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 The following is a list of recent grants awarded to local organizations through MRAC funding:
Current Fiscal Year (July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008)
FY07 (July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007)
FY 2008 Community Arts Grant Awards - Round 2
In March, 2008, MRAC awarded $134,590 to 47 organizations/projects in the second round of its 2007/2008 Community Arts grant program. The following is a list of this round’s grant recipients sorted by the county in which the activity will occur. Each entry includes a short description of the project and the amount of the award. The grant recipients’ web addresses (when available) are also included as a way to access more information about a specific arts organization and project.
The Community Arts program is funded with a generous grant from The McKnight Foundation in addition to an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature. Groups indicated by an * are funded in part through the McKnight Foundation grant.
Anoka County
Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts* $3000
www.banfill-locke.org
Funding for Art at Rice Creek, a free, fall arts festival on the banks of Rice Creek and the Mississippi River in Anoka County. The day long festival features visual, literary, and performance art experiences and will take place in September 2008.
Central Center for Family Resources* $3000
Funding to offer a free series of art classes and studio time for adults living with mental illness. The classes will focus on six American artists and will culminate in a traveling exhibit to be shown throughout Anoka County.
Musikgarten of Anoka* $3000
www.musikgarten.org/anoka
Funding to offer reduced-cost, early childhood music and movement classes designed to serve children from birth to age eight. The classes will take place at the First Congregational Church of Anoka beginning in June 2008.
Carver County
Centre Stage Theatre and Arts* $3000
Funding for three performances of Arsenic and Old Lace that will include and involve teen and adult members from Cologne, Hamburg, Norwood Young America, and surrounding communities. Performances will take place at Central High School in Norwood Young America during August 2008.
Chaska Valley Family Theater* $3000
www.cvft.org
Funding for two consecutive weekends of A Christmas Carol: The Broadway Musical to be performed at the Chaska High School Theater during December 2008.
ISD 108 Community Education* $3000
Funding for a Music in the Park Series of ten performances to be held on Thursday evenings in Norwood Young America during summer 2008.
ISD 110 Community Education* $3000
www.waconiacommunityed.org
Funding for two, weeklong theater workshops in conjunction with Prairie Fire Theatre Co. for children in grades 2-8 that will culminate in two performances each of Tom Sawyer and Pinocchio. The performances will take place at the Waconia High School auditorium in Summer 2008.
Dakota County
Dakota City Heritage Village, Inc.* $3000
www.dakotacity.org
Funding for Dakota Chautauqua 2008, a musical theater production with original songs and script based on accounts of Dakota County's history. Fourteen performances will be held at the Dakota County Fair in August 2008.
Eagan Parks and Recreation* $2900
www.eaganarthouse.org
Funding for Art... Be A Part!, arts programs for all ages in the Eagan community featuring weekly, hands-on art activities at the Eagan Market Fest, two art activity tents at the 14th annual Eagan Art Festival, and smaller workshops for teens and intergenerational audiences. Programs will take place during summer 2008.
Upstream Arts, Inc.* $3000
www.upstreamarts.org
Funding to provide seven sessions of arts programming over a seven-month period for adults with developmental disabilities. The project will be done in collaboration with the Lifework’s Self Advocacy Program in Eagan, Minnesota.
Hennepin County
Art of This Gallery $3000
www.artofthis.net
Funding to present a month-long exhibition featuring the visual art of Chris Johanson and Jo Jackson directed toward the teenage audience of the metropolitan area. The exhibition will be held in May 2008 and will be free and open to the public.
Bluegrass Radio Partners $2675
www.bluegrassreview.com
Funding to create and produce 16 show segments featuring Phil Nusbaum, Lyle Lofgren, and Adam Granger, to be aired on the Bluegrass Review program on KBEM radio in July and August 2008.
Hardcover Theater $3000
www.hardcovertheater.org
Funding to produce and stage Boccaccio and the Bachelor Pad, an original adaptation of Boccaccio’s Decameron, a collection of novellas that tell the story of ten people who fled the city of Florence to escape the Black Plague. The production will take place at the Playwrights’ Center in spring 2008.
Hope Community, Inc. $3000
Funding for the Power of Vision, a project engaging urban youth in telling their stories through the creation of two neighborhood murals. The project will take place in summer 2008.
Jazz is NOW!, Inc. $3000
Funding for a concert featuring Denver trumpeter, Ron Miles performing with the Jazz is NOW!’s NOWnet members. The concert will take place at the Minnesota Opera Center in September 2008.
Korean Service Center $1640
Funding to engage Korean elders in a series of Suitcase Workshops™ designed to channel personal experiences through art. The workshops will culminate in a community event planned for summer 2008 and a prototype for a book of stories and images to be later published in Korean and English.
La Oportunidad $3000
www.oportunidad.org
Funding to engage children and youth through the arts in learning traditional cultural art forms as a means of understanding Latino identity. The project will include six arts activities presented throughout the year in partnership with local area artists.
Les Jolies Petites School of Dance $3000
Funding to present a 2008 spring performance showcasing completed work developed by Les Jolies’ students. Performances will take place at North Community High School on May 24 and May 25 and will be open to the public.
OverExposure $2600
www.overexposuremedia.org
Funding for 40 x 5, an exhibition of photographs documenting the changing demographics of Twin Cities communities. This is the culmination of a three-year project that paired artists with community and cultural organizations. The exhibit will be displayed from December 2008 through February 2009 at the Central Library in downtown Minneapolis.
Sample Night Live! $3000
www.samplenightlive.com
Funding for Sample Night Live!, a monthly evening of performances previewing upcoming and ongoing Twin Cities arts events. Performances will take place at Bryant Lake Bowl from July through December 2008.
Twin Cities Jazz Workshops $3000
www.tcjazzworkshop.com
Funding for the Twin Cities Jazz Workshop, a summer experience offering professional jazz music instruction to local students. Each instruction series offered will culminate in a local performance opportunity for participating students. The project will begin in summer 2008.
Two Chairs Telling $3000
Funding to present a series of six, storytelling performances pairing established, spoken-word artists based on common themes, shared interests, and/or contrasting styles. The series will take place at Open Eye Theatre beginning in April 2008.
Walking Shadow Theatre Company $3000
www.walkingshadowcompany.org
Funding to produce and stage the regional premiere of, The American Pilot by David Greig, an examination of America’s military presence in the world. Performances will take place at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage during May 2008.
Women’s Initiative for Self-Empowerment $3000
www.womenofwise.org
Funding for a summer book arts program, a ten-week book art program serving high school-aged immigrant girls and culminating in an exhibition at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.
Workhouse Theatre Company $1170
www.workhousetheatre.org
Funding to produce and stage nine performances of Marsha Norman’s Night Mother. Performances will take place at the Warren: An Artists Habitat, in spring 2008.
Suburban Hennepin
4 Community Theatre* $3000
Funding for the musical version of Cinderella, the fifth collaborative production between 4 Community Theatre and Discovery Arts Council, to be performed at Rockford High School Auditorium in June 2008.
Hopkins Westwind Concert Band* $3000
www.hopkinswestwind.org
Funding for the commissioning and premiere of a new work celebrating their 25th anniversary. Concerts will take place in June and July 2008.
