At the October 9, 2025, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded a total of $167,515 in support of twenty-one art projects. Applications are scored by a panel of artists, nonprofit administrators, and members of other community groups. Panel scores are provided to the Board of Directors and used in determining how to allocate funds. Criteria used in evaluating applications include Artistic Merit & Quality, Demonstrated Need & Access, Equity & Collaboration, and Ability & Project Readiness.
Organizations, schools, local government, and community groups may apply for up to $9,000 in support of arts-focused events. Funding for these CMAB Grants is provided through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the state’s general fund, and its Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund created by the Voters of Minnesota.
The following were awarded:
1. 510 Art Lab, $8,064, to support three levels of fabric art classes lead by Ginny Thomas including upgrades to the fabric art department that improve the working environment in Sauk Center, MN.
2. Annandale Care Center, $8,100 for artist Sarah Drake to lead a mural-making project that integrates creativity, skill, and vision into expressions of belonging for Care Center residents in Annandale, MN.
3. Big Lake Schools Community Education, $8,505 in support of the production of a Spring Musical that includes theatre sound and lighting upgrades in Big Lake, MN.
4. Chamber Music Society of St. Cloud, $9,000 in support of Isidore String Quartet concert and community outreach in Spring 2026 at three St. Cloud area location.
5. Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture, $9,000, for the Delano Sculpture Walk and Festival that includes new sculptures, music and an art market held June 2026 in Delano, MN
6. Delano Sesquicentennial, $2,916, in support of the creation of a community mosaic mural with artist LeAnna Wurzer to be installed by the Sesquicentennial Heritage Foot Path near the sculpture garden in Delano, MN.
7. Delano Dramatic Company, $9,000, for the productions of “Tuesdays with Morrie” in December 2025 and “The Music Man” in July in Delano, MN.
8. Elk River High School, $4,265, in support of showcasing teen artists, musicians, dancers, poets, writers, actors and photographers of all abilities for the community in Elk River, MN.
9. Great Northern Theatre Company, $9,000 for the production and performance of “Anastasia: The Musical” December 2025 in Cold Spring, MN.
10. Great River Chorale, $9,000, for the performances of “On This Silent Night” contemporary choral music accompanied by poetry narration December 2025 in St. Joseph and St. Cloud, MN.
11. Great River Educational Arts Theatre, $9,000 to produce and present six performances of “Anon(ymous)” by Naomi Iizuka May 2026 in Waite Park, MN.
12. Minnesota Center Chorale, $7,615, for “The Peace of Wild Things” concert focused on nature preservation March 2026 in Sartell, MN.
13. MontiArts, $9,000 in support of GlowFest community winter parade in collaboration with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater featuring glow in the dark lanterns February 2026 in Monticello, MN.
14. Paramount Center for the Arts, $9,000 for the 2026 Juried High School Arts Exhibition to showcase the creativity and artwork of Central Minnesota youth April 2026 in St. Cloud, MN.
15. Rum River Art Center, $9,000 in support of the Senior Art-Reach programs that bring a variety of visual art mediums to adults 55+ in Elk River, Otsego and St. Michael, MN.
16. St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, $9,000, to present Children’s Holiday Concert and Festival of Frolic and Reflection featuring tenor, Wesley Dunnagan preceded in the lobby with performances by local student musicians December 2025 in St. Cloud, MN.
17. Stearns History Museum, $5,000, in support of free Letterpress print events lead by artist Mary Bruno for community members to explore the history and art of printmaking during 2026 in St. Cloud, MN.
18. STMA Music Boosters, $9,000, in support of Cantus Choral Festival that includes group masterclasses and coaching sessions for choir students culminating in performances with Cantus and local choirs in Spring 2026 in St. Michael, MN.
19. Wirth Center for the Performing Arts, $9,000, to enhance the public performances for the Spring Gala and School of Rock Camp & Concert during 2026 in Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud, MN.
20. Wright County Chamber Chorus, $6,050, to perform the Music of John Rutter, featuring Rutter’s Magnificat with orchestra and guest soloist November 2025 in Buffalo, MN.
21. Youth Chorale of Central MN, $9,000, to present “Jubilate Deo” in collaboration with a 40-piece orchestra and five choral youth ensembles April 2026 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.
**Event dates may change, visit aroundthecloud.org and organization websites for recent updates.