Arts Learning Grant Program

Grants to Minnesota nonprofit organizations, public entities, government agencies, and individuals for projects that promote participatory artistic experiences in a range of genres and forms. Funding is intended for projects that enable lifelong learners to acquire knowledge, understanding, and skills in the arts.

For the purpose of this program, arts learning happens when participants are engaged in creating, performing, and/or responding to art in a disciplined and intentional way with a teaching artist.  Arts learning is most effective as a sequential, in-depth process which may include imaginative thinking, problem-solving, goal setting, and teamwork. Quality arts learning experiences should lead to an increased understanding of the role that the arts play in daily life, improvements in communication skills, and a greater capacity for critical response. This is a competitive project grant program. Applicants are encouraged to use project grants strategically to enhance or expand service to Minnesotans, rather than expecting continued funding for the same activities year after year.

Projects must be designed to incorporate and achieve at least one or more of the following:

• Create: Arts learners study works of art, acquire skills related to practicing the art form, understand the context of the art form guided by teaching artist(s), and build appreciation for the technical and/or aesthetic qualities of the art form. Study should include the acquisition of skills relevant to practicing the art form.
• Perform: Lessons include an opportunity for arts learners to share their work either through presentations or explanations of their artwork.
  
• Respond: Arts learners are asked during the arts learning experience to describe, interpret, and evaluate their own artwork and that of others. Lessons include questions to guide arts learners in reflecting on the work.
  

Arts Learning funds may be used for purposes such as:

• New and/or expanded arts learning programming
• Residencies in K-12 schools, summer intensives, and after-school programs
• Activities that engage arts learners over an extended period of time to increase proficiency in and understanding of an arts discipline, genre, or form
• Opportunities presented in community venues
• One-time, multiple, or yearlong learning activities
• New ways to integrate arts learning with learning in other subjects
• Professional development opportunities that increase the knowledge and skills of artists, program providers, and others who work in arts learning, so long as this is not the primary activity of the project

Arts Learning Program Outcomes: 

The goal of the Arts Learning program is to ensure that all Minnesotans have opportunities to understand, develop, and experience the power of creative expression for themselves. Proposed projects must address at least one of the following program outcomes:

• Minnesotans develop skills and habits related to creativity and self-expression
• Minnesotans develop skills in or expand their knowledge about an artistic discipline
• Minnesotans’ arts learning experiences shape how they engage with the world around them

Applicant Project Outcomes

Every project must have measurable outcomes. Grantees will be expected to evaluate their activities and be able to demonstrate measurable achievements related to outcomes.