NDI Backyard Productions* $3000
Funding for three evenings of a full-scale musical production of The Sound of Music to be performed in a Maple Grove backyard in July 2008 as a part of their 10th anniversary.
People Sittin’ Around Doin’ Theatre* $2400
www.peoplesittinarounddointheatre.com
Funding for Hamlet II (Better Than The Original), a comedic adaptation of Shakespeare’s original work to be presented at the Lowry Lab in April 2008.
Plymouth Concert Band* $3000
www.plymouthconcertband.org
Funding for their Tenth Anniversary Celebration consisting of two indoor and four outdoor music concerts. Concerts will take place during May through July 2008.
Westonka Community Education and Services Advisory Council* $3000
www.westonka.k12.mn.us
Funding for the 16th annual Music in the Park Series, a free concert series consisting of five to six performances on Thursday evenings during June through August 2008.
Ramsey County
Lex-Ham Community Arts $1325
www.lexhamarts.org
Funding for the 2008 Lex-Ham Music Festival, a one-day music festival featuring a new work by a local composer performed by the Lex-Ham Community Band. The festival will take place in October 2008.
Neighborhood House $3000
www.neighb.org
Funding for Arts at the Stone, a multi-disciplinary art in residence program engaging the diverse populations that live and work in the West Side of St. Paul. Classes will take place during May through August 2009.
People, Inc. $3000
www.peopleincorporated.org
Funding for Artability at Apollo, an annual community arts project featuring several workshops for artists with mental illness, providing instruction and skill development in drawing, watercolor, matting, and framing that will culminate with an art exhibit in October 2008.
Young Artists Initiative $3000
www.youngartistsmn.org
Funding for the 2008 Summer Theatre Experience, a six-week arts enrichment program culminating in eight public performances of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Performances will take place at the Neighborhood House Theater in St. Paul in August 2008.
Suburban Ramsey
Honeywell Concert Band* $3000
Funding for nine to ten concerts to be presented at care centers, assisted living centers, senior citizens’ housing complexes, and public parks. Performances will take place between May and December 2008.
Minhua Chorus* $3000
http://minhuachorus.org
Funding for Shanghai in the 1930's, a multidisciplinary concert featuring music and dance from the 1930's era of Shanghai China to be presented at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in December 2008.
North Suburban Chorus* $3000
Funding for 35 choral performances, to be held at nursing, healthcare, and retirement centers in the north suburban area during April through December 2008.
Rosetown Playhouse* $2880
www.rosetownplayhouse.org
Funding for Santa and the Martians, an original holiday play written by local playwright Joe Hendren. Performances will take place at Roseville Middle School in December 2008.
Roseville String Ensemble* $3000
www.rosevillestrings.org
Funding for Four Seasons, a newly commissioned work for string ensemble to be performed at Roseville Area Middle School in late April or early May 2009.
Scott County
Hymnus, Incorporated* $3000
www.hymnus.us
Funding for a Spring 2008 Concert Series, featuring four concerts of classical choral work. Concerts will be held in Lakeville, Jordan, and New Prague during April through June 2008.
Washington County
3M Club Sounds of Harmony* $3000
Funding for Life is a Song; Love is the Music, a choral concert to be held at Maplewood Community Center in May 2008.
Forest Lake Park Board* $3000
www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us
Funding for Arts in the Park, a series of free, weekly summertime performances and exhibits to be held at Lakeside Park and Gazebo in Forest Lake.
Masquers Theatre Company* $3000
www.masquerstheatre.org
Funding for 14 performances of the musical Oliver, to be presented at the Forest Lake High School auditorium in July 2008.
Music Saint Croix* $3000
Funding for three chamber music concerts, including a concert in collaboration with the St Croix Jazz Orchestra, to be presented at the Washington County Historic Courthouse in Stillwater during November 2008 through January 2009.
St Croix Valley Chamber Chorale* $3000
www.valleychamberchorale.org
Funding for Serenade, a four-concert series presenting music in honor of love, featuring guest vocal artist Bruce Henry and choral work by Dominick Argento. The performances will be held at the Washington County Historic Courthouse during February 2009.
Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education* $3000
www.stillwater.k12.mn.us/csb/ce
Funding for six performances of The Sound of Music to be presented at the Stillwater Area High School auditorium in July 2008.
FY 2008 Creative Intersections Grant Awards - Round 1
In January, 2008 MRAC awarded $8,000 in round one of its 2007/2008 Creative Intersections grant program. The following is a complete list of grantees that includes award amounts and project summaries.
The Creative Intersections program is designed to foster cross-sector partnerships between public, private nonprofit, and commercial sectors for enhancing arts and culture in communities currently under-served by MRAC—specifically, communities in the greater metropolitan area, communities of color, and new immigrant communities. The grant program provides up to $8,000 for projects that will build bridges among community sectors, strengthen the community as a whole through a quality arts development project, and build momentum toward long-term community development goals.
For more information on the Creative Intersections grant program, check out the Creative Intersections program page or contact Gwen Cannon at 651-523-6389 or by email at gwen@mrac.org.
Discovery Arts Council $8,000
Funding to implement a mini-grant, re-granting program for public art projects that will express the community’s sense of place.
FY 2008 Organizational Development Grant Awards
In January, 2008 MRAC awarded $68,602 to 12 organizations in our 2007/2008 Organizational Development Project grant program. The following is a complete list of grantees sorted by county that includes award amounts and project summaries.
The Organizational Development Project grant program offers grants of up to $6,000 for projects designed to strengthen the management or administration of small and mid-sized nonprofit arts groups located in the seven-county metropolitan area encompassing the counties of Anoka, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington. An appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature is the principle source of MRAC funds. Groups indicated by an * are funded primarily through a grant from the McKnight Foundation.
For more information on the Organizational Development grant program, check out the Organizational Development program page or find your program director on the staff page.
Hennepin
Ananya Dance Theatre $6000
www.ananyadancetheatre.org
Funding to hire its first donor relations manager to create and consolidate a network of support for the company.
Bedlam Theatre $6000
www.bedlamtheatre.org
Funding to update the theatre’s visual identity and marketing capability through enhancements to the website and the development of external display posters for the building and light-rail transit platforms.
Burning House Group $6000
www.burninghousegroup.org
Funding to work with a consultant to address the need for increased and diversified sources of contributed income.
Kulture Klub Collaborative $6000
Funding to create comprehensive, public relations materials to help the organization connect with a broader public audience.
Minneapolis Pops Orchestra Association $6000
www.mplspops.org
Funding to complete the organization’s first baseline audits in preparation for application to the Minnesota State Arts Board Institutional Support program.
Minnesota Literature $6000
www.minnesotaliterature.org
Funding to establish an interactive website and a new, visual identity in response to the growth of the literary field and the need for a strong web presence to connect the diverse Minnesota literary audience.
Red Eye Collaboration $6000
www.redeyetheater.org
Funding to work with a consultant to create a preliminary facility plan and schedule that will provide a road map for developing future sustainable space in response to the likely lease termination in the organization’s present space.
Young Dance, Inc. $6000
www.youngdance.org
Funding to work with a development consultant and temporary administrative assistant to develop new institutional relationships and funding resources to expand participation of low-income families.
Ramsey
Center for Hmong Arts and Talent $6000
www.aboutchat.org
Funding to work with a consultant to create a 3- to 5-year strategic plan to guide the organization’s development.
