Arts News
May Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the May 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/4cQ5WWm
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Minnesota State Arts Board offers Arts Experiences Grant
Minnesota State Arts Board Offers Funding for Arts Experiences
This pilot program supports individuals and organizations in providing meaningful arts experiences for Minnesotans within their communities. Funds may be used for a variety of arts projects such as creating and/or presenting concerts, plays, tours, exhibitions, arts festivals, public art, or other kinds of activities that provide Minnesotans opportunities to engage in arts activities that are instilled into community or public life.
Program overview and application instructions
FY 2026 Arts Experiences Program Overview and Application Instructions—All applicants should read this document thoroughly before beginning online application.
Application deadline
May 2, 2025, before 4:30 p.m.
When will funds be awarded?
Grant awards will be approved at the December 2025 board meeting. The grant period for these awards will be February 2026- January 2027; all funded activities must take place within the grant period.
Who can apply?
Both individuals and organizations are eligible to apply. The applicant must be:
An individual
An artist working in dance, media arts, music, photography, poetry, prose, theater, two-and three-dimensional visual art; or
A culture bearer who has been trained by traditional elders or master artists and whose artistic practice is reflective of the cultural life of a community; or
An organization
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts organization; or
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonarts organization that regularly offers arts programming as an integral part of its mission; or
A unit of state, local, or tribal government; or
An arts affiliate of a nonprofit organization or public entity; or
An arts group without 501(c)(3) status applying with a Minnesota tax-exempt or public fiscal sponsor
An individual may submit an application in only one of the following programs in FY 2026: Creative Individuals, Arts Experiences, Arts Education, or Cultural Expression.
An organization may submit an application in only one of the following programs in FY 2026: Arts Experiences, Arts Education, Cultural Expression.
Additional eligibility requirements are included in the FY 2026 Arts Experiences Program Overview and Application Instructions. Please review all eligibility requirements carefully before beginning an application.
Grant range
Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000. No cash match is required.
Resources for applicants
FY 2026 Arts Experiences Information Session and Q&A with Program Officers
Recording | Download PowerPoint
Learn more about the FY 2026 Arts Experiences grant program. This virtual information session will provide details about the program purpose, eligibility, and application process.
FY 2026 Grant Programs Overview
The Arts Board hosted two virtual sessions giving a high-level overview of the grant programs offered for organizations and individuals in fiscal year 2026. Potential applicants may wish to review the recording of either of these sessions to help determine which is the best fit for their work. Note that the program specific information session linked above will provide a more in-depth understanding of the Arts Experiences grant program for potential applicants.
FY 2026 Grant Programs Overview for Organizations– Recording | Download PowerPoint
FY 2026 Grant Programs Overview for Individuals– Recording | Download PowerPoint
Sample applications
The following applications were submitted by fiscal year 2025 grantees.
The files may take several minutes to download.
• North Shore Music Association
If you have questions or need assistance
If you have questions about the content of the application form or narrative, please contact the program officer team:
Jenny Dodgson, Jamie Marshall, Adam Wiltgen
ArtsExperiences@arts.state.mn.us
(651) 539-2671
If you have questions about the technical aspects of the online application forms, or questions about electronic submission, please e-mail the Arts Board at:
Apply.Arts@state.mn.us
Tom Miller, WebGrants administrator
(651) 539-2656
Chris Berry, grants management systems administrator
(651) 539-2668
For accessibility inquiries or accommodation requests, please contact:
Sue Gens, outreach and accessibility coordinator
Sue.Gens@arts.state.mn.us
(651) 539-2658
The Arts Board offers accommodations, such as alternate format materials, transcription, and other technical assistance, upon request. Grant application deadlines are not able to be extended for any reason. To ensure we are able to provide you access, please make your accommodation request as soon as possible, and no less than two weeks prior to a grant application deadline.
All staff can be reached toll-free at (800) 866-2787 or via Minnesota Relay 711.
How to apply
Application method—All applicants are required to use the WebGrants system to apply and will submit all materials electronically. Registration is required of all applicants before beginning an application to any Arts Board program. It is only necessary to register once.
