Arts News
Minnesota State Arts Board Grant Opportunity Cultural Expression
Minnesota State Arts Board Grant Opportunity
FY 2025 Cultural Expression
Application materials are now available for the Cultural Expression grant program. This program is open to individuals and organizations.
Cultural Expression grants support activities that share, explore, pass on, express, or celebrate culture through the arts. Culture may be defined by a common ethnicity, tribal affiliation, geographic or regional identity, occupation, language, or recreation. Traditional and contemporary forms of cultural expression may be funded in this program. Funds could be used to support practicing a cultural art form; presenting cultural festivals, community celebrations, performances, media or exhibitions; offering demonstrations; or passing on cultural traditions through apprenticeships or documentation.
Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000.
Applications must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024.
The Arts Board will host a virtual information session on June 5 for potential applicants to learn more about the program purpose and application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions with program officers at the end of the session.
Details, including full program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Arts Experiences program web page.
Cultural Expression Program Page
Important Dates:
June 5, 2024: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will also be recorded and available for later viewing.
July 12, 2024: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
January 2025: Arts Board approves grant awards.
March 2025 - February 2026: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
Questions? Visit this page arts.state.mn.us/grants/cultural-expression.htm
Accessible Arts Grant Program
Minnesota State Arts Board
Grant Opportunities: Accessible Arts and Arts Education
Accessible Arts grant program
Application materials are now available for the FY 2025 Accessible Arts grant program. Arts organizations and arts affiliates are welcome to apply.
Accessible Arts is a pilot program, offering project grants that support long-term investments focused on increasing arts organizations' accessibility for people with disabilities.
New for FY 2025: An arts organization or arts affiliate that received an Accessible Arts grant in FY 2024 is not eligible to apply for an Accessible Arts grant in FY 2025.
In this program, funds will be used for investments that will have a longer-term impact on the applicant and impact organizational change. Example investments include, but are not limited to:
Professional development related to accessibility;
Hiring accessibility consultants to conduct audits or develop accessibility plans;
Improvements to digital accessibility; and/or
Small physical or equipment investments (less than $5,000) that will make programming more accessible.
Applicants may request between $10,000 - $20,000.
The Arts Board will host a virtual Information Session for potential applicants to learn more about the program purpose, application process, and key accessibility resources for arts organizations.
Details, including full program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Accessible Arts program page.
Creative Individuals FY 2025 Grant Opportunity
Grant Opportunity for Individuals:
FY 2025 Creative Individuals
Application materials are now available for the Creative Individuals grant program. This program is open to individual artists and culture bearers.
Creative Individuals provides support to help individual artists and culture bearers develop or sustain their creative practices and meaningfully engage with Minnesotans.
In this program, funds may be used to support an individual's creative practice and meaningfully connect to and engage with audiences, participants, students, and/or communities during the grant period.
Applicants may request between $2,000 - $10,000.
The Arts Board will host a virtual Information Session for potential applicants to learn more about the program purpose and application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions with program officers at the end of the session. See below for more information.
Details, including full program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Creative Individuals program page.
Creative Individuals Program Page
Important Dates
February 28, 2024: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will be recorded and available for later viewing.
April 5, 2024: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
December 2024: Arts Board approves grant awards.
February 2025 - January 2026: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
Minnesota State Arts Board Fiscal Year 2025 Grant Opportunities
Minnesota State Arts Board Fiscal Year 2025
Grant Opportunities Announcement
The Minnesota State Arts Board is pleased to announce the grant programs it will offer in its fiscal year 2025 grant cycle. In addition to the Operating Support program that was launched earlier, five project grant programs will be offered: Accessible Arts, Arts Experiences, Arts Education, Cultural Expression, and Creative Individuals.
The following are very brief descriptions of the programs:
Accessible Arts will invest in longer-term strategies to make the arts more accessible to persons with disabilities.
Arts Education will invest in age-appropriate arts learning experiences for people of all ages and abilities.
Arts Experiences will invest in a wide variety of programming intended to give Minnesotans access to meaningful arts experiences.
Creative Individuals will help individual artists and culture bearers develop or sustain their creative practices and meaningfully engage with Minnesotans.
Cultural Expression will invest in activities that share, explore, or celebrate culture through the arts.
Individual artists and culture bearers will be able to submit an application in only one of the following programs in FY 2025: Arts Education, Arts Experiences, Creative Individuals, or Cultural Expression.
Organizations will be able to submit an application in only one of the following programs for FY 2025: Arts Education, Arts Experiences, or Cultural Expression.