Jazz is NOW!, Inc. $3440
Funding to build an accessible, interactive website as the hub for information, promotions, audience and volunteer development, and fundraising.
Suburban Hennepin
Katha Dance Theatre* $6000
www.kathadance.org
Funding to hire its first part-time managing director to handle daily administrative tasks, provide sound organizational planning, and develop a broader base of contributed and earned income.
St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts* $5162
www.slpfriendsofthearts.org
Funding for the technology and temporary staffing required to implement the Results Plus! contact management system, as well as create a first institutional brochure in response to its rapid growth as an organization.
FY 2008 Capital Grant Awards
In January, 2008, MRAC awarded $78,543 to 16 organizations in its 2007/2008 Capital grant program. The following is a complete list of grantees sorted by county that includes award amounts and project summaries.
The Capital grant program offers grants of up to $6,000 to small and mid-sized nonprofit arts organizations to purchase equipment and related supplies and service, or to make capital improvements. Groups must be located in the seven-county metropolitan area encompassing the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington. An appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature is the principle source of MRAC funds. Groups indicated by an * are funded primarily through a grant from the McKnight Foundation.
For more information on the Capital grant program, check out the Capital grant program page or find your program director on the staff page.
Dakota County
Minnesota Pipes and Drums* $6000
www.mppb.org
Funding to upgrade drums to a unified set of competition/concert instruments in order to successfully compete in regional and national competitions.
Hennepin County
20% Theatre Company $1200
www.tctwentypercent.org
Funding to purchase a laptop computer, FileMaker Pro 9 database software, and a membership with Constant Contact e-mail management to enable more efficient management of the organization’s growing audience and patrons.
Ancient Traders Gallery $5613
www.aindc.com
Funding to purchase gallery computer equipment and furnishings that will enable gallery staff to productively work on administrative activities and conduct planning meetings with participant visitors while “minding” the gallery.
Frank Theatre $4933
www.franktheatre.org
Funding to upgrade the theatre’s outdated computer systems to enable efficient day-to-day operations.
Indian Music Society of Minnesota $6000
www.imsom.org
Funding to purchase professional audio recording and post-processing equipment in order to provide consistent, high-quality recording and archiving of concerts, workshops, and lecture/demonstrations.
Indonesian Performing Arts Association of Minnesota $6000
www.ipaam.org
Funding to commission the manufacture of a small, lightweight set of gamelan instruments by a maker in Surakarta, Indonesia in order to expand the organization’s outreach activities that provide hands-on, music-making experience.
Les Jolies Petites School of Dance $4420
Funding to repair plumbing and flooring problems in two bathrooms, so that the bathrooms are reliable and working on a long-term basis.
Midway Contemporary Art $6000
www.midwayart.org
Funding to design, purchase, and install exterior signage in order to increase visibility and accessibility within the organization’s neighborhood as a part of a phase 2 capital renovation project.
Open Eye Figure Theatre $6000
www.openeyetheatre.org
Funding to complete a renovation of lower level office and workshop space in the newly opened theatre.
Rain Taxi, Inc. $6000
www.raintaxi.com
Funding for computer equipment and a basement renovation, which will include a new workstation for a part-time employee, bookshelves for a library, and storage units for archival items
Rainbow Rumpus $6000
www.rainbowrumpus.org
Funding for a new computer network, which will allow for greater administrative efficiency and office accessibility by offsite staff and volunteers.
Ramsey County
ArtStart $5457
www.artstart.org
Funding to replace an “antiquated” computer system and redesign office space to accommodate more complex administrative and programming functions and to improve the organization’s ability to manage expanding programming and events.
Square Lake Productions $6000
www.squarelakefestival.com
Funding to purchase a portable screen and projector to respond to the growing community interest in bringing the organization’s unique outdoor film festival to new audiences.
Suburban Hennepin County
Cross Community Players* $3596
www.crossplayers.org
Funding to purchase fourteen wireless ear-set microphones in order to achieve precise vocal and instrumental balance and consistent projection for productions.
Discovery Arts Council* $3745
Funding to purchase one acoustical and two digital pianos to equip the new Discovery school of music.
Suburban Ramsey County
Roseville String Ensemble* $1579
www.rosevillestrings.org
Funding for concert displays, performance folders, and accounting software to support growth and increase professionalism.
FY 2008 Community Arts Grant Awards - Round 1
In December, 2007, MRAC awarded $125,874 to 43 organizations/projects in the first round of its 2007/2008 Community Arts grant program. The following is a list of this round’s grant recipients sorted by the county in which the activity will occur. Each entry includes a short description of the project and the amount of the award. The grant recipients’ web addresses (when available) are also included as a way to access more information about a specific arts organization and project.
The Community Arts program is funded with a generous grant from The McKnight Foundation in addition to an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature. Groups indicated by an * are funded in part through the McKnight Foundation grant.
Anoka County
North Artists’ Studio Crawl* $3000
www.nasc.org
Funding for the spring 2008 art crawl, an annual tour of artists’ studios in the north suburban communities of East Bethel, Ham Lake, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Ramsey, and Anoka.
Northern Symphony Orchestra* $2307
www.nso-mn.org
Funding to offer three community concerts to be performed in the Anoka-northern Hennepin region of the Twin Cities. The project will begin in January 2008.
Quilted Memories* $3000
Funding to present My Autobiography, My Life, The Life Story of an Orphan Train Rider, a sixty-minute performance and small quilt exhibit about the history of the orphan trains. Performances will begin in January 2008.
Russian Cultural Center* $3000
www.rusculturemn.com
Funding to produce and present Russian Folk Traditions and Rituals, a program of performance and visual art honoring Russian tradition. The project will begin in January 2008.
Carver County
Chaska Area Quilt Club* $3000
Funding for the 2008 Fall Splendor of Quilts show displaying over 100 quilts and featuring guest speaker Susan Stein. The quilt show will take place at the Chaska Community Center in October 2008.
Watertown-Mayer Community Education* $3000
www.wmcommunityed.com
Funding for the Youth Summer Theater program, a six- to eight-week program featuring an original script and musical score. The program will take place at the Watertown-Mayer Primary School auditorium and will culminate with three public performances in August 2008.
Dakota County
Exultate* $3000
www.exultate.org
Funding for the B Minor Mass by Johann Sebastian Bach featuring a festival choir of 50 additional singers and instrumentalists and the displaying of a three-volume set of reference books once belonging to J. S. Bach. Performances will take place in Plymouth, Woodbury, and Roseville in March 2008.
International Festival of Burnsville* $3000
www.burnsville.org
Funding for the International Festival of Burnsville, featuring cultural displays of art, traditional dress, ethnic foods, and music and dance performances. The festival will be held at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville in June 2008.
Minnesota Brass, Inc.* $3000
www.mnbrassinc.org
Funding for Sounds of Minnesota, a drum and bugle competition featuring seven drum corps from throughout the Midwest. The event will take place at South St. Paul High School in August 2008.
Mississippi Valley Orchestra* $3000
www.missvalleyorch.com
Funding for Homenaje de Latino, a free collaborative concert with Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre featuring Cuban, Mexican, and Spanish music. The concert will take place at Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul in February 2008.
Velvet Tones $3000*
Funding for eight vocal performances to be presented to groups with limited arts access including one public performance. Performances will take place throughout the greater metro area between January and June 2008.
