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

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

No maximum request; funds are limited. Grant request cannot exceed 75% of eligible project expenses; at least 25% match required.

Supports the creation of impactful, accessible public art in Central Minnesota for broad community engagement.

Applicants must serve Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties in Minnesota.

--- ## Description The Public Art program, administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board with support from the McKnight Foundation, funds the creation of art intended for public engagement and experience in public spaces or settings. Projects may be visual, performing, literary, or media arts, and may be either temporary or permanent installations. The program emphasizes that funded activities must be distinct from an organization’s ongoing or regular programming. Temporary projects must remain accessible to the public through documentation for at least one year after completion. --- ## Due Dates - March 11, 2026: Deadline to request and receive a draft review of your application - April 1, 2026: Full application submission deadline (by 11:59 pm) --- ## Funding Amount - There is **no maximum request amount**; however, funds are limited and competitive. - Applicants may request up to **75% of eligible project expenses**; a **minimum 25% financial match** is required. - Eligible expenses include artist fees, materials, installation, documentation, and more (see guidelines for full details). --- ## Eligibility - **Geographic:** Applicants must serve residents of and be located within Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties (Region 7W), Minnesota. - **Applicant Types:** - 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, or organizations with overdue final reports to CMAB. - **Project Requirements:** Public art must be accessible without security or cost restrictions and must not be part of regular/ongoing programming. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** Download and review the [program guidelines](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_Public-Art-Grant_Guidelines.pdf). 2. **Draft Review (Optional):** Request a draft review by emailing media@centralmnartsboard.org at least two weeks before the deadline (by March 11, 2026). 3. **Prepare Application:** Gather required materials (see guidelines for details): - Proof of nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship agreement (if applicable) - Public art designs/mock-ups - Lead artist(s) resume and work samples - Documentation of site approval (permits, letters, zoning decisions) - Budget (using [Excel template](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_PublicArtBudget_template.xlsx)) 4. **Submit Application:** Complete and submit the application online via the [CMAB Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) by April 1, 2026, 11:59 pm. 5. **Review Process:** Applications are reviewed by the CMAB Board or a panel; awards are based on artistic merit, demonstrated need, and organizational ability. --- ## Additional Information - **Matching Funds:** At least 25% of total project costs must be provided from non-CMAB sources (cash or in-kind; see guidelines for details). - **Project Timeline:** Activities must begin after the board review date (May 14, 2026) and be completed within 12 months. - **Ineligible Expenses:** Research/development, regular programming, new building projects, certain administrative costs, and activities with admission fees are not eligible. - **Accessibility:** The CMAB will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with accessibility needs. - **Final Report:** Grantees must submit a final report within 60 days of project completion. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/public-art/) - [Download Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_Public-Art-Grant_Guidelines.pdf) - [Applicant Tutorial (Video)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [CMAB Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Budget Template (Excel)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_PublicArtBudget_template.xlsx) - [Central MN Arts Board Contact Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |----------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------| | General Inquiries | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 / 1-866-825-1471 | | Leslie Hanlon, Executive Director | [leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | Kaitlin Pohland, Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | Su Legatt, Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | | For technical or portal assistance, use the [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) or call during business hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm). ---

Public Art

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