Cultural Expression

Program Overview

This pilot program supports activities that share, explore, pass on, express, or celebrate the culture of a community through the arts. Projects may use traditional art forms passed down within communities or contemporary forms rooted in cultural traditions. Funds could support community members learning traditional cultural art forms, presenting cultural festivals or performances, exhibitions, apprenticeships with master artists, or documentation to preserve cultural traditions.

Eligibility

Both individuals and organizations are eligible. Applicants must be an individual artist working in dance, media arts, music, photography, poetry, prose, theater, two-dimensional or three-dimensional visual art, folk, or traditional arts; a culture bearer trained by traditional elders; a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization; a unit of state, local, or tribal government; or an arts group with a Minnesota fiscal sponsor. Minnesota residency is required.

Grant Amount & Period

Applicants may request between $5,000–$35,000. No cash match is required. The grant period is March 2027 to February 2028; all funded activities must take place within this period.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: June 5, 2026, before 4:30 p.m.
• Board approval: January 2027
• Grant period: March 2027 to February 2028

How to Apply

All applicants must use the WebGrants system to apply and submit all materials electronically. Registration is required before beginning an application and only needs to be done once. Two online tutorials are available for WebGrants users.

Review Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed based on the applicant's established track record of engaging Minnesotans in meaningful cultural expression (12 points), a feasible plan rooted in community needs with qualified stakeholders (30 points), and whether underserved populations benefit from the programming (6 points).

Contact Information