Hennepin County
Bridge Productions $3000
www.bridgeproductions.info
Funding to develop and produce For Such a Time as This, an original play based on the retelling of the Book of Ester to be presented at Intermedia Arts in March 2008.
Gosso $2720
Funding to produce Korena, a multi-medium, visual arts exhibit by African artists exploring the theme of contribution. The exhibit will be presented at Obsidian Art Gallery in January 2008.
Harmony Theatre Company and School $3000
www.centerharmony.org
Funding for Skazki: Folktales from the Former Soviet Union, an original play based on folk stories to be presented at the Center for Independent Artists in June 2008.
Minneapolis Southside Singers $3000
www.mplscommunityed.com
Funding to present 20 free concerts during calendar year 2008 to underserved audiences across the seven-county, metropolitan area.
Nimbus Theatre $3000
www.nimbustheatre.com
Funding to produce and stage TV Men, a company-created, multimedia project to be presented at Intermedia Arts in May 2008.
Northside Arts Collective $3000
www.nacarts.org
Funding for the Spring Art Party, an annual, multi-cultural festival serving North Minneapolis. The festival will feature fine arts, crafts, music, storytelling, and arts activities and take place in spring 2008.
Off-Leash Area $3000
www.offleasharea.org
Funding to produce and stage eight performances of Border Crossing, to be performed at the Ritz Theater in Minneapolis in April and May 2008.
Rainbow Rumpus $3000
www.rainbowrumpus.org
Funding to create, publish, and promote a four-issue, children’s and young adult literature series entitled, What’s It Like to Have Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender Parents? for its online magazine. The project will begin in December 2007.
South Sixteenth Hijinks $3000
Funding for a free, outdoor, art and sledding spectacle on January 26th in Powderhorn Park. The project will include art workshops to create “art-sleds”, which will be exhibited prior to the event.
Southside Family Nurturing Center $3000
www.ssfnc.org
Funding for Arts in Action, a free, community-based arts program offered to SFNC families in partnership with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre. The project will begin in January 2008.
Stevens Square Center for the Arts $3000
www.stevensarts.org
Funding for a two-day, community artist festival celebrating and engaging the Stevens Square community of Minneapolis. The festival will take place in summer 2008.
Workhaus Playwrights Collective $3000
www.workhauscollective.org
Funding to produce and stage ten performances of God Save Gertrude by Deborah Stein. Performances will take place at the Playwrights’ Center’s Waring Jones Theatre in Minneapolis.
Ramsey County
Hmong Cultural Center, Inc. $3000
Funding for the Hmong Funeral Song Instruction Program, a weekly, three-hour class teaching the oral tradition of the Hmong funeral songs. The program will take place from January through December 2008.
Music in the Park Series $3000
www.musicintheparkseries.org
Funding for the 2008 Family Concert Series, featuring Ross Sutter and Perin Boyd, Willow Brae, and Asian Sounds, to be performed February through April 2008 at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in St. Anthony Park.
StoryBlend $3000
www.storyblend.com
Funding for its annual two-week workshop pairing deaf individuals and sign language interpreters to explore deaf and hard of hearing culture through the creation of bilingual, performance art. The project will take place on the College of St. Catherine campus and culminate in a public performance of completed work in summer 2008.
Twin Cities Housing and Development Corporation—Liberty Plaza $3000
www.tchdc.org
Funding for a two-week summer arts program for youth living at the Liberty Plaza affordable housing development in St. Paul. The program will feature artists from Barebones Productions and culminate in a community event in August 2008.
Theatre Unbound $3000
www.theatreunbound.com
Funding to produce and stage Ann-Marie MacDonald’s Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet). Performances will take place in spring 2008 at The Neighborhood House, Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center, in St. Paul.
Scott County
Jordan Art Festival * $3000
www.jordanchamber.org
Funding for the Fifth Annual Jordan Art Festival, a two-day juried art show featuring displays and demonstrations of visual arts. The festival will take place in downtown Jordan in June 2008.
Savage Arts Council* $3000
www.savageartstudios.com
Funding for the second annual Juried Art Competition and Show, a visual arts exhibition for both adults and youth. Art work will be displayed throughout the community of Savage in June 2008.
Suburban Hennepin County
Continental Ballet Company* $3000
www.continentalballet.com
Funding for Coppelia, a full-length classical ballet to be presented at the Bloomington Center for the Arts in April 2008.
Cross Community Players* $3000
www.crossplayers.org
Funding for Thoroughly Modern Millie to be presented at Osseo Senior High School in July 2008.
Independent School District 279 Community Education* $3000
Funding for Community Arts for Every Student, six one-hour visual art classes for low-income youth in Brooklyn Park/Brooklyn Center. Classes will take place after school in winter/spring 2008.
Music Association of Minnetonka* $2810
www.musicassociation.org
Funding for two young people’s concerts focused on building children's familiarity with instruments in the orchestra, to be presented at Arts Center on 7 in February and Mount Calvary Church in March 2007.
Orono Community Education* $2550
www.orono.k12.mn.us
Funding for the Orono Community Arts Festival, featuring hands-on activities, demonstrations, and performance artists to be presented at the Discovery Center in Maple Plain in March 2008.
Thursday Musical* $3000
www.thursdaymusical.com
Funding for eight concerts in the Thursday Morning Artist Series, featuring solo artists every other Thursday from January through April 2008 at the Schneider Theater in the Bloomington Center for the Arts.
Vietnamese Community of Minnesota* $3000
www.vietnam-minnesota.org
Funding for the Vietnamese Tet New Year Festival, a one-day festival celebrating Vietnamese heritage through ceremonies, performances, demonstrations, and clinics. The festival will take place at Hopkins High School in February 2008.
Suburban Ramsey County
Community Partners with Youth* $2887
www.cpymn.org
Funding for an introduction to the performing and visual arts featuring Homeward Bound Theatre Company, Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, and Universal Dance Destiny. Weekly activities will take place in New Brighton from January through May 2008.
Encore Wind Ensemble* $3000
www.encorewind.com
Funding for three free concerts, two of which feature area high school aged musicians. Concerts will take place at Stillwater High School in February, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in North St. Paul in March, and White Bear Lake South High School in April 2008.
Shoreview Parks and Recreation* $1600
www.ci.shoreview.mn.us
Funding for Concert in the Commons, eight free concerts presented weekly at the Shoreview Pavilion. Performance will take place from June through August 2008.
Twin Cities Housing and Development Corporation—
Calibre Ridge Townhomes* $3000
www.tchdc.org
Funding for a two-week summer arts program for youth living at the Calibre Ridge Town Homes affordable housing development in Roseville. The program will feature artists from Barebones Productions and culminate in a community event in June 2008.
Washington County
FamilyMeans* $3000
www.familymeans.org
Funding for the Arts Exploration Workshop, free weekly art experiences in visual, musical, literary, dance, and cultural arts for youth ages 5–12 in the mobile home community of Landfall. Art experiences will take place at the Teen Center January through November 2008.
Harmonic Relief* $3000
www.harmonicrelief.com
Funding for Give My Regards to Broadway, a one-and-a-half hour choral show presented at three locations. Performances will take place at Redeemer Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake in February, the Landmark Center in St. Paul in April, and Century College in White Bear Lake in May 2008.