More information about eligibility, use of funds, grant amounts, and application deadlines is available on the Arts Board website.
FY 2025 Grant Program Overview Sessions
The Arts Board will offer two high-level overview sessions of the grant programs offered for organizations or individuals in FY 2025. These virtual sessions are intended to help potential applicants determine which program may be the best fit. Both sessions will be recorded and available for viewing on the Arts Board website.
FY 2025 Grant Programs Overview for Organizations: Wednesday, January 31
FY 2025 Grant Programs Overview for Individuals: Thursday, February 1
Details and links to join the sessions can be found in the Information Sessions section of the Arts Board Web calendar.
Arts Board Priority Groups
In order to increase demographic and geographic fairness of the distribution of funds, the Arts Board has identified priority groups for its project grant programs. The priority groups will receive a percentage of the grants awarded that is equal to or greater than their percentage of the application pool. The priority groups include:
Individuals or organizations that are based outside the seven-county metropolitan area
Individuals who are Indigenous or persons of color, or organizations in which individuals who are Indigenous or persons of color comprise 50 percent or more of the board and staff
Individuals with disabilities, or organizations in which persons with disabilities comprise 50 percent or more of the board and staff or are the primary population served.
Accessibility 101 for Arts and Culture Organizations
Accessibility 101 for Arts and Culture Organizations
Wednesday February 7, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Mark your calendars for this informative and interactive webinar, cohosted by the Minnesota State Arts Board and the National Endowment for the Arts Office of Accessibility.
This one-hour webinar is designed to help Minnesotan arts and cultural workers answer the question, "where do I start?" when creating inclusive, accessible spaces and programs for people with disabilities.
Attendees can expect to leave with a foundational understanding of
Requirements for accessibility when your organization receives a grant from the Arts Board or National Endowment for the Arts.
The importance of completing a self-evaluation or ADA checklist, and how to do it.
The many ways of providing inclusive and equitable access, beyond just physical / architectural.
The importance of appointing an access coordinator in your organization, and what they do.
This webinar is free, but registration is required.
Join MCA in Fosston on January 10
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is traveling across the state and wants to meet up with you!
Join Mara Hanel, Executive Director of the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council hosting Sue Gens, Executive Director of Minnesota State Arts Board, Caroline Taiwo of the McKnight Foundation, and Sara Fossen, Executive Director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and our arts lobbyists as they travel the state. We are excited that they have agreed to visit our area . The weather looks good but if that changes then the tour will be canceled and not rescheduled until summer. All are welcome to the public discussion in the auditorium at 11 AM on January 10 in Fosston.
RSVP to Mara at 218-745-8886 ext 1.
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Aurora Center for the Arts
403 N Foss Ave, Fosston, MN 56542
MN State Arts Board Seeks Grant Program Reviewers
The Arts Board seeks grant program reviewers
Do you wonder who applies for Minnesota State Arts Board grants? Have you ever thought of applying for a grant, but don't have a lot of experience writing proposals? Do you love the arts and want to know more about activities taking place all across the state? If so, the State Arts Board needs you!
The Arts Board is seeking people from anywhere in the state, who have different backgrounds and experiences, who can help review grant applications. It's important for Minnesotans to play a role in deciding how public funding for the arts is invested!
Who can be a reviewer?
Any Minnesota resident who has a strong interest in the arts. You don't have to work in the arts, just an arts background or involvement is enough.
If you don't have a background in the arts but do have experience with nonprofit organizations, budgeting, planning, or project management; we need you!
If you have already served as a reviewer in 2023, you cannot serve again on these panels.
What would I have to do?
Be able to commit to five weeks of service beginning January 2024.
Review 25-30 applications online, on your own time.
Participate in a one-hour virtual training session.
Participate in a one-day, virtual review meeting.
Grant application reviewers receive a stipend of $200 for their service.
How do I become a reviewer?
Fill out our online interest form today!
If you have questions before filling out the form, call (800) 866-2787 or send a message to panelists@arts.state.mn.us
Not able to serve as a reviewer right now? Please forward this message to one or two friends or colleagues who might like to participate.
State Arts Board FY 2025 Operating Support Grant Program + Virtual Information Session
Minnesota State Arts Board FY 2025 Operating Support Grant Program + Operating Support Virtual Information Session
Minnesota State Arts Board launches FY 2025 Operating Support grant program
Application materials and online application forms are now available for the FY 2025 Operating Support grant program. Applications must be received before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024.
