Opportunities: Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and upcoming grants

Join Sarah Fossen, Executive Director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts for a virtual coffee conversation about why it is important for our regions arts advocates to support the passing of the $100 million arts Covid relief bill and engage with their legislators. Arts are vital to keeping main streets across Minnesota alive.

Not only will you get the opportunity to hear directly from Sarah on why it is more important than ever to get involved, but you’ll also get some key insight into how MCA can make our voices heard at the capitol and throughout the state. This is also our chance to ask questions and share our stories!

Please join us for the interactive conversation! Click here for the: ZOOM Link

Arts Advocacy Week 2022 (March 14-18th)

JOIN YOUR FELLOW ARTS ADVOCATES FROM ACROSS MINNESOTA TO CREATE ACTION FOR THE ARTS

 In addition to protecting Minnesota's Legacy Amendment and state grant funds, this year they are supporting passage of a bill that would grant $100 million to arts and cultural groups who were deeply hurt by the pandemic. We want you to be the first to know that this year they need all your help! Mark your calendar for March 14-18, 2022. The kickoff rally will be March 14 at 8:30 am! ALL PROGRAMS AND MEETINGS WILL BE VIRTUAL. Pre-Register to receive links and attend those meetings.

Click here to attend Arts Advocacy Week and help protect the arts funding you love.

WHAT ART GRANTS ARE DUE APRIL 1?!

The East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) is currently accepting applications for the April 1st deadlines. Funding is available to artists and eligible organizations located in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine Counties in Minnesota (Region 7E).

Available grants include:

Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund Grant for Artists due April 1st: up to $1,000 grants available for arts projects by individuals residing in Region 7E. This category provides support to individuals for a wide variety of arts projects involving the creation, sponsorship, performance, and/or exhibition of art. Arts producing activities and an arts activity which is open to the public should result from the project. 

Mid-Career Artist Grant for Artists due April 1st: up to $2,500 for a specific art project designed to: enhance artistic skills, artwork, experimentation, collaboration, or an art business career. Applications are encouraged from artists in all disciplines. What is a Mid-Career Artist? Mid-career artists are recognized by their peers and arts professionals, have produced an independent body of work and have a record of commissions, projects, or exhibitions.

Art in Our Schools Grant for schools due April 1st: up to $3,000 to supplement an existing school arts curriculum with such programs as artistic residencies, arts related field trips, or special arts events or projects. No match is required. Grants can be used to support all K- 12 students and/or student groups such as drama club, band or choir, visual art classes, community education, entire grades, or gifted and talented students.

Small/Arts Project Grant for organizations or government entities due April 1st: $500 to $5,000 grants available for local or regional arts projects sponsored or organized by groups, organizations, nonprofits, and units of government. This category provides support to organizations for a wide variety of arts projects involving the creation, sponsorship, publication, performance, and/or exhibition of art. Arts producing activities or services for artists or arts organizations should result from the project. 

Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund Grant for organizations or government entities due April 1st: $5,000 to $15,000 grants available for arts projects sponsored by groups, organizations, nonprofits, and units of government located within the Region 7E service area. This category provides support to organizations for a wide variety of larger arts projects involving the creation, sponsorship, publication, performance, and/or exhibition of art. Arts producing activities or services for artists or arts organizations should result from the project.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?!

Grant Info Sessions: ECRAC is hosting online grant information sessions via zoom for anyone interested in learning more about ECRAC and these grant programs. These sessions cover basic information about ECRAC grant programs, as well as recent changes to the grant application processes.

• Grant Information Sessions for Artists who want to learn about funding available for the upcoming grant deadlines will be online via Zoom on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 10 to 11 a.m.
• Grant Information Sessions for Organizations who want to learn about funding available for the upcoming grant deadlines will held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 from 10 to 11 a.m.

For further details on eligibility and how to apply or to register for an info session, or if you have questions about which grant application is a good fit for your art project, please contact the Grant Program Officer at grantinfo@ecrac.org or call 320-591-7034.