To our readers,

We hope this message finds you well as the New Year approaches. Today's newsletter highlights some of the East Central Regional Arts Councils (ECRAC) most consequential and inspiring arts activities sponsored in 2023.  Throughout the year, our commitment is to bring you resources for and from the arts community. This can often be overlooked but we feel the arts are important to understanding the diverse and evolving landscape of our Region and how art impacts our quality of life here. 

Entry Deadline

Noon on October 31, 2023

Tuesday October 31'st No

October 1st Applications are Now Open!

The East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC), serving the Minnesota counties of Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine; including the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands, welcomes applicants to apply for art grant funding. ECRAC provides arts funding to artists, culture bearers, art organizations, nonprofits, and local units of government located in region 7E.

Some grant programs at ECRAC will be reviewed by artists, creatives and community members with a variety of backgrounds and familiarity with different arts disciplines. Other grant programs will be reviewed by ECRAC Board Members who are also creatives or involved in supporting the arts.

Grant Reviewers and Board Members read applications online prior to either a Zoom or in person review meeting and are offered a stipend of at least $80 plus mileage for their efforts. Training and support are provided for all reviewers and board members.

Dee Ann Sibley is a local photographer in Cambridge, MN who is a former ECRAC Board Member. Please enjoy this article featuring her!

The Minnesota State Arts Board will host an in-person Grants Workshop at the East Central Regional Arts Council offices on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Artists, culture bearers, and employees of organizations providing arts programming in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine counties are invited to attend.

Staff from the Minnesota State Arts Board will provide information about current grant opportunities for individuals and organizations, including programs which are new this year, i.e., the Accessible Arts, Cultural Expression, and Arts Experiences grants.

The East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) serving Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties will present the draft Preliminary Biennial Plan for grant programs, priorities, and services to be delivered in fiscal years 2024-2025 beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2025. 

The East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) will host a solo exhibition February 17 - March 17 featuring local artist Robert DesJarlait. DesJarlait was awarded an ECRAC Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF) Individual Artist Grant to create a body of work to be featured at the ECRAC Gallery and will include 21 watercolor paintings by DesJarlait. The opening reception is Friday, February 17, from 5 to 8 PM, with an Artist Talk at 5:30 PM.