Two online tutorials are available to acquaint users with the WebGrants system:
Individual Artist Grant Applications DUE April 15
Individual Artist Grant Applications DUE April 15.
Individual Artist Grants for $5,000 & $1,500
Free Grant Writing Session April 9 at 2 PM. RSVPS required
April Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the April 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/3RBwWPy
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Upcoming Grant Deadlines + Grant Writing Workshops
Upcoming Deadlines for Arts Grants Applications
Applications Open Apply Now
Deadline for Arts Grants for Organizations is
March 31 & April 30
Individual Artist Grants is April 15
Grant Writing Training is March 11 at 4 PM &
April 9 at 2 PM
Thinking about public art in your community? Nonprofits and government organizations can start submitting applications for arts projects. The next deadlines are March 31 and April 30. Grants are between $500 and $10,000 and you can apply for one arts project at a time. Funding sources for these grants are Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
Organizational arts activities funded through these two very important grant opportunities include festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities.
Applications are also open for Individual Artist Grants. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists. Individual Artist Grants provide financial assistance for the exhibition, performance, or production of a specific creative work, mentoring with a more experienced artist, participation in not-for-credit arts experiences.
To be eligible you must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age and reside in the 7 county NW Minnesota region. College tuition is not an eligible expense. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Quick turnaround grants for $500 are available on an ongoing deadline -- first come, first served for individual artists. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Schools in our seven-county region can also apply for an Artist Residency grant of $2,600 plus an additional $400 if the residency needs supplies. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. Another resource to view artists available to enhance curriculum is COMPAS.
Schools can initially apply for one residency. Then based on remaining funding, can request up to three additional residencies into spring and summer. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota.
Read more here about our grants and how to apply.
FREE Grant Writing Sessions
March 11 at 4 PM &
April 9 at 2 PM
We offer grant training workshops via Zoom or in person at the NWMAC office in Warren. The next one is March 11 at 4 PM. You must RSVP to attend. Email director@nwartscouncil.org to RSVP or with questions. Don’t let your questions about the grant process keep you from applying! We are here to help.
To learn more about grant programs and start an application visit NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886.
March Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the March 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/3DgBPtT
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Minnesota State Arts Board Offers Opportunities to Apply for Accessible Arts Grant Programs
The Minnesota State Arts Board announces two opportunities to apply for the Accessible Arts grant program and serve as a grant advisor
Opportunities from the Minnesota State Arts Board
FY 2026 Accessible Arts grant application materials available
Help them invest public funds
for the arts
FY 2026 Accessible Arts grant program application materials available
Application materials are now available for the Accessible Arts grant program. This program is open to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts organizations, and arts affiliates of a nonprofit organization or public entity.
Accessible Arts offers project grants to increase the capacity of the arts sector to make arts experiences more accessible for people with disabilities.
In this program, funds will be used for investments that will have a longer-term impact on the applicant, such as professional development related to accessibility (i.e., staff or volunteer training, etc.), hiring accessibility consultants to conduct accessibility audits and/or develop accessibility plans, etc. Funds may also be used for small equipment investments (costing less than $5,000) that will make programming more accessible over time (i.e. assisted listening or captioning equipment, handrails, grab bars, etc.).
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 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 Accessible Arts program page.
Important dates
February 26, 2025: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will be recorded and available for later viewing.
April 4, 2025: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
October 2025: Arts Board approves grant awards.
December 2025 - November 2026: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
See the full FY 2026 grant program calendar on the Arts Board website.
February Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the February 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/3PY1J8v
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Minnesota State Arts Board offers Creative Individual Grant Program
Minnesota State Arts Board Offers Creative Individuals Grant Program
Grant Opportunity for Individuals:
FY 2026 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
January 29, 2025: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will be recorded and available for later viewing.
March 7, 2025: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
November 2025: Arts Board approves grant awards.
January - December 2026: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
See the full FY 2026 grant program calendar on the Arts Board website.
January Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the January 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/404iiEn
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Grant Writing Training is Tuesday, Feb 11 at 4PM — RSVP Today
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Tuesday, February 11 at 4 PM. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!
