At the May 14, 2026, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded a total of $57,892 in support of Public Art Grants. The CMAB Public Art program provides funds for the completion of well-planned works of public art that are accessible to the public and supported by the community. An organization must provide a minimum of 25% in matching funds. Funding for the Public Art Grant program is made possible by the Minnesota’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The following were awarded:
1. City of Howard Lake, $23,900, for Joe Schleif to custom-design fabricated-steel wave panels for installation in the railings along a downtown corridor pedestrian path that leads to the historic City Hall.
2. Melrose Area Arts Council, $8,792, for artist Justine Meyer to create a mural installation overlooking Sauk River Park that represents the historical journey of Melrose.
3. Sauk Rapids Rice High School, $15,000, for artist Desi Murphy to create a large-scale suspended installation of green and yellow glass panels arranged in a dynamic, cyclone-like formation at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.
4. St. Cloud Arts Commission, $10,200, for utility boxes wraps designed from original artwork submitted by area artists to be installed on existing utility boxes located around downtown St. Cloud.

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.