Operating Support provides general support to high quality, established arts organizations and arts affiliate organizations that produce, present, or exhibit works of art; to organizations that provide a broad range of services to practicing artists; and to community art schools and conservatories that make arts learning available to Minnesotans of all ages and abilities.
For full details about eligibility, guidelines, and application instructions, please review the FY 2025 Operating Support Program Overview and Application Instructions document posted to the Arts Board website.
Want to learn more? Join the Minnesota State Arts Board for a virtual information session on the FY 2025 Operating Support grant program.
The free session will be hosted virtually on
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM
First-time applicants, or those new to roles applying for support, will find this session particularly valuable. Attendees can expect to leave with a better understanding of eligibility requirements, full versus interim applications, review criteria, and required financial information. There will be time for attendees to ask questions in a live Q&A at the end of the session.
The session will be recorded and posted to the Arts Board website for later viewing. No registration is required. For instructions on how to join the session, visit the Arts Board website Information Sessions page.
About Operating Support
Operating Support provides general support to high quality, established arts organizations that produce, present, or exhibit works of art; to organizations that provide a broad range of services to practicing artists; and to community arts schools and conservatories that make arts learning available to Minnesotans of all ages and abilities.
To review the full FY 2025 Operating Support Program Overview and Application instructions, visit the program page.
Questions and Accessibility Information
For questions about eligibility or the content of the application, please contact:Lindi Holliday, program officer(651) 539-2653Lindi.Holliday@arts.state.mn.us
For the virtual information session, automated closed captions will be provided. The Arts Board offers other accommodations (i.e. real-time CART captioning, ASL-interpretation, large print or alternate format materials) upon request. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Arts Board accessibility coordinator by Wednesday, December 6, 2023, using the contact information below.
Annick Dall-Desbois, outreach and accessibility coordinator (651) 539-2651 | Minnesota Relay 711 Annick.Dall-Desbois@arts.state.mn.us
Minnesota State Arts Board is hiring a Grants Management Systems Administrator
The Minnesota State Arts Board seeking applicants
for a key systems administration position
Are you an organized systems thinker? A person who can develop clear and efficient ways to collect, store, and retrieve data? Do you like to find ways to make online systems and processes more effective? Are you a strong project manager? Do you want to find a meaningful role that combines your skills and experience with online systems administration and your passion for the arts?
The Arts Board is looking for its next grants management systems administrator. This person will ensure that the board has a fully functioning online grants management system that meets the needs of both internal and external users. Successful candidates for this position will have at least four years' experience in information systems project management and business analysis. They will have the ability to work with software programs, databases, and operating systems. They will be able to develop online forms to collect information from applicants and grantees. They will create efficient and organized ways to store, maintain, and retrieve data (i.e., applications, reports, contracts, requests for proposals, etc.).
In addition to the day to day work of systems administration, this person will join the agency at a key moment, as it completes an upgrade or conversion of its online grants management system. The systems administrator will manage the planning and implementation for this important project.
This is a full-time, permanent position. It is eligible for hybrid or telework arrangements.
Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2023.
All interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Arts Board's Employment Opportunities web page at http://www.arts.state.mn.us/about/employment.htm to get more details about the job including the salary and benefits information, required qualifications, and application instructions.
Minnesota State Arts Board Grant Opportunities for Organizations & Individuals
Minnesota State Arts Board
Grant Opportunities for Organizations and Individuals
The following grant programs are now accepting applications:
Arts Education: Project grants to help Minnesotans develop personal relationships with an art form(s) by supporting learning experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Arts Experiences: Project grants to provide Minnesotans with arts experiences and opportunities they value within their communities.
Cultural Expression: Project grants to support activities that express, celebrate, explore, or share culture through the arts.
Each program is open to both individuals and organizations. Organizations may submit an application in only one of these grant programs. Individuals may submit an application in either Creative Individuals OR one of these grant programs.
Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000.
Deadlines vary; see the Arts Board grant cycle calendar for specific program deadlines.
Information Sessions
The Arts Board will host free, virtual information sessions for each of the grant programs listed above.
Wednesday, April 19: Arts Education Virtual Information Session, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 16: Cultural Expression Virtual Information Session, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 14: Arts Experiences Virtual Information Session, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Each session will provide details about the program purpose, eligibility, and application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a live Q & A with a program officer at the end of the session. No registration is required.
Sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing on the Arts Board website.