FY 2008 Arts Activities Support Grant Awards - Round 1
In September 2007, MRAC awarded
$198,995 to 28 organizations/projects in the first round of its 2007/2008 Arts Activity Support grants.
This fiscal year’s first round of Arts Activity Support grants will fund projects that will reach approximately 60,000 people in a range of communities that include ethnic populations, age groups such as youth or seniors, suburban communities, and inner city neighborhoods. The organizations and projects chosen demonstrate both strong artistic quality and a connection to a community need. The following is a complete list of grantees sorted by county that includes award amounts, project summaries, and links to the grantee's web site.
An appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature is the principle source of MRAC funds.
For more information on the Arts Activities Support grant program, check out the Arts Activities Support grant page or find your program director on the staff page.
Dakota
Caponi Art Park $7500
Funding for the 2008 Summer Performance Series, a free series featuring a poetry slam
for teens and young adults, the South of the River Band, a Shakespeare Festival, the
Minnesota Sinfonia, Dakota Valley Summer Pops Orchestra and Chorale, Mu Daiko, and
Dance Around. The performance series will be held at Caponi Art Park in Eagan.
Hennepin
Ananya Dance Theatre $7500
Funding to produce and stage Daak, Call to Action, a dance piece exploring land rights
violations and their environmental and community consequences. The dance production
will premiere at the Southern Theater in June 2008.
Center for Independent Artists $6260
Funding to produce and stage Dousing the Mirage, an interactive performance exploring
empowerment within the context of the global water crisis. Performances will take place
at the Center for Independent Artists in fall 2007.
Crash $7500
Funding for Drumming in Motion: Mix and Remix, a multidisciplinary presentation of
compositions for percussive instruments. Performances will be held at the Southern
Theater in December 2007.
Frank Theatre $7500
Funding to produce and stage 15 performances of Bertolt Brecht’s, Puntila and His Hired
Man Matti, a comedy addressing issues of class and property. Performances will take
place in spring 2008.
Kairos Dance Theatre $7500
Funding for the Kairos Traveling Troupe, a program designed to bring intergenerational
performance and participatory dance theatre experiences to traditionally underserved
audiences. The project will begin in fall 2007.
Kulture Klub Collaborative $7500
Funding for a series of artist residencies pairing homeless youth with professional
artists. The project will focus on the exploration of public and private spaces and include
the development of a large-scale exhibition. The residencies will begin in fall 2007.
Minneapolis Pops Orchestra Association $7500
Funding to perform four, free, community concerts for seniors. Concerts will take place
at two Minneapolis park sites during summer 2008.
Minnesota Guitar Society $6110
Funding for concerts and workshops by Iranian-born, classical guitarist, LilyAfshar and
Palestinian oud-playing ensemble, Le Trio Joubran. The activities will take place in winter
2008.
Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra $7200
Funding to present its 15th concert series consisting of three concerts to be performed at
Hamline University’s Sundin Hall. The series will begin in fall 2007.
Mizna $7500
Funding for the annual Arab Film Festival. The four-day event will present the work of
Arab filmmakers and video artists. Film screenings will conclude with planned
audience/artist discussions. The festival will be held at the Heights Theatre in spring
2008.
One Voice Mixed Chorus $7500
Funding for Twenty Years–Many Voices, a choral concert celebrating One Voice Mixed
Chorus’ 20th anniversary. The concert will be presented at the History Theatre in June
2008.
Open Eye Figure Theatre $7500
Funding for the sixth annual Driveway Tour, a local, community tour of puppet theatre
performances originally created by Michael Sommers and Susan Haas. The tour will be
held at various locations within the Twin Cities during summer 2008.
Soap Factory $6975
Funding to present TAWU, an exhibit curated by Obsidian Arts that will include the
work of 70 African and African American artists in the Twin Cities. The multi-media
exhibit will launch in February 2008.
Wishes for the Sky $7500
Funding to produce and present a large-scale, multidisciplinary, public art event
celebrating Earth Day 2008.
Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre $7500
Funding to produce and stage La Romeria, a new flamenco work created by Susana di
Palma, expressing the relationship between dance and the environment. Performances
will take place in outdoor-area, park settings in July 2008.
Ramsey
Center for Irish Music $5400
Funding for The Young Irish Musicians’ Weekend, a series of workshops, master
classes, and public performances featuring world-renown Irish musicians. Workshops
will be held in St. Paul in June 2008.
East Side Arts Council $7500
Funding for Artmobile, a mobile art project offering seven weeks of free, drop-in art
classes. Artmobile will be held at public spaces across the East Side of St. Paul in the
summer of 2008.
Exposed Brick Theatre Company $2250
Funding for the world premiere of SHIPSIDE by Twin Cities’ playwright Stacey Parshall.
The performances will be held at the Playwrights’ Center in November 2007.
Sounds of Hope, Ltd. $7500
Funding for Songs of Hope 2008, an international concert project featuring youth
between 10- and 16-years-old from countries around the world along with youth from the
Twin Cities. Twenty concerts will be held throughout the Metro area in July 2008.
Square Lake Film and Music Festival $7500
Funding for the 7th annual Square Lake Film and Music Festival, an outdoor film and
music event featuring a juried film festival, commissioned film scores, and live local
music. The festival will be held at Square Lake in August 2008.
St. Paul Art Collective $7260
Funding for the St. Paul Art Crawl, a self guided walking tour of artists’ studios and
galleries located throughout downtown St. Paul. The Art Crawl will be held in April
2008.
Teatro del Pueblo $7500
Funding for the Seventh Annual Political Theater Festival, featuring six to seven short
plays by and about Latinos. The festival will be presented at Intermedia Arts in February
2008.
The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists $7500
Funding for Under the North Star, a choral concert celebrating Minnesota’s
sesquicentennial and featuring works from Minnesota composers. Performances will be
held in Waconia, Columbia Heights, and Minneapolis in February 2008.
TU Dance $7500
Funding for the fourth annual dance concert featuring premiere works by Uri Sands, a
new work by Dwight Rhoden, and works from TU Dance’s existing repertoire. The dance
concert will be presented at the Southern Theatre in June 2008.
Twin Cities Women’s Choir $7500
Funding for I Am Beautiful, America, a choral concert featuring commissioned works by
Bruce Henry and Joan Griffith. The concert will be performed at Central Presbyterian
Church in February 2008.
Zeitgeist $7500
Funding for the 2007-2008 Eric Stokes Song Contest program, including the Eric Stokes
Song Contest and the “Playing it Close to Home” concert. The program will be presented
at Unity Church-Unitarian in St. Paul and Grace University Lutheran Church in
Minneapolis in January 2008.
SubHennepin
Katha Dance Theatre $7500
Funding for Angika, a cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary work combining classical Kathak
dance, north Indian classical music, and American Jazz music. The performance will be
presented at the Ritz Theater in April 2008.
FY 2007Arts Activities Support Grant Awards - Round 2
In June 2007, MRAC awarded $176,073 to 25 organizations/projects in the second round of its 2006/2007 Arts Activities Support grant program. The following is a complete list of grantees sorted by county that includes award amounts, project summaries and links to grantee's web site.
An appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature is the principle source of MRAC funds.
For more information on the Arts Activities Support grant program, check out the Arts Activities Support grant page or find your program director on the staff page.
