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

March 11, 2026 (Draft review) | April 1, 2026 (Full application)

No maximum request; up to 75% of eligible project costs; 25%+ match required.

Supports the creation of impactful public art in Central Minnesota, funding visual, performing, literary, or media projects for public spaces.

Applicants must be organizations or public entities serving Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties, MN.

--- ## Description This program, administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board with funding from the McKnight Foundation and Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, supports the creation of art designed for public experience in shared spaces. Eligible projects may include visual, performing, literary, or media arts, and can be temporary or permanent installations. The focus is on work that is accessible, impactful, and not part of an organization’s regular programming. Temporary works must be documented and accessible to the public for at least one year after completion. The program aims to foster community engagement, enhance regional identity, and provide opportunities for artists to reach new audiences. --- ## Due Dates - March 11, 2026: Draft review deadline (submit draft for staff feedback) - April 1, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due by 11:59 PM) --- ## Funding Amount - There is **no maximum request amount**; funding is subject to availability. - Applicants may request up to **75% of eligible project expenses**. - A **minimum 25% match** (cash and/or in-kind) is required. - All expenses must be directly related to the public art project and incurred after the board review date. - Equipment purchases (for nonprofit arts organizations and schools only) are capped at $4,999 per project. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Serve Region 7W residents and be located in **Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties, Minnesota**. - Be one of the following: - Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations - Community groups with nonprofit fiscal sponsorship - Schools - Local government entities (city, township, or county) **Not eligible:** - Individuals - For-profit businesses - Organizations with overdue final reports to the Central MN Arts Board --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** Download and read the [FY26 Public Art Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_Public-Art-Grant_Guidelines.pdf) or [Word version](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_Public-Art-Grant_Guidelines.docx). 2. **Register:** Create an account or log in to the [CMAB Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). 3. **Prepare Materials:** - 501(c)(3) determination (or fiscal sponsor agreement and EIN) - Public art designs/mock-ups - Lead artist’s work samples and resume - Documentation of site approval (permits, letters, zoning decisions) - Proposal budget using the provided Excel template 4. **Draft Review (optional):** Submit your draft by March 11, 2026, for staff feedback (email [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org)). 5. **Submit Application:** Complete and submit the full application online by April 1, 2026, 11:59 PM. 6. **Review Process:** Applications are scored on artistic merit, demonstrated need, and organizational ability. Board review occurs May 14, 2026. 7. **Award & Contract:** Awardees must sign a contract within 30 days of notification and acknowledge funding in all publicity. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must begin after the board review date (May 14, 2026) and be completed within 12 months. - Grant cannot fund regular programming, private commissions, or activities with restricted access or admission fees. - Eligible expenses include materials, artist/performer wages, installation costs, and documentation. - Ineligible expenses include administrative salaries, building projects, permits, and research/development. --- ## External Links - [Public Art Grant Program Details](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/public-art/) - [Apply for a Grant](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial Video](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [FY26 Public Art Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_Public-Art-Grant_Guidelines.pdf) - [FY26 Public Art Grant Guidelines (Word)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_Public-Art-Grant_Guidelines.docx) - [Contact Central MN Arts Board](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------|------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------| | Leslie Hanlon | Executive Director| [leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 / 866-825-1471 | | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | General Inquiries | | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 ext.4 | For further assistance, use the [contact form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) or book a virtual office hour [here](https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/8d4accacb62745bea4c86ac40f9f3070@centralmnartsboard.org?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=pcard).

Public Art

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