Legacy Amendment grants fuel arts in Wright County

When the curtain rises on a community production or a performing arts center fills with applause around Wright County, there’s a good chance the show was at least partly funded by the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB). As the regional arts council for Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties, CMAB’s grants are doing more than underwriting events, they’re helping sustain volunteer-run organizations, expand arts education, bring new audiences to the arts, and keep creative opportunities local.   

Established in 1979, CMAB’s mission is to enhance appreciation of the essential economic and social roles the arts play by providing grants and professional development services to arts and community organizations, schools, local governments, and individuals. 

Legacy Amendment

In 2008, Minnesota voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The purpose of the amendment is multiple, including protection of natural resources, supporting parks and trails, and preserving arts and cultural heritage.

The Legacy Amendment increased the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent which began July 1, 2009, and will continue through until 2034. The additional sales tax revenue is distributed into four funds, 33 percent to clean water, 33 percent to outdoor heritage, 19.75 percent to arts and cultural heritage, and 14.25 percent to parks and trails. Available funding is tied to economic outcomes based on current sales tax revenue during a given period.

CMAB has been entrusted to allocate grant funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund to local organizations who apply. Grants and community arts support programs provide direct funding for productions, festivals, education programs, and operational support. Grant amounts vary based on the program criteria for eligible projects. For groups that rely on volunteers and small staffs, a single grant cycle can make a season possible. 

“Our funding from biennium-to-biennium is dependent on and tied to how the economy is doing in Minnesota,” stated CMAB Executive Director Leslie Hanlon. “We did have a small reduction in our budget for this year due to an error in how the State had been distributing funds for the last 15 years. They found the error and corrected it all in one year, so our budget was reduced by about $150,000 this year, which affected everyone who receives legacy funds. Next year, our budget will go back up because the correction has been made. Our budget does fluctuate from biennium-to-biennium, but generally it has continued to grow.”

Grant Programs

CMAB offers 12 different grant programs aimed to support individuals, organizations, students, and teachers of the arts. Funding helps in many ways – purchasing materials, performance rights for musicals, plays, and concerts, along with increased outreach and accessibility. 

The Project Grant program, CMAB’s largest, receives the most applications, providing up to $9,000 to be used to fund productions and programs.

Public art grants have funded murals, sculptures, and mosaic art across the region.

The Artist in Residence program provides funds up to $3,500 and has helped to support area non-profit organizations such as WACOSA and Anna Marie’s Alliance in St. Cloud. “We believe that the arts should be everywhere,” stated Hanlon.

Evaluation Process

Grants are awarded by program and reviewed by a board panel with some applications reviewed and scored by a panel of volunteers due to the volume of submissions. 

“We assign the applications about three weeks ahead of meeting, after applications are reviewed, the panel comes together to discuss them. Applications are not compared to each other, they are reviewed individually based on merit and how well each application responded to specific criteria,” said Hanlon. 

“Applications reviewed by an external panel made up of volunteers brings in a host of new thoughts and new individuals. We see new applicants every year, and we try very hard to reach new applicants. Last year, we received 244 grant applications. ” 

Those interested in serving as a panel reviewer can learn more and apply on the CMAB website at: www.centralmnarts board.org/opportunities.

Impact

Legacy Amendment funding is having a major impact on arts activity, not only in Wright County, but across Minnesota. 

“The Legacy Amendment has had an incredible impact in our state, not just in arts and culture, but also in other areas such as parks and trails,” shared Hanlon. “The amount of grants that we’ve been able to give out has grown since Legacy. In terms of arts funding, the Legacy Amendment makes Minnesota first in the country for per capita arts funding. It’s had an incredible impact, helping organizations like the Buffalo Community Theater, Buffalo Community Orchestra, SOAR in St. Michael, to keep ticket prices low, try new things, invest in equipment, along with organizational development.” 

Enriching Community

Legacy Amendment funding helps small organizations think bigger and serve broader audiences. For Wright County arts groups, grant funding equates to more ambitious performance seasons, stronger arts education offerings, and expanded public access to the arts. 

For citizens who value local culture — Legacy grants translate into high-quality performances, productions, and places that enrich everyday life for area residents.