2024 we worked closely with various community partners such as nonprofit organizations, fundholders and fellow foundations to continue envisioning an equitable, just and vibrant Minnesota where all communities and people thrive.
View Our 2024 Year In Review
Foundations Announce $10.3 Million in 2024 Second-Round Community Grants
Grants will provide crucial funding resources to community organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.
Read the announcement
Sara Ochs: Bridging Theater and Music in a New Artistic Journey
Sara Ochs is a multidisciplinary theater artist and songwriter. With support from Art in This Present Moment, Sara will be exploring her talents as a songwriter, writing new music and potentially a one woman play.
See the project
Staging Community: Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Local Theater
Learn how you can go from audience to advocate by supporting organizations like Exposed Brick Theatre.
Read More
Mother and Son Duet Bridges the Gap Between Old and New
Mothers often have close relationships with their sons, but in the case of Maria Biagetti Cortez and Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti, that bond is deeply immersed in their culture and music.
See the project