Urban flight has left the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in an economically depressed area of Minneapolis. Art Team was created to meet the community's need for employment opportunities and the museum's wish to increase neighborhood attendance. Art Team trains and employs youth to work at museum events. Members are required to sign a 9-month contract to attend weekly classes (for which they are paid) at the museum during the academic year. Museum staff lead workshops that illustrate the role of art in the development of societies and ideas. Special emphasis is given to multicultural perspectives and the historical and social relevance of art as it relates to the lives of the participants. Hands-on activities using a variety of materials and experience with object research methods help Art Team members in their role as advocates for the museum during public events. In the summer, Art Team youth act as assistants at 15 inner-city Art in the Park programs sponsored collaboratively with the Parks and Recreation Board.