Small Arts Project Grants

The Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council (PLRAC) is offering Small Arts Project Grants to support arts organizations directly involved in art creation, artistic performance production, or the sponsorship of quality arts activities in local communities, particularly those with smaller budgets. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster artistic expression and cultural engagement within the Prairie Lakes region by providing crucial financial support to local arts groups. The grant's focus on diverse artistic disciplines and activities demonstrates a commitment to enriching community life through a wide array of artistic experiences. The target beneficiaries are non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) arts organizations, non-profit community groups, public organizations, or units of government that produce or sponsor arts activities within the designated counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan in Minnesota. Additionally, arts groups formed as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) with a not-for-profit intent may be eligible with a fiscal sponsor. The program specifically aims to impact underserved communities, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), People with Disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Senior Citizens, by offering enhanced funding opportunities for projects benefiting these groups. The program prioritizes a broad range of artistic disciplines, including dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual art, folk, and traditional art. Eligible activities are varied, encompassing art and music festivals, community choirs, dance performances, literary readings, instrumental and vocal music concerts, public art projects, theater productions, and visual art classes and exhibitions. The grants are designed to support both ongoing programs, whether in-person or virtual, and encourage the development of new and innovative activities or enhancements to existing events. This wide scope reflects the PLRAC's strategic priority to support a vibrant and diverse arts ecosystem. Expected outcomes include an increase in accessible and high-quality arts programming within the Prairie Lakes region, particularly in communities that may have limited resources. Measurable results could include the number of artistic performances and exhibitions produced, the number of community members engaged in arts activities, and the specific impact on underserved populations through targeted projects. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial resources to local arts organizations, it can stimulate artistic creation and participation, thereby strengthening community identity and well-being through cultural enrichment. Small Arts Project Grants generally range from $500 to $2,500. However, projects specifically benefiting underserved communities can apply for up to $4,000, underscoring the PLRAC's commitment to equity and inclusion in the arts. Eligible expenses may include artist fees, artist expenses, publicity, rental fees, salaries, and supplies. The grant period for projects falls between July 1, 2024, and April 1, 2025, with applications due by March 1, 2025. This structured approach ensures that funds are allocated effectively to support art projects that contribute to the foundation's overall strategic goals.