The latest regional arts news for you!
March 1st Applications Are Open
The following arts funding is available to artists and K-12 students located in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine Counties, including the sovereign Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands:
Essential Artist Award. This $9,000 Essential Artist Award program is designed to recognize, reward, and encourage outstanding professional artists and culture bearers. The Council will fund artists and culture bearers at various stages in their professional careers. These Essential Artist Awards will allow artists and culture bearers to set aside time to work, purchase supplies and materials, undertake advanced study (not related to a degree) or to pursue other artistic career goals.
K-12 Student Art Scholarship. This up to $599 arts scholarship funding is for special arts learning projects or programs for kids. The program provides at least one student award annually, based upon a review of submitted applications. Applications must be for a specific art project that will advance the skills of the student in their art form. The Arts Council is interested in funding projects such as training with a mentor or summer art programs such as music lessons or art camps. All young artists in kindergarten through 12th grade who strive to improve their artistic abilities can apply.
Applications must be submitted by March 2nd, 2026, no later than 11:59 PM. To apply, visit www.ecrac.org. You may also reach out to ECRAC's Grant Program Officer at grantinfo@ecrac.org, or 320-336-0200.
Please note the that works of art highlighted in the header above are part of the East Central Regional Arts Council's permanent artwork collection. For more information on the artwork or the artists please email info@ecrac.org
Join us for Arts Advocacy Day 2026!
Arts Advocacy Day at the Minnesota Capitol is just a couple weeks away (March 3rd), and the decisions being made now will shape arts funding for years to come.
Lawmakers need to see and hear from the people who care about creativity, culture, economic impact, and strong communities. Every voice matters, and turnout makes the difference. Don’t sit this one out. Join us at the Capitol and help secure the future of the arts in Minnesota.
Arts Advocacy Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with the Capitol Rotunda Rally: from10–11 AM and Legislative Meetings: 11 AM–3 PM. Click the blue button above to register.
Want to help ECRAC make decisions?
Serving as a board member or grant application reviewer with the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) offers a wealth of benefits, not only to you but also to the broader community.
It’s a chance to:
- Learn more about how public arts funding works
- Strengthen your skills in evaluation and decision making
- Connect with others who care about the arts in Minnesota
- Receive a $55 stipend for each grant review and meeting
The time commitment is approximately 5-8 hours a month and includes:
- A live virtual onboarding training with ECRAC staff
- Independent reviews and scoring of art grant applications
- Participation in evening virtual public meetings
What you will need:
- To be a resident, for at least 6 months, in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs or Pine in east central Minnesota
- Internet access and the ability to join via Zoom
- A pdf of your artistic and/or your work + volunteering résumé
- Completion of this online form or contact director@ecrac.org
Joining the team of the East Central Regional Arts Council allows members of the public to actively contribute to shaping the future of local arts, while gaining valuable skills, building influential networks, and enjoying the personal satisfaction that comes from making a difference in our region.
We welcome Region 7E residents with experience (or a desire to build experience) in the arts, nonprofit organizations, education, community programs, or related fields. You are matched with a grant review or board committee based on your background and interests.
Apply now to serve as an East Central Regional Arts Council volunteer.