Arts & Culture Commission Meeting Date: June 10th, 2024
To: Commission Members
From: Natalie Draper, Library Director
Title
Minnesota State Arts Board: Cultural Expression Grant Application
Body
Action Requested:
The Arts and Culture Commission discuss Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) Cultural Expression Grant Application.
Summary Report:
Among the responsibilities of the Arts and Culture Commission listed in ordinance no. 1022 are to “foster inclusive and cross-cultural activities to help build community as Northfield continues to become more diverse” and to “leverage individual, corporate, foundation and city funding for arts and cultural activities”. With this in mind, the ACC may submit a grant application in support of the 7th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration, organized by the Library and City of Northfield for a grant amount that is to be determined but shall not exceed $25,000.
The Cultural Expression grant offered by the MSAB is a pilot program that supports activities that share, explore, pass on, express, or celebrate culture through the arts. Culture in this usage is defined by common ethnicity, tribal affiliation, geographic or regional identity, occupation, language, or recreation. Traditional and contemporary forms of cultural expression may be funded in this program. Funds can be used to support practicing a cultural art form; presenting cultural festivals, community celebrations, performances, media or exhibitions; offering demonstrations, etc. Funds could also be used to deepen or pass on cultural traditions through apprenticeships or documentation.
The MSAB Cultural Expression grant would be used to fund music, dance, and interactive performances at the annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Central Park in Northfield, Minnesota. This has been a well-loved event with a progressively higher attendance record every year.
Alternative Options:
There is no direct local cost for the grant so we are not recommending alternate approval.
Financial Impacts:
Eligible organizations may request up to $35,000 dollars, with a minimum request of $5,000.
Eligible Applicants
• A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts organization; or
• A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-arts organization that regularly offers arts programming as an integral part of its mission; or
• A unit of state, local, or tribal government; or
• An arts affiliate of a nonprofit organization or public entity; or
• An arts group without 501(c)(3) status applying with a Minnesota tax-exempt or public fiscal sponsor
Local Match Requirement
No matching funds are required.
Tentative Timelines:
July 12, 2024 Completed applications due.
February 2025 Anticipated date of grantee announcement.
March 2025 Earliest Start Date for Proposed Project