Hennepin County
Ananya Dance Theatre $7500
Funding to produce and stage Pipaashaa, an exploration of the effects of ecological devastation on women and children of color from the third world. Performances will be hosted by the Southern Theatre in fall 2007.
Art Shanty Projects $7500
Funding to curate and present a free, five-week, exhibit of interactive, public performance and visual art on Plymouth’s Medicine Lake. The exhibit will be on view in winter 2008.
Barebones Productions $7500
Funding for the 14th annual Barebones Halloween Puppet Extravaganza, a free, outdoor performance festival celebrating traditional Halloween themes. The project will take place at Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul.
Bedlam Theatre $7500
Funding to produce and stage Lost Love, a new play about falling in love at the end of the world. Performances will take place in fall 2007.
Carlyle Brown and Company $7500
Funding to produce and stage Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been, written by Carlyle Brown. Performances will be hosted by the Pillsbury House Theatre in fall 2007.
Chekhov Festival $3950
Funding to produce and stage a festival of Chekhov-inspired works. Performances will be hosted by the Bryant Lake Bowl in February, 2008.
Circus Minimus Puppetry $6423
Funding to produce and stage The Puggles, Platypus Investigators. Free performances will be hosted by the Hosmer, Franklin and East Lake libraries in Minneapolis beginning in spring 2008.
Corcoran Neighborhood Organization $7500
Funding for the Corcoran Neighborhood Mural Project, a free project providing an experiential art opportunity for local youth. The project will begin in summer 2007.
Franklin Art Works $7500
Funding to present visual artist Nicola Lopez. The exhibit will be the national premiere of the artist’s new installation project designed specifically for the New Franklin Cultural Center. The exhibit will be on view beginning November 2007.
Frederic Chopin Society, Inc. $4650
Funding to present five solo recitals of classical piano celebrating the Society’s 25th anniversary season. Concerts will be hosted by the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Auditorium at Macalester College in St. Paul beginning fall 2007.
Indian Music Society of Minnesota $7500
Funding to present four chamber concerts and one community festival of Indian classical music. The concert series will begin in August, 2007.
Ragamala Music and Dance Theater $7500
Funding to produce and stage Sva (Vital Force), an artistic collaboration with Wadaiko Ensemble Tokara of Ngano, Japan. Performances will be hosted by The Southern Theater in fall 2007.
Rain Taxi, Inc. $7500
Funding to present the seventh annual Twin Cities Book Festival, a day-long celebration of books. The free festival will take place in fall 2007.
Skewed Visions $7500
Funding to produce and stage an adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s, Strange Love. Performances will be held at the former Northwestern Casket Company in Northeast Minneapolis in fall 2007.
SPEAK Project $7500
Funding to work in collaboration with FORECAST Public Artworks, to create a free program engaging at-risk youth in the creation of public art. The project will take place in summer 2007.
Ten Thousand Things $7500
Funding to produce and stage 23 performances of Shakespeare’s, Richard III. Performances will take place in fall 2007.
Urban Arts Academy $6500
Funding to offer after-school arts activities for children serving multiple communities in south-central Minneapolis. Activities will begin in fall 2007.
Ramsey County
Center for Hmong Arts and Talent $7500
Funding for the 6th annual Hmong Arts Festival, a one-day festival featuring visual, performing and culinary arts from the Hmong community, to be held at Western Sculpture Park in St. Paul in August 2007.
Friends of the St Paul Public Library $7500
Funding for the 11th annual Chicano and Latino Writers Festival, a free festival held at the Riverview and Dayton's Bluff Branches of the St. Paul Public Library, featuring emerging and nationally known Chicano and Latino artists.
Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company $7500
Funding for the regional premiere of The Triangle Factory Fire Project, to be presented at Hillcrest Community Center in October 2007.
Suburban Hennepin County
Hennepin County Home School $7500
Funding for the Transformation Through Drama Workshop, a five-week series of workshops offering residents the opportunity to write and perform an original play with the support of professional theatre artists. Performances will be held at Brookdale Resource Center, Hennepin County Library and Pillsbury House Theatre in fall 2007.
Partnership Resources, Inc. $7500
Funding for a six-month series of visual art classes serving adults with developmental disabilities. Work created during the series will be featured in a traveling exhibition throughout the Twin Cities in 2007.
Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir $7500
Funding for five free concerts for disadvantaged or under-served populations in the metropolitan area, along with a four-week workshop at Lino Lakes correctional facility.
Women's Voices $7500
Funding for Collateral Damage, a multimedia theatrical presentation about women and war or civil strife to be presented at the Mixed Blood Theater in March 2008.
Washington County
Wildwood Artist Series $4550
Funding for three events in the 2006 - 2007Wildwood Artists Series, featuring Tonic Sol-fa, The Singers and Katie McMahon, and a chamber music concert, to be held at the Chautauqua Fine Arts Center in Mahtomedi.
FY 2007 Management Consulting Fund Grant Awards
In FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007) MRAC awarded $19,740 to 21 organizations in the Management Consulting Fund grant program. The following is a complete list of grantees sorted by county that includes award amounts and project summaries.
The Management Consulting Fund program offers grants of up to $1,200 to provide consultants for groups in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties to complete small projects to strengthen the management or administration of the group.
This program is funded with a significant grant from The McKnight Foundation and an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature. Groups indicated by an * are funded in part through a grant from The McKnight Foundation.
Anoka County
*Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts $800
Funding to hire management consultant Barbara Davis to assist the organization in creating a strategic plan for long-range guidance.
*Kantorei, Inc. $1000
Funding to hire consultant Carlo Cuesta to lead the board in a retreat that will focus on team building and planning.
Hennepin County
Barebones Productions $1000
Funding to hire mediator Carey HeartBorne to lead a series of facilitated conversations to help the board clear up lingering conflicts and create a renewed sense of purpose and unity.
Bedlam Theatre $1000
Funding to hire consultant Jean Greenwood to provide guidance and leadership as the board works through growing pains.
Center for Independent Artists $1000
Funding to hire consultant Dawn Renee Jones to facilitate three meetings with the board and staff to develop an outline for a comprehensive development plan.
Minnesota Literature $1000
Funding to hire consultant Barbara Davis to lead the board and editor in a facilitated retreat that will launch the revisioning process an set priorities for long and short-range planning the in the areas of format, marketing and publicity, and finance.
Northside Arts Collective $1000
Funding to hire consultant Yvonne Cheek to work with the board to create a good working atmosphere, outline board roles and responsibilities, and assess how the board can mature and develop.
One Voice Mixed Chorus $1000
Funding to hire consultant Carlo Cuesta to help the organization focus on strategic planning in preparation for an Organizational Development application.
Open Eye Figure Theatre $1000
Funding to hire consultant Erika Eklund to advise, guide and mentor the organization in helping to garner new and renewed institutional gifts.
Somali Arts Association $1000
Funding to hire consultant Sandy Moore to assist the organization in information gathering, establishing connections with curators and presenters and writing an MRAC Community Arts proposal.
Soo Visual Art Center $500
Funding to hire consultant Barbara Davis to facilitate a follow-up retreat on their current strategic plan and identify unmet goal that still need to be addressed.
The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists $1000
Funding to hire consultant Barb Simonson to help the organization create improved financial statements that conform to the requirements of a nonprofit arts organization.
