Cultural Expression

This pilot program supports activities that share, explore, pass on, express, or celebrate culture through the arts. Culture may be defined by a 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 could 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.

Program overview and application instructions

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

Application deadline

June 16, 2023, before 4:30 p.m.

When will funds be awarded?

Grant awards will be approved at the December 2023 board meeting. The grant period for these awards will be February 2024 to January 2025; all funded activities must take place within the grant period.

Who can apply?

Both individuals and organizations are eligible to apply. The applicant must be:

An individual

• An artist working in dance, media arts, music, photography, poetry, prose, theater, or two-and three-dimensional visual art; or
• A culture bearer who has been trained by traditional elders or master artists and whose artistic practice is reflective of the cultural life of a community; or

An organization

• A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts organization; or
• A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonarts organization that regularly offers arts programming as an integral part of its mission; or
• A unit of state, local, or tribal government, or a public school; 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

An individual may submit an application in only one of the following programs in FY 2024: Creative Individuals, Arts Experiences, Arts Education, or Cultural Expression.

An organization may submit an application in only one of the following programs in FY 2024: Arts Experiences, Arts Education, Cultural Expression.

Additional eligibility requirements will be included in the FY 2024 Cultural Expresssion Program Overview and Application Instructions. Please review all eligibility requirements carefully before beginning an application.

Grant range

Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000. No cash match is required.

Resources for applicants

Information Session
Cultural Expression: Virtual Information Session
Recording | Download PowerPoint

FAQ
FY 2024 Cultural Expression: Frequently Asked Questions

FY 2024 Grant Programs Overview
On March 22 and 23, 2023, the Arts Board hosted two virtual sessions giving a high-level overview of the grant programs offered for organizations and individuals in fiscal year 2024. Potential applicants may wish to review the recording of either of these sessions 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 Cultural Expression grant program for potential applicants.

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

If you have questions or need assistance
If you have questions about the content of the application form or narrative, please contact:
Jamie Marshall or Rina Rossi, program officers
CulturalExpression@arts.state.mn.us
(651) 539-2671

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.