The ways that Minnesotans can participate in the arts, and the ways that artists and arts organizations can create, present, and teach the arts, has changed drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To help artists and arts organizations sustain core activities and adapt to a new environment, the Arts Board is redirecting its grant making this year.

The Arts Board will continue to offer its current Operating Support program, and will also offer three new programs:

MN CARES Act grants can be used to support salaried staff positions, fees for contracted artists or other self-employed workers, and facilities costs.

Creative Support for Individuals grants will help artists and culture bearers to sustain their practices and stay connected to their audiences, participants, students, or communities.

Creative Support for Organizations grants will help arts organizations support core activities and stay connected to their audiences, participants, students, or communities now and in the future.

Summaries of the new programs are available here. More specific details, applications materials, and application deadlines will be posted soon.