Accessible Arts

People with disabilities face significant barriers to the arts as creators, participants, and attendees. This pilot program will offer project grants to increase the capacity of the arts sector to make arts experiences more accessible. Funds will be used for investments that will have a longer-term impact on the applicant, such as professional development related to accessibility (i.e., staff or volunteer training, etc.), hiring accessibility consultants to conduct accessibility audits and/or develop accessibility plans, etc. Funds may also be used for small physical or equipment investments (costing less than $5,000) that will make programming more accessible (i.e. assisted listening, captioning equipment, grab bars, etc.).

Program overview and application instructions

FY 2024 Accessible Arts Program Overview and Application Instructions—All applicants should read this document thoroughly before beginning online application.

Application deadline

June 30, 2023, before 4:30 p.m.

When will funds be awarded?

Grant awards will be approved at the January 2024 board meeting. The grant period for these awards will be March 2024 to February 2025; all funded activities must take place within the grant period.

Who can apply?

Additional eligibility requirements are included in the FY 2024 Accessible Arts Program Overview and Application Instructions. Please review all eligibility requirements carefully before beginning an application.

Grant range

Applicants may request between $10,000 - $20,000. No cash match is required.

Resources for applicants

Information Session
Accessible Arts: Virtual Information Session
Recording | Download PowerPoint

FAQ
FY 2024 Accessible Arts: Frequently Asked Questions

FY 2024 Grant Programs Overview
The Arts Board hosted a virtual session giving a high-level overview of the grant programs offered for organizations in fiscal year 2024. Potential applicants may wish to review the recording of this session to help determine which is the best fit for their work. Note that the program specific information session linked above will provide a more in-depth understanding of the Accessible Arts grant program for potential applicants.

FY 2024 Grant Programs Overview for Organizations – Recording | Download PowerPoint

If you have questions about the technical aspects of the online application form, or about how to submit the online forms, please send an e-mail message to:
Apply.Arts@state.mn.us

For accessibility inquiries or accommodation requests, please contact:
Annick Dall-Desbois, outreach and accessibility coordinator
Annick.Dall-Desbois@arts.state.mn.us
(651) 539-2651

All staff can be reached toll-free at (800) 866-2787 or via Minnesota Relay 711.

How to apply

Application method—All applicants are required to use the WebGrants system to apply and will submit all materials electronically. Registration is required of all applicants before beginning an application to any Arts Board program. It is only necessary to register once.