The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) has launched a grant program bolstering the arts and cultural representation within the Gopher State, thanks to funds from the State of Minnesota 2023-2025 biennial legislation Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (Legacy). A generous pot of $450,000 is earmarked for grants aimed at individuals and organizations keen on celebrating and educating the public about the diverse cultural fabric of Minnesota communities.

As per the announcement made by MHC, applications are welcomed on a rolling basis for the Community Identity & Heritage – Festival Grants, these grants are designed to proliferate music and jazz festivals, cultural gatherings, community events, art installations, and the kind of performances that give life to festivals and events across the state, and there’s up to $50,000 on the table for successful applicants. Funds will stay available until June 30, 2025, or until they’re tapped out.

For those with queries regarding the nuts and bolts of this funding opportunity, MHC has arranged a trio of virtual information sessions where potential applicants can get their questions answered both about the nature of the grants and the technicalities of the application process. Scheduled sessions will be held on October 22 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., on October 25 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., and the last one on October 29 from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., all of which will be accessible via Zoom link posted on the MHC site.

To partake in these sessions or to get more in-depth information about the grant, interested parties are directed to visit the MHC website for comprehensive guidelines and access to application forms, attendees should know that the City of Saint Paul is not sponsoring this opportunity, so all questions and correspondences shall go straight through to the Minnesota Humanities Center officials.