[McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org)

October 30, 2024

$10,000 total for up to 10 artist-led projects per community; requires $2,500 cash or in-kind match

Supports small towns in rural west central Minnesota to revitalize Main Streets through artist-led, community-driven placemaking projects, training, and technical assistance.

Only one town (population ≤5,000) in west central Minnesota will be selected in this cycle.

--- ## Description This initiative is designed to support rural community development at the intersection of arts, culture, downtown revitalization, and historic preservation. The program provides a year-long package of training, technical assistance, and direct project funding to help community leaders and local artists collaborate on multiple small, temporary, artist-led placemaking projects that address Main Street challenges and opportunities. The approach is highly inclusive and emphasizes "learning by doing," aiming to foster relationship building, increase economic vitality, and inspire stewardship among community members. Participants leave with practical skills for hiring artists for civic projects, a portfolio of community-driven art initiatives, and stronger cross-sector relationships. --- ## Due Dates - October 30, 2024: Full application deadline (applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m.) Applicants will be notified of their status by November 21, 2024. Selected communities must confirm participation by December 4, 2024. --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding: $10,000 for up to 10 small, artist-led projects (typically $1,000–$2,000 per project) - Required match: $2,500 (cash or in-kind administrative/staff support, or to increase project budget) - Additional support: Customized training and technical assistance for both community leaders and local artists --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants: City governments in west central Minnesota (Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin Counties) - Town population: 5,000 or fewer - The city must be actively involved in downtown/Main Street revitalization efforts - The lead applicant must identify 3–4 Planning Team members representing a variety of local stakeholders, all committed to participating in the planning process - Capacity required: 1–2 individuals able to act as local coordinators for program implementation - Only one community will be selected for this funding cycle --- ## Application Process - Complete the online application form by 11:59 p.m. on October 30, 2024 - Application materials include: - Lead applicant organization and contact information - List of Planning Team members and their contact details - Narrative responses addressing community context, Main Street challenges/goals, interest in artist collaboration, creative community description, anticipated challenges, and match commitment - Identification of a local project coordinator - Selection is based on demonstrated impact, commitment to the program's goals, and capacity to implement the initiative --- ## Additional Information - The program is led by Rethos: Places Reimagined and Springboard for the Arts in partnership with the Lake Region Arts Council and West Central Initiative - Projects should focus on temporary, small-scale, artist-led interventions that collectively build community capacity and economic vitality - Technical assistance and training are tailored to the selected community's needs --- ## External Links - [Full RFP and application instructions (PDF)](https://wcif.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Artist-on-Main-Street-RFP-2-1.pdf) - [McKnight Foundation grant seeker information](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/) - [Artists on Main Street program overview](http://www.rethos.org/artists-on-main-street) - [Application page (wcif.org)](https://wcif.org/7369-2/) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Contact Method | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | McKnight Foundation | [Contact form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | Phone: +1 612-333-4220 | | Rethos: Places Reimagined | Email | emily@rethos.org | | Lake Region Arts Council | Website | [lrac4.org](https://lrac4.org/) | | West Central Initiative | Website | [wcif.org](https://wcif.org/) |

Artists on Main Street - McKnight Foundation

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