Automated closed captioning will be provided. For other accommodations, please contact the Arts Board accessibility coordinator: Annick.Dall-Desbois@arts.state.mn.us.
For questions about the eligibility or content of the application, contact:
Jamie Marshall or Rina Rossi, program officers
ArtsEducation@arts.state.mn.us
ArtsExperiences@arts.state.mn.us
CulturalExpression@arts.state.mn.us
For questions about the technical aspects of the application forms, or how to submit the online forms, please contact:
Justine Pearson, WebGrants administrator
Apply.Arts@state.mn.us Email preferred.
(651) 539-2663
For accessibility inquiries or accommodation requests, please contact:
Annick Dall-Desbois, outreach and accessibility coordinator
Annick.Dall-Desbois@arts.state.mn.us
(651) 539-2651 | Minnesota Relay 711
All staff can be reached toll-free at (800) 866-2787 or via Minnesota Relay 711.
The Minnesota State Arts Board is a state agency that stimulates and encourages the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state. It works to ensure that all Minnesotans can participate in and benefit from the arts.
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Operating Support Grant Program
Minnesota State Arts Board launches
FY 2024 Operating Support grant program
Application materials and online application forms are now available for the FY 2024 Operating Support grant program. Applications must be received before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023.
Operating Support provides general support to high quality, established arts organizations that produce, present, or exhibit works of art; to organizations that provide a broad range of services to practicing artists; and to community arts schools and conservatories that make arts learning available to Minnesotans of all ages and abilities.
More detailed and specific requirements for this program are described in the FY 2024 Operating Support Program Overview and Application Instructions document posted on the Arts Board website: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/operating-support.htm
All applicants are encouraged to carefully review the FY 2024 Operating Support Program Overview and Application Instructions, and pay particular attention to the program's eligibility requirements, before beginning an application.
For questions about the program, eligibility, or application requirements, please contact:
Sue Gens
(651) 539-2658; toll-free (800) 866-2787
Sue.Gens@arts.state.mn.us
For accessibility inquiries and accommodation requests contact:
Annick Dall-Desbois, outreach and accessibility coordinator
(651) 539-2651; toll-free (800) 866-2787 Minnesota Relay 711
Annick.Dall-Desbois@arts.state.mn.us
Job Openings at Minnesota State Arts Board
Minnesota State Arts Board seeking
candidates for key positions
Are you looking for a position where you can make a difference? Where you can help make arts and creative activities available to residents and communities throughout the state? Where you can support the work of Minnesota’s creative individuals and organizations? Then consider applying for a position at the Arts Board:
Grant program officer – The person in this position will manage the Arts Board's largest grant program, Operating Support, which provides general support to established arts organizations. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
Grant programs assistant – The person in this position will provide administrative support for Arts Board grant programs. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, October 6, 2022.
Executive assistant – The person in this position will provide administrative support to the executive director and to the board. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
All are full-time, permanent positions. Telework and/or hybrid work arrangements are available.
Visit the Arts Board’s Web site to find more details about the positions and a link to required qualifications, salary range, and application instructions: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/about/employment.htm/
If you’d like to receive Arts Board updates directly, please sign up for their mailing list: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/contact/enews-signup.htm
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations Application Deadline + More
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations
application deadline and open hours with program officers
Are you planning to apply for a Creative Support for Organizations grant?
Not sure if you will apply or even how to apply, then read on…
Creative Support for Organizations application deadline
The second and final application deadline in the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations fiscal year 2023 grant cycle is approaching. The program offers flexible support for Minnesota arts organizations, and for non-arts organizations that regularly offer arts programming as an integral part of their missions.
The second application deadline is September 9, 2022. These grants will support activities that take place between May 2023 – April 2024.
Funds from this program can be used to help organizations continue to adapt their arts programming to the changing environment in which they work so that they will be able to continue connecting with and serving Minnesota communities.
Organizations that submitted an application for the first deadline in May 2022 may not submit a second application.
Please visit the Creative Support for Organizations webpage to find the complete Program Overview and Application Instructions; other details about the program; and a free, recorded information webinar.
Open “office” hours with a program officer
If you have questions that you’d like to ask a program officer about any aspect of the Creative Support for Organizations program or the application process plan to join a virtual open office hours online session. Sessions are virtual only, not in person. You can login to join the online meeting, or call via phone, any during the scheduled 90 minutes. Two sessions will be held:
Thursday, August 11 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Monday, August 15 from 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Videoconference links and phone numbers are available on the Arts Board Web calendar: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/calendar/information-sessions.htm