Let’s Do This Together!
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. Here are several ways you can gain from such a role:
Direct Community Impact:
By joining the ECRAC team, individuals help shape the programs, exhibitions, and grant opportunities that directly support local artists and cultural initiatives. Board members and grant reviewers have a hand in determining priorities and strategies that enrich our community’s cultural landscape. This means influencing how and where arts funding is allocated, ensuring that local art becomes accessible to diverse groups, and ultimately fostering a more vibrant and inclusive regional arts scene. This kind of civic engagement benefits board members by allowing them to see tangible improvements in their community and builds a legacy of cultural support.
Leadership and Professional Growth:
ECRAC service offers an excellent opportunity for personal development. Members and grant reviewers gain hands-on experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, grantmaking, and collaborative decision-making. These skills are highly transferable, enhancing leadership credentials and professional networks. The role provides exposure to best practices in arts administration, financial stewardship, and organizational strategy, all of which can be applied in various professional and civic contexts.
Networking and Relationship Building:
Serving on the board or as a grant reviewer connects individuals with fellow community leaders—including local artists, educators, business professionals, and civic officials. Such connections can lead to collaborative projects, increased community visibility, and even career-enhancing relationships. Over time, this network can provide a substantial support system, filled with people who share a passion for advancing local culture and civic life.
Cultural Enrichment and Personal Fulfillment:
For many, the arts are a source of personal inspiration and joy. As a board member or grant reviewer, one has the unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a multitude of artistic expressions and initiatives. This exposure not only enriches one’s personal life but also elevates the quality of programming available to our communities and the entire Region. Watching arts thrive under one’s guidance creates a deep sense of fulfillment and belonging.
Advocacy and Civic Influence:
Board members and grant reviewers often serve as ambassadors for the arts, advocating for policies and public support that recognize the transformative power of culture. This advocacy role can extend beyond managing grants and planning events—it can influence public opinion and local government decisions, ensuring that the arts remain a priority in regional development strategies.
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 submit the same information to director@ecrac.org
In sum, 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 one’s community.
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.
East Central Regional Arts Council volunteer.
ECRAC Gallery & Office Contruction Nearing Completion!
We’re excited to share that our building construction is nearing completion! During this final phase, access to our office remains limited. We’ll continue to share updates as we learn more about the project’s expected finish date. ECRAC staff remain available throughout the construction period. For assistance, email grantinfo@ecrac.org or director@ecrac.org. You can also call 320-336-0200—please leave a voicemail, and someone will get back to you.