Artists of NW Minnesota 6th Edition is here!
Artists of Northwest Minnesota 6th Edition is here!
Featuring listings of artists, performers, &
arts businesses and organizations
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce the publication of the 6th edition of Artists of Northwest Minnesota booklet.
The NWMAC publishes a directory every 3 years that lists fine craft and visual artists, photographers, writers, and performing artists who answered our call for entries, as well as arts organizations. This is an invaluable resource when the public is looking for art and artists in our region. This booklet allows you to connect with and find local artists and their products or services, as well as businesses that support the arts. Our region is home to talented writers, visual artists, performance artists, fiber artists, sculptors, 3D artists, photographers, mosaic artists, printmakers, jewelers, metal artists, wood carvers, and more. This edition of the booklet has an added section of performing artists, including musicians who play in our area. Artists of Northwest Minnesota was designed by Kat Allen of Warroad and edited by Kristin Eggerling, NWMAC Promotions Specialist and Executive Director Mara Hanel with funding from the McKnight Foundation.
Pick up a copy of this directory at no cost at your local library, coffee shop, or other businesses in our region. To view the booklet on our website click here.
For more information, contact our office at 218-745-8886 or director@nwartscouncil.org.
McCanna House Artist-in-Residence Application Open
McCanna House Artist-in-residence Application Now Open to Artists in Music, Theatre, Literature, & Visual Arts
The North Dakota Museum of Art is accepting applications for the 2025 McCanna House Artist-in-residence season. Artists working in music, theatre, literature, or the visual arts are encouraged to apply. Open to artists in all stages of their career.
The Program
The residency consists of 2 - 4 week blocks of time layered throughout the operating year. The house is open from June 1 through the end of September or early October. There will only be one artist on the property at a time unless a group project is specified in the application process. There are no expectations for the artist to complete work during the residency. However, artists are asked to use their time wisely and be aware of the transformative potential of time spent there.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2025
Announcements: February 15, 2025.
Amenities
Wireless Internet
Well-lit French country-style farmhouse, detached 40x70 foot steel building, and ample outdoor space with yards and surrounding tree lines.
3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
Washer and dryer
Well-appointed kitchen
Screened-in porch area with convenient BBQ
Opportunities to work with surrounding community groups
10 miles from the town of Larimore (pop.2,000), yet it feels remote and private
35 miles from Grand Forks (pop.55,000), with its thriving art scene and good shopping/dining
5 hours to Minneapolis and 2 hours to Winnipeg, Manitoba
Well-stocked library
Fruit trees
Surrounded by working fields producing soybeans, potatoes, canola, and more...
Endless sky
Big weather
Call for Sculpture for a Juried Public Arts Sculpture Walk
The Public Arts Commission of Hutchinson, Minnesota is currently seeking applicants for its 2025 Sculpture Stroll, a juried public arts sculpture walk. The City of Hutchinson has 13 beautiful locations for public art around the city. These locations are primarily in our historic downtown district, but also along the Luce Line Trail and in city parks along the Crow River.
Application deadline is January 1, 2025. No exceptions.
Artists may submit up to 3 separate artworks.
Selected artists will be notified by Jan 31, 2025 with installations beginning in May 2025
All selected artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium per artwork selected, and are eligible for the Judge’s and People’s Choice awards ($500 each).
To apply please complete the application on www.hutchinsonpublicarts.com and email the completed application and required materials to info@hutchinsonpublicarts.com
NDMOA Announces Call for Art for exhibit Limited Time Only
Call for Artists at North Dakota Museum of Art
Upcoming Non-Juried Exhibition: Limited Time Only
Artwork must be submitted December 4 – 8, 2024
Limited Time Only will be on display in the Museum's main galleries, December 12 – December 29. The featured artwork will be offered for sale with proceeds split 50/50 between the artists and the Museum. The exhibition will feature dozens of works on paper, paintings, sculptures, photographs, crafts, and multi-media from local and regional artists. Click here to submit work.
