At the April 10, 2025, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $32,900 in Arts Access Grant to area organizations.
The Arts Access Grant program provides up to $5,000 in funding to cultural community groups and nonprofit organizations in support of arts-focused activities that increase Minnesotan’s access to the arts and celebrate diverse cultural expression. Funding for this grant program is provided through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund created by the Voters of Minnesota.
1. Avon Hills Folk School, $5,000, to provide space and support Somali and community members to explore Somali song, dance, literature and culture through a public event in July 2025 at Avon Hills Folk School in Avon, MN.
2. Great River Educational Arts Theatre, $5,000, to offer no cost Theatre Drama Workshops at partner organizations for underserved youth in central Minnesota.
3. Higher Ground Church of God in Christ, $5,000, to support dance, music and children’s arts activities during 29th Annual Juneteenth Celebration held in June 2025 at Lake George Municipal Complex and Park in St. Cloud, MN.
4. Internal Housing Assistant, $5,000, to support music, dance, poetry, storytelling, paintings and hand-crafted exhibits during Somali Week and Somali Independence Day held July 2025 at Lake George Municipal Complex and Park in St. Cloud, MN.
5. Paramount Center for the Arts, $3,500, for artist Terrell X’avion to teach music workshops at three partner facilities that serve unhoused youth during summer 2025 in St. Cloud, MN.
6. SOAR Regional Arts, $4,400, for SOAR Academy youth workshops focused on marine life and conservation led by the MN Department of Natural Resources and Sea Life staff in conjunction with the production of “SpongeBob the Musical” held in winter 2026 at St. Michael Town Center in St. Michael, MN.
7. St. Cloud Area Senior Fun Singers, $5,000, for performances that include music, music history and comedy for communities of older adults in nursing homes, apartments, churches, senior centers and memory care units in the four-county area from May 2025 – September 2026.
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.