VSA Minnesota $1000
Funding to hire consultant Elizabeth Childs to moderate a day-long retreat looking at capacity building, office space location, board composition and overall functioning.
Ramsey County
Arts and Culture Partnership of St. Paul $1000
Funding to hire consultant Gillian Martin to to help the organization analyze, organize and clarify their bookkeeping system.
Minnesota Boychoir $1000
Funding to hire consultant Margaret Hasse to work with the artistic director and board to design a planning process in preparation for a larger organization development project.
Nautilus Music-Theater $1000
Funding to hire consultant Barry Madore to install a new database and transfer the organizations old system into the new Ebase database.
Oratorio Society of Minnesota $440
Funding to hire the legal firm of Borenstein and McVeigh, LLC, to advise the organization of their legal liabilities, exposure to losses, and appropriate risk management techniques.
Starting Gate Productions $1000
Funding to hire consultant Barbara Davis to help refine the organization’s boiler plate grant narrative and guide the board of directors in overall board development strategies.
Zeitgeist $1000
Funding to hire consultant Sandy Moore to help the organization develop a plan to increase staff capacity, concentrating specifically on communications, public and media relations, and marketing.
Suburban Hennepin County
*Allegro Orchestral Association $1000
Funding to hire consultant Nancy Larson Haskin to develop a major gifts program and to strengthen the board of directors.
Suburban Ramsey County
*Lakeshore Players, Inc. $1000
Funding to hire consultant Barbara Davis to produce a short strategic plan that can be used in the Minnesota State Arts Board Institutional Support grant application.
FY 2007 Management Training Fund Grant Awards
In FY 2007 (July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007) MRAC awarded $7,325 to 45 organizations in the Management Consulting Fund grant program. The following is a complete list of grantees sorted by county that includes award amounts and project summaries.
The Management Training Fund program offers grants of up to $600 to provide training funds for the staff and volunteers of nonprofit arts groups in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties to attend management workshops, seminars or conferences.
An appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature is the principle source of MRAC funds.
Dakota County
Caponi Art Park $60
Funding to send Director of Programs and Operations Cheryl Caponi to attend the MN Council of Nonprofits’ Nonprofit 101: Nuts and Bolts of Practical Management.
Hennepin County
Altered Esthetics $90
Funding to send Executive Director Jamie Schumacher to attend the MN Council of Nonprofits’ Nonprofit 101 Conference.
Bedlam Theatre $413
Funding to send Artistic Director John Bueche to attend the Theater Communication Group’s National Conference.
Hmong American Institute for Learning $50
Funding to send Grant Writer Kia Mona to attend Leadership Paradigms’ Tell Me a Story: Storytelling strategies for organizational capacity building.
Hmong American Institute for Learning $50
Funding to send Interim Executive Director Dyane Garvey to attend Leadership Paradigms’ Tell Me a Story: Storytelling strategies for organizational capacity building.
Kairos Dance Theatre $300
Funding to send Artistic Director Maria Genné to attend the 2007 Joint Conference of the American Society on Aging and the National Council on Aging.
Kulture Klub Collaborative $300
Funding to send Arts Coordinator Amy Snyder to attend The National Network for Youth’s Symposium 2007.
Kulture Klub Collaborative $300
Funding to send Director Michael Hoyt to attend The National Network for Youth’s Symposium 2007.
Metropolitan Boys Choir $184
Funding to send Choir Manager Kristi Billings to attend Chorus America’s Chorus Management Institute.
TV By Girls $300
Funding to send Executive Director Barbara Wiener to attend South Central College’s Quickbooks Training for Nonprofit Organizations.
zAmya Theater Project $400
Funding to send Artistic Director Maren Ward to attend the Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed’s Annual Conference.
Ramsey County
FORECAST Public Artworks $300
Funding to send Program and Administrative Assistant Melinda Hobbs to attend Americans for the Arts’ 2007 Annual Convention.
FORECAST Public Artworks $300
Funding to send Program Associate Nichole Goodwell to attend Americans for the Arts’ 2007 Annual Convention.
Mila Vocal Ensemble $175
Funding to send Marketing Director Natalie Nowytski to attend Arts Midwest’s Arts Midwest Conference.
Mila Vocal Ensemble $175
Funding to send Artistic Committee/Marketing Committee member Anne Lies to attend Arts Midwest’s Arts Midwest Conference.
Mila Vocal Ensemble $175
Funding to send Executive Director Carol Bauer to attend Arts Midwest’s Arts Midwest Conference.
Minnesota Boychoir $146
Funding to send Music Director Mark S. Johnson to attend Chorus America’s The Chorus Management Institute.
Minnesota Boychoir $146
Funding to send Board Member James Peterson to attend Chorus America’s The Chorus Management Institute.
Minnesota Boychoir $146
Funding to send Board Member Linda Frayne to attend Chorus America’s The Chorus Management Institute.
Minnesota Boychoir $146
Funding to send Board MemberTanya J. Mayer to attend Chorus America’s The Chorus Management Institute.
Nautilus Music-Theater $371
Funding to send Artistic Director Ben Krywosz to attend Opera America’s Opera America Conference.
The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists $245
Funding to send Board Member Bruce Gleason to attend Chorus America’s Chorus Management Institute.
The Singers - Minnesota Choral Artists $195
Funding to send Artistic Director Matthew Culloton to attend Chorus America’s Chorus Management Institute.
Suburban Hennepin County
Bloomington Fine Arts Council $159
Funding to send Administrator Virginia Padden to attend the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Adobe Illustrator Part I.
Bloomington Fine Arts Council $159
Funding to send Administrator Virginia Padden to attend the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Adobe Illustrator Part II.
Bloomington Fine Arts Council $159
Funding to send Administrator Virginia Padden to attend the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Dreamweaver Part I.
Bloomington Fine Arts Council $123
Funding to send Administrator Virginia Padden to attend the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Dreamweaver Part II.
Suburban Ramsey County
Great Northern Union Chorus $75
Funding to send VP - Performance Jerry Germain to attend the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Chapter Officer Training School.
Great Northern Union Chorus $75
Funding to send VP - Performance Darren Hoehne to attend the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Chapter Officer Training School.
Great Northern Union Chorus $75
Funding to send VP - Marketing Jared Hoke to attend the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Chapter Officer Training School.
Great Northern Union Chorus $75
Funding to send VP - Membership Andrew Howard to attend the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Chapter Officer Training School.
Great Northern Union Chorus $75
Funding to send Treasurer Bob Dowma to attend the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Chapter Officer Training School.
Lakeshore Players, Inc. $75
Funding to send Board Member Keith McCarthy to attend the Minnesota Coucil of Nonprofits’ Sellling More Sponsorships.
Lakeshore Players, Inc. $150
Funding to send Managing Director Joan Elwell to attend the American Association of Community Theatre’s Fundraising Out of the Box.
Lakeshore Players, Inc. $150
Funding to send Board Vice President Cynthia Stange to attend the American Association of Community Theatre’s Fundraising Out of the Box.
White Bear Center for the Arts $56
Funding to send Tara Burns to attend Explore Minnesota Tourism’s Minnesota Cultural Tourism Summit.
