Our Mission
The mission of Steam Exchange is to facilitate passion-driven learning experiences where individuals explore the arts, the world, and themselves through creative play and production. We also use the arts as a platform for young people to engage with concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in innovative ways (STEAM). We aim to foster a sense of community, pride and ownership in the Smoketown neighborhood and to encourage community-based creative entrepreneurship by connecting people with the skills and facilities to develop quality projects.
What We Do
The Steam Exchange is a grassroots nonprofit organization in the Smoketown Neighborhood of Louisville that works toward greater equity in our community by amplifying voice, showcasing creativity and leadership, and co-creating collaborative, public art with youth of color and low-income youth. Our goal is to support Smoketown’s rich history and current residents’ positive sense of neighborhood identity and values. Dialogue with people who live, learn, work or worship in Smoketown directly shapes workshop content and community projects.
Our Story
The Steam Exchange was founded in August 2014 by Louisville natives Caitlin Kannapell and Rachel Mauser.
Since the Steam Exchange’s inception, we have participated in numerous outreach events, facilitated community art projects, and taught over 2000 hours of workshops/classes in printmaking, bookbinding, sculpture, mosaic, drawing, papermaking, mural painting, computer programming and app development, as well as 9 years of summer programs. All our classes, workshops, and events are free to Smoketown residents.
