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

March 11, 2026 (Draft Review) | April 1, 2026 (Application) | May 14, 2026 (Board Review)

No maximum request; 25% match required; typical project period up to 12 months.

Supports permanent or temporary public art projects in Central MN (Region 7W) that are free and accessible, enriching community spaces.

--- ## Description The Public Art Grant, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB), offers support for the creation and installation of permanent or temporary public art projects in Minnesota’s Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties). Projects must be accessible to the public at no cost, with temporary projects requiring significant public impact and lasting documentation. The program seeks to foster community engagement and enhance regional identity through the arts. --- ## Due Dates - **Draft Review Deadline (anticipated):** March 2026 Applicants may request a draft review by email at least two weeks before the application deadline. - **Application Deadline (anticipated):** April 2026 Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on the deadline date. - **Board Review Date (anticipated):** May 2026 Final funding decisions are made at the May board meeting. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Size:** No maximum request amount; funds are limited and competitive. - **Matching Requirement:** Minimum 25% financial match (cash and/or in-kind). - **Project Period:** Activities must be completed within 12 months of approval. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Serve residents of Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties, MN). - Be one of the following: - Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations - Community groups with nonprofit fiscal sponsorship - Nonprofit organizations not primarily focused on the arts - Schools - Local government entities (city, township, or county) **Not eligible:** - Individuals - For-profit businesses - Applicants with overdue final reports to CMAB --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** Download the [latest guidelines](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY25_Public-Art-Grant_Guidelines.docx) and prepare your application materials. 2. **Draft Review (optional):** Email [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) to request a draft review at least two weeks before the application deadline. 3. **Prepare Materials:** - Project description and narrative (written, audio, or video) - Public art designs/mock-ups - Lead artist work samples and resume - Documentation of site approval - Completed budget (Excel template provided) - Fiscal sponsorship agreement (if applicable) 4. **Submit Online:** Apply via the [CMAB Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). 5. **Review Process:** Applications are scored on Artistic Merit & Quality, Demonstrated Need, and Ability. Funding decisions require an average score of 15/30 or higher. 6. **Notification and Contract:** Awardees must sign a contract within 30 days of notification and submit a signed artist agreement. For a step-by-step overview, watch the [New Applicant Tutorial](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz). --- ## Eligibility and Project Criteria **Eligible Projects:** - Permanent or temporary public art (murals, sculpture, installations, performances, soundscapes, etc.) - Projects must be free and openly accessible to the public - Documentation is required for temporary works **Ineligible Projects/Expenses:** - Private commissions or events part of regular programming - Projects not primarily focused on the arts - Activities for religious socialization or legislative influence - Building construction, land purchase, or site permit fees - Administrative costs outside the project scope - Admission-charging events - Research and development (apply to other CMAB programs for R&D) --- ## Additional Information - **Accessibility:** Alternative formats (Braille, large print, audio) and language interpretation available upon request. - **Final Reporting:** Grantees must submit a final report within 60 days of project completion. - **Acknowledgement:** Grantees must credit CMAB funding in all promotional materials. - **Appeals:** Denied applicants may appeal on procedural grounds only. --- ## External Links - [Public Art Grant Program Details](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-others/public-art/) - [CMAB Grants Portal (Apply Here)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Guidelines (DOCX)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY25_Public-Art-Grant_Guidelines.docx) - [Budget Template (XLSX)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY25_PublicArtBudget_template.xlsx) - [Sample Fiscal Sponsor Agreement](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SAMPLE_Fiscal_Sponsor_Agreement.pdf) - [New Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund](https://www.legacy.mn.gov/arts-cultural-heritage-fund) - [CMAB Grants Calendar](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/calendar/) - [Newsletter Sign-Up](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/enews-sign-up/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) | 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](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard) | | | Melissa Marudas, Content Manager | [melissa@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:melissa@centralmnartsboard.org) | | For accessibility accommodations or other support, call 320-968-4290 or use the [contact form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/). ---

Public Art Grant - McKnight Foundation

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