Artists Invited to Submit One Work of Art in the
North Dakota Museum of Art’s Upcoming Exhibition, LIMITED TIME ONLY
December 12 – December 29, 2024
Limited Time Only builds on one of the Museum’s most popular exhibitions titled This Week Only, last held in 2019. This year, they are expanding the duration of this non-juried exhibition from one week to two and a half weeks and it will coincide with the holidays, allowing more people to view and enjoy the exhibition. Imagine an exciting array of art from the Red River Valley and surrounding areas to brighten our holiday season.
This is the fourth time the Museum has hosted this type of exhibition, and it is the only one on the Museum’s schedule. Historically, this exhibition has featured dozens of works on paper, paintings, sculptures, photographs, crafts, and multi-media from local and regional artists. This year they expect to receive an equally robust and diverse collection of work. The openings have always brought an eager crowd, and with the extended schedule, even more viewers will have the opportunity to see and purchase works.
Artists: The Museum invites you to participate again this year. Please submit, buy, celebrate, or simply enjoy the experience. The work featured in Limited Time Only will be offered for sale with proceeds split 50/50 between the artists and the Museum. Artists set their own prices.
Eligibility: If you are a serious artist from North Dakota, Southern Manitoba, neighboring Minnesota, and northern South Dakota, you are invited to submit one artwork of your choice.
Dates: The show opens on Thursday, December 12, and closes on Sunday, December 29.
Delivery of Art: Museum staff will be on hand December 4 – 8, to receive the art during the Museum’s regular
hours: 9 – 5 weekdays and 1 – 5 on weekends.
If you wish to ship, the art must arrive at the Museum within the receiving dates stated above. If your work does not sell and you are unable to pick up the work, we will return it to you in your packing materials and charge your credit card for the cost. Make these arrangements on the Entry Form. Allow 2 – 3 weeks for shipping.
Exhibition Requirements: Two-dimensional works of art cannot be larger than a total of 16 square feet. If you are submitting three-dimensional or non-wall work, please call them to discuss special considerations. Sculpture must fit through a regular door (7 x 3 feet). Special equipment needed for display—including sculpture stands, monitors and projectors—must be furnished by the artist. The art must be ready for installation, including proper framing to protect the art. No clips and string, or other devices that will allow the work to slip out of the hanging apparatus, become unhinged, or become damaged. This is an uninsured exhibition. The Museum reserves the right to refuse any work.
Entry Fee: $30 prior to or when the work arrives at the Museum. People’s Choice Award: All visitors will be asked to vote on a favorite piece in the exhibition for this award. The winner will be announced through our social media platforms after the exhibition closes.
Sale of Art: All work must be for sale and priced according to your current retail sales expectations. Remember, artists establish the sale price and split proceeds 50/50 with the Museum.
Return of Art: Works not sold can be picked up during regular Museum hours from closing day December 29 - January 5. Unclaimed work will not be stored at the Museum past January 5, 2025.
This exhibition honors Walter Hopps (1932-2005), one of America’s most beloved and creative curators, whose 1978 Thirty-Six Hours was among the first exhibitions to question the traditional methods for selecting artists for an exhibition. An admirer of the Dada artist Marcel Duchamp, Hopps no doubt was also paying tribute to some of the ground-breaking jury-free exhibitions that Duchamp inspired, including the notorious exhibition that placed the work Fountain into the annals of art history. More broadly, the jury-free show provides a dynamic and inclusive process of hosting exhibitions. The Museum celebrates this opportunity to showcase and promote regional artists.
November Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the November 2024 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/3C7Sz5y.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Applications accepted for Artist in Residence Program in New Ulm
Artist-in-Residence Program in New Ulm is Accepting Applications
Grand Center for Arts and Culture in New Ulm is a nonprofit arts center with a letterpress, printmaking, and bookbinding studio called Cellar Press where they offer community classes in book arts and printmaking, as well as an artist-in-residence program for Minnesota residents.
The application period for their artist-in-residence program is currently open. It is free to apply and the residency provides housing, a weekly stipend, and access to the Cellar Press studio space and equipment for 2-3 weeks. For more info about this opportunity, visit their website at https://thegrandnewulm.org/experiences/artist-in-residence-program/
Grant Writing Training November 4 — RSVP
Grant Writing Training is November 4. RSVP today!