White Bear Center for the Arts $67
Funding to send Education Coordinator Danielle Cezanne to attend Century College’s Intermediate Access 2003.
White Bear Center for the Arts $74
Funding to send Executive Director Suzi Hudson to attend Century College’s Time Management: Work Smarter, Not Harder.
White Bear Center for the Arts $119
Funding to send Office Coordinator Kim Bakken-Parr to attend the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Access Introduction.
White Bear Center for the Arts $74
Funding to send Education Coordinator Danielle Cezanne to attend Century College’s Time Management: Work Smarter, Not Harder.
White Bear Center for the Arts $19
Funding to send Education Coordinator Danielle Cezanne to attend Metropolitan Regional Arts Council’s Arts Advocacy 101.
White Bear Center for the Arts $19
Funding to send Executive Director Suzi Hudson to attend Metropolitan Regional Arts Council’s Arts Advocacy 101.
Washington County
ArtReach Alliance $90
Funding to send Board Treasurer Jammi Hansen Blair to attend the Nonprofit Assistance Fund’s Financial Management.
St Croix Valley Chamber Chorale $245
Funding to send Business Manager Kathy Fristad to attend Chorus America’s Choral Management Institute.
St Croix Valley Chamber Chorale $245
Funding to send Board President Miriam JuVette to attend Chorus America’s Choral Management Institute.
FY 2007 Special Initiative Grant Awards
In June, 2007 MRAC awarded $12,200 to 2 organizations in our FY2007 Special Inititiative grant programs.
From these pilot projects, MRAC hopes to learn more regarding the specific needs of greater metropolitan communities in “engaging in the process of creating art as well as opportunities to enjoy the artistic accomplishment of others.”
Applicants must be invited to apply through receipt of a Request for Proposal (RFP).
For New Immigrant Communities
The intent of this program is to reach new audiences of immigrant and refugee communities by partnering with organizations that are recognized as “brokers” within a target community to enable them to respond to community demand for arts programming in a flexible and timely manner in relationship to its broader programming commitments.
Hennepin County
Intermedia Arts $5000
Funding to continue a third year of mini-grant re-granting to sponsor new arts initiatives in their community.
Mizna $7200
Funding to continue a second year of mini-grant re-granting to sponsor new arts initiatives in their community.
FY 2007 Community Arts Grant Awards - Round 2
In March, 2007, MRAC awarded $124,146 to 43 organizations/projects in the second round of its 2006/2007 Community Arts grant program. The following is a complete list of grantees sorted by county that includes award amounts, project summaries and links to grantee's website (if applicable).
This program is funded with a significant grant from The McKnight Foundation and an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature. Groups indicated by an * are funded in part through a grant from The McKnight Foundation.
For more information on the Community Arts grant program, check out the Community Arts grant program page or find your program director on the staff page.
Anoka County
*Central Center for Family Resources $3000
Funding for A Study of the Masters, a free series of visual art classes and studio time serving adults living with mental illness. Completed work will be featured in a traveling exhibit to various twin cities sites.
*Columbia Heights Public Library Foundation $3000
Funding for free workshops pairing local area teens with professional artists exploring the artistic discipline of storytelling. The project will begin in spring 2007.
*Fridley City Band $2055
Funding to present seven free band and ensemble concerts serving senior citizens throughout Anoka County, beginning summer 2007.
*Musikgarten of Anoka $3000
Funding to offer reduced-cost, early childhood music and movement classes designed to serve children from birth to eight years of age. Classes will take place at the First Congregational Church of Anoka beginning June 2007.
Carver County
*Centre Stage Theatre $3000
Funding for Oklahoma, to be performed at Central High School in Norwood Young America in August 2007.
*Norwood Young America Community Education $3000
Funding for the Music in the Park Series, to be held on Thursday evenings in Norwood Young America in summer 2007.
*Waconia Community Education $3000
Funding for two, weeklong theatrical workshops with Prairie Fire Theatre Co., culminating in two performances each of Robin Hood and Beauty and the Beast at Waconia High School auditorium in Summer 2007.
Dakota County
*Dakota City Heritage Village, Inc $3000
Funding for Dakota Chautauqua 2007, a musical theater production which includes original songs and script telling the tale of Dakota County's history, to be held at the Dakota County Fair in the summer of 2007.
*Dakota County Center for the Arts and Humanities $3000
Funding for three arts programs for youth in the Eagan area including youth art classes at Dakota Woodlands, a non-profit family shelter; music presentations at the Eagan Market Fest and Eagan Rotary Bandshell; and a children's art activity tent and the 13th annual Eagan Art Festival. Programs will take place in summer 2007.
*Eagan Men’s Chorus $3000
Funding for 26 concerts held April through December 2007 at assisted living facilities, senior housing and Associated Male Chorus of America events in Dakota County.
*Minhua Chorus $3000
Funding for Echo of Mountains, part one of the Fifty-six Flowers Concert Series symbolizing the 56 ethnic groups of China, to be performed at Henry Sibly High School in December 2007.
*Minnesota Brass, Inc. $3000
Funding for Sounds of Minnesota, the annual drum and bugle corps festival and competition, to be held at South St. Paul High School in August 2007.
Hennepin County
Ascension Place $1696
Funding for the Visiting Artists Program, pairing local artists with residents of Ascension Place. Beginning spring 2007, the project will include multiple, month-long sessions of arts activity at no cost to residents.
Bluegrass Radio Partners $2550
Funding to create and produce two weekly show segments featuring Phil Nusbaum, Lyle Lofgren and Adam Granger, to be aired on the Bluegrass Review program on KBEM radio in July and August 2007.
Elliot Park Neighborhood, Inc. $3000
Funding for the Summer Music Series, a 10-week series of free community concerts serving the Elliot Park Neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Les Jolies Petites School of Dance $3000
Funding to present the 2007 spring recital, showcasing completed work developed by dance students. The recital will be hosted by North Community High School and will be open to the public.
Nimbus $3000
Seeks funding to produce and stage Agamemnon, the first of a two-part, original adaptation of Aeschylus’ classic trilogy, Oresteia. Performances will be hosted by the Minneapolis Theatre Garage in summer 2007.
Plymouth Christian Youth Center $3000
Funding for the five-week, summer youth arts program providing students ages 9-13 with the opportunity to create live theatre. Instruction will include exposure to the disciplines of acting, dance and movement, creative writing and music, and will culminate in community performances open to the public.
Theatre Unbound $3000
Funding to produce and stage 13 performances of Mary Shelley. Performances will be hosted by the Playwrights’ Center in fall 2007.
zAmya Theater Project $3000
Funding to produce and stage the 2007 zAmya Roadshow, a 50-minute, theatrical production developed with members of homeless and housed populations on the topic of “home.” Performances will be hosted by various venues in fall 2007.
Ramsey County
Girl Scout Council of St Croix Valley $3000
Funding for a six-week photography and creative writing program, serving 15 Hmong girls living in Roosevelt Homes, that will culminate in an exhibition in September 2007.
Mila Vocal Ensemble $3000
Funding for the creation and performance of a 90-minute concert focusing on feasting traditions from around the world and featuring the work of Ruth MacKenzie, to be presented at Unity Church Unitarian in May 2007.
Native Pride Productions $3000
Funding for Dots and Feathers, a collaboration with Katha Dance Theatre that brings together the dance and music of the Native American and