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

March 11, 2026 (Draft Review Deadline) | April 1, 2026 (Full Application Submission Deadline)

No maximum request; typical awards require at least 25% matching funds from applicant.

Supports the creation of impactful public art projects in Central Minnesota, funding a broad range of art forms in public spaces.

Applicants must serve and be located in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties, MN.

--- ## Description The Public Art program, administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board with funding from the McKnight Foundation, provides financial support for the creation of art intended for public experience in shared spaces. Supported projects can include visual, performing, literary, or media arts and may be temporary or permanent installations. The program emphasizes projects that are distinct from an organization’s regular programming and require that temporary works be impactful and documented for at least a year after completion. The goal is to foster community engagement, enhance regional identity, and connect local artists with broader audiences. --- ## Due Dates - **March 11, 2026:** Draft Review Deadline (last day to submit drafts for staff review) - **April 1, 2026:** Full Application Submission Deadline (applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm) All activities described in the proposal must begin after the board review date (May 14, 2026) and be completed within 12 months of the board review date. --- ## Funding Amount - **No maximum request amount.** - **Financial match required:** Applicants must provide matching revenue of at least 25% of the total project cost. - Awards are subject to available funding and the strength of the proposal. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Serve residents of Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties in Minnesota) - Be one of the following: - Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations - Community groups with nonprofit fiscal sponsorship - Schools - Local government entities (city, township, county) **Not eligible:** - Individuals - For-profit businesses - Organizations with overdue final reports for prior CMAB grants --- ## 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). 2. **Draft Review (Optional):** Submit your draft application by March 11, 2026 for staff feedback. 3. **Prepare Materials:** Required materials include: - 501(c)(3) determination or fiscal sponsor agreement (if applicable) - Public art designs/mock-ups - Lead artist(s) work samples and resume - Documentation of site approval (permits, letters, etc.) - Detailed proposal budget (use the provided Excel template) 4. **Submit Application:** Complete and submit the application online by April 1, 2026, 11:59 pm. [Apply for a Grant](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) 5. **Board Review:** Applications are reviewed by the CMAB Board on May 14, 2026. Funded activities must start after this date and be completed within 12 months. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be openly accessible to the public without security or cost restrictions. - Ineligible expenses include private commissions, ongoing programming, activities not primarily focused on the arts, building projects, and research/development for art projects. - Grant requests cannot exceed 75% of eligible expenses. - Applications are scored based on artistic merit, demonstrated need, and organizational ability. - A final report is required within 60 days of project completion. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/public-art/) - [Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [FY26 Public Art Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_Public-Art-Grant_Guidelines.pdf) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Contact Central MN Arts Board](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------| | Central MN Arts Board | General Inquiries | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 / 1-866-825-1471 | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | | For one-on-one assistance, you can [book a virtual session](https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/8d4accacb62745bea4c86ac40f9f3070@centralmnartsboard.org?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=pcard) with the Program Officer. ---

Public Art

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