At the September 12, 2024, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $21,000 to area organizations in support of Artist Residencies.
The Artist in Residence (AIR) program is designed to enhance education through the arts with supportive grants to schools and nonprofit organizations. The intention of any residency proposal must be to increase interaction between students, community members and professional artists. Funding for this grant program is provided through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund created by the Voters of Minnesota.

1.  Great River Educational Arts Theatre, $3,500, for GREAT Teaching Artists to conduct Elementary School Musical-in-a-Week Theatre Residencies for 5th grade students at St. Cloud District 742 Elementary Schools during the 2024-2025 year.
2.  MontiArts, $3,500, for musician Ketan Kulkarni to conduct “How to Play In Bands” workshop series designed for young musicians aged 15 to 18. Selected participants from the workshop will have the opportunity to play at a local public venue in Monticello, Mn.
3.  Stride Academy Charter School, $3,500, for artist Tracy Rittmueller to conduct “Discovering Voices: Poetry Writing” residency for 7th Graders during the 2024-2025 year in St. Cloud, MN.
4.  St. Cloud Technical High School, $3,500, to support a ceramics residency with artist Desi Murphy who will teach 3D art students the history of Modern Minimalist Art and hand building skills that will conclude with an art installation exploring the concept of how individual uniqueness creates a strong community during the 2024-2025 year in St. Cloud, MN.
5.  St. Michael-Albertville High School, $3,500, in support of Aaron Presusse, a fight director and certified teacher, to conduct Professional Stage Combat Residency with 9th-12th grade students performing in Three Musketeers in Spring 2025.
6.  Talahi Community School, $3,500, for artist Susan Armington to conduct a residency with kindergarten students who will use drawing and collage to create art pieces for a Special Art Project in a Box presented to fellow students during the 2024-2025 year in St. Cloud., MN.

The Central Minnesota Arts Board supports collaborative and innovative arts opportunities through partnerships and financial investments in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties. The CMAB is 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.

For more information about the Central MN Arts Board programs visit www.centralmnartsboard.org or call the office at 320-968-4290 or toll free at 1-866-825-1471.