This grant writing training is Monday, November 4 at 4 PM. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!
FYI The Deadline for Individual Artist Grants is Coming Soon
November 15 for $5,000 and $1,500 Grants
Free Grant Writing Session on November 4
Here’s the background on the grants. Applications are open for arts grants to individuals from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
This year both the individual Artist Grants for $5,000 and $1,500 have a November 15 deadline. Quick turnaround grants for $500 are also available on an ongoing basis. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals and $5,000 going to four individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2025). In the case of college students, your school or your home mailing address must be in our region. You will have to show proof of residency, usually your driver’s license.
Make sure you RSVP for the grant writing training. It’s free!
Apply Now for Individual Artist Grant — Deadline is November 30!
Deadline for Individual Artist Grants is Coming Soon
November 30 for $5,000 and $1,500 Grants
Free Grant Writing Session on November 4
Applications are open for arts grants to individuals from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
This year both the individual Artist Grants for $5,000 and $1,500 have a November 30 deadline. Quick turnaround grants for $500 are also available on an ongoing basis. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals and $5,000 going to four individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2025). In the case of college students, your school or your home mailing address must be in our region. You will have to show proof of residency, usually your driver’s license.
On Monday, November 4 at 4 PM, we are offering a grant training workshop via Zoom or in person at the NWMAC office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. Email director@nwartscouncil.org to RSVP or with questions. Don’t let your questions about the grant process keep you from applying! We are here to help. This is a great opportunity to come to our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space.
To learn more about our grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886.
October 31 Deadline for Arts Grants of $500 to $10,000 for Government Entities and Non-Profits
October 31 Deadline for Arts Grants $500 to $10,000 for
Government Entities and Non-Profits
Take this Opportunity to Commission Public Art or
Sponsor a Festival!
Grant Writing Session is October 16 at 4 PM -- RSVP Today
We are pleased to announce that applications are open for grants for government entities and non-profits from $500 to $10,000 and have an October 31 deadline. There is over $200,000 that will be granted for arts activities in our area.
Applications funded by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, through these important grant opportunities include festivals, community theatre plays, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops, public art, and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities.
Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations, communities, historical societies, fairs, and other service organizations. Applications are being accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau counties. We also have grant categories for nonprofit arts organizations, schools, and individual artists.
There is a grant writing training session on Wednesday, October 16 at 4 PM. You can attend at no cost in person or via Zoom. You must RSVP. Or make an appointment for another time to work with our director on your application. Our office offers a grant writing room, across the hall from staff, where you can work at a NWMAC computer provided for grant writing. It is easy to come to Warren and work on your grant. Make an appointment today to make applying easier.
The application processes this year are slightly different. All applicants start by completing our Arts Grant FY2025 application. At the same time, the applicant completes the data collection required by the State of Minnesota.
October is also a great time for nonprofit arts organizations to submit their request for general operating for calendar year 2025. Your organization must have arts as your primary focus and place where you spend money. Your organization must be in our seven-county service area. For example, if your community theater, arts council, or community band has been active for two years with nonprofit status, it is time to apply.
October 31 is the yearly deadline for our Arts Equipment for Schools grants. This special grant allows schools to purchase artistic equipment for their art room, theater, band room, etc. Equipment that is used solely for the pursuit of arts like a kiln or theater lights, or a band instrument has a better chance of being funded. Grants of up to $3,000 are awarded with a 25% cash match requirement. Talk to our office to get instructions related to applying as a school for arts equipment and/or artist residencies. The school puts in one application a school year to show interest and then applies through add-ons within the application portal for funding for specific activities.
To learn more about these grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is conveniently online and NWMAC's Executive Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal. We also have developed training modules that are very helpful. You can also request a paper application or come, with an appointment, to our office in Warren, MN to fill out the paperwork at our grant writing station. Contact Mara at 218-745-8886 ext 1 or nwartscouncil.director@gmail.com to learn more.