At the March 12, 2026, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $10,000 in Arts Access Grants to area organizations.

The Arts Access Grant program provides up to $5,000 in funding to cultural community groups and nonprofit organizations for events and activities that engage underserved audiences and increase access to arts and cultural expression. Funding for this program is made possible by the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The following organizations were awarded:
• Lyricality, $5,000, to support a writing workshop led by Dralandra Larkins for local Black/African American writers focused on generating new work to be presented during Juneteenth 2026 at Lake George in St. Cloud, MN.
• Holdingford American Legion, $5,000, in support of eight concerts featuring Olde Tyme and traditional country music and folk-dance performances April through December 2026 at the Holdingford American Legion in Holdingford, MN.

The Central Minnesota Arts Board supports collaborative and innovative arts opportunities through partnerships and financial investments in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties as one of eleven Regional Arts Councils designated by the Minnesota State Arts Board working with community partners to increase access to the unique cultural assets of Minnesota.