10.8.25 Mara Hanel

Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke with Phil about current arts happenings and upcoming grants deadlines in our region. She also spoke about one-on-one consulting that we offer grant applicants and the grant writing station in our office. October 31 is a deadline for arts grants for organizations ($500-$10,000); November 15 is the deadline for Individual Artists ($1,500, $3,000, and $5,000). She explained the grant process, including paperwork, reporting requirements, and outcomes. Many applications are funded so it is worth your time to apply.

Current exhibits include the Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls featuring work by many artists who are listed in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet, Drawn from Observation featuring art by Therese Masters Jacobson at the Fournet Building Downtown Crookston, and the 2025-2026 Traveling Art Exhibit at the Hallock Public Library until November 12.

Phil and Mara also spoke about the Creative Minnesota results for our region. The NWMAC gathered information last year to help inform the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Creative Minnesota 2025 study. This information is measured by ticket sales and extra economic inputs due to attending an art activity including but not limited to lodging, food, or other shopping. This totaled approximately $7,500,000. We also have an economic impact calculator on our website to help measure the impact of the arts on the economy.

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