The City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department announces a new funding initiative this week to boost the cultural identity and creative capacity of the city’s diverse arts communities. The Cultural Districts Arts Fund will support arts advocacy and community-building opportunities for local artists, creative entrepreneurs and arts organizations through a series of financial awards.

“Minneapolis is home to a diverse and flourishing arts community—it’s an indelible part of our identity,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “The Cultural Districts Arts Fund will allow us to work collaboratively with local artists to support their work, bring new art to Minneapolis, and bolster creativity. Not only is this fund an investment in our economy, but it’s also an investment in the future of our city and those who live, work, and create here. Thank you to our incredible Arts Department for continuing to make Minneapolis a more inclusive and vibrant city for all to enjoy.”

The Cultural Districts Arts Fund is available in the seven designated Cultural Districts across Minneapolis: 38th Street, Cedar Avenue South, Central Avenue, East Lake Street, Franklin Avenue East, Lowry Avenue North and West Broadway. The fund supports three distinct programs:

• The Cultural District Ambassador Program provides one award per district of $15,000 for a 12-month term. Ambassadors will be charged with leading district efforts and use the award money for any related expenses.
• The Pop-Up Art & Culture Activations Program offers up to five awards per district, each amounting to $5,000 for a 12-month term.
• The Festivals & Cultural Spaces Activation Program grants three or more awards per district, each worth up to $16,700 for a 12-month term.

This new initiative aligns with the cultural districts policy found in the Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan. It will empower community-based ambassadors, support temporary arts activations, and bolster cultural festivals, events and spaces, all with the goal of building a more inclusive, vibrant, and equitable future for Minneapolis.

“We are a symbol of creativity throughout the State of Minnesota, so we are confident that these programs will supercharge and spark new creative ideas, narratives, energy and ambition throughout our community,” said Director of Arts & Cultural Affairs Ben Johnson.

Applications for the Cultural District Art Fund’s three programs are open to all Minnesota artists and arts and culture organizations, with preference given to those residing or based in Minneapolis. Applicants from all disciplines, including visual, performing, literary, media, culinary, digital and public arts, as well as design, craft and non-traditional mediums, are encouraged to apply. 

Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. CST July 26. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. A panel consisting of Arts & Cultural Affairs staff, local artists and arts administrators will evaluate applications in early August and notify winners a few weeks later.

Arts & Cultural Affairs staff will host an online information session for interested applicants June 28.

Apply or learn more about the fund or the June 28 information session on the City website.