ABOUT
The Full Story -1118 Collections-
From Creative Director- Alex Skaare
What started as a simple street address—a house across from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota—became the birthplace of an idea. I lived in that home, 1118, for three years during college, and it’s where my journey as an artist really began. Armed with spray paint and a lot of trial and error, I explored graffiti, eventually branching into acrylics as my work evolved.
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During the pandemic, the extra solitude gave me space to dig deeper into art and develop pieces that reflected more than just creativity—they carried messages. I began creating work that responded to the world around me: climate issues, economic inequality, social justice, and cultural shifts. With each piece, I aimed to reflect the pressures we face and the potential for change.
I've had the honor of showing and selling work at a handful of art shows, and now my focus is shifting toward something bigger. I believe art should be more than a statement—it should be a tool to fund real-world impact. My projects, whether born in the garage at 1118, my parents’ basement, or now my wife’s attic, have always carried the same mission: to deliver meaningful messages through passionate creation.
Whether 1118 Collections grows to include a hundred collaborators or remains just me, that’s not the point. As long as this Collective uplifts powerful art and provides the exposure and support the creative community needs, it’s doing its job.
OUTLINE FOR THE 1118 COLLECTIVE
🎨 Purpose-Driven Foundations
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Shared Vision: A collective forms around a core purpose—often social impact, cultural expression, political commentary, or community revitalization. It’s not just about making art; it’s about making meaning.
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Values-Led Culture: Members align on principles like collaboration, sustainability, inclusivity, or innovation.
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Creative Synergy: The collective thrives on combining different artistic practices to create multidimensional work.
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Collective Growth: By pooling together works of art and people, there is shared growth as one's success can build into another's.
🫱 Community-Building & Engagement
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Member Dynamics:
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Artists, curators, and thinkers form a core team.
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Each contributes their style and voice while supporting group efforts.
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Audience Activation:
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Local and global community engagement via social media, online and in gallery spaces. (Potentially through workshops, pop-ups, exhibitions, online dialogues in the future if there is a capacity for it)
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Inviting the public into the process builds loyalty and expands impact.
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Collective Identity:
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Branding and storytelling build a recognizable aesthetic. This could include a shared color palette, typography, iconography, or manifesto.
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A name like “1118 Collective” evokes unity and a sense of movement.
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💸 Funding Ambitious Projects
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Diverse Revenue Streams:
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Art Sales: Originals, prints, or digital assets sold online or at events.
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Merchandising: Apparel, zines, publications, or lifestyle goods.
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Workshops/Events: Ticketed experiences that showcase the collective’s ethos.
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External Funding:
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Grants & Foundations: Apply for arts grants from local councils, nonprofits, or international organizations (NEA, Ford Foundation, Creative Capital).
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Corporate Sponsorships: Partner with brands that align with your mission—especially in sustainability, activism, or urban renewal.
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Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon to fund specific installations, exhibitions, or series.
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Collaborations:
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Partner with galleries, studios, or other collectives to co-host events or produce cross-promotional work.
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Universities and cultural institutions can become fertile grounds for support and legitimacy.
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🧠Operations & Structure
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Core Roles:
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Creative Director of 1118 Collections
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Active members
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Decision-Making:
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Group Census with the Creative Director taking the main action of what critical decisions
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Project Planning:
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If there is a desire and vision for Projects, then 1118 Collections will pull what it can to support it.
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Let’s Work Together
Reach out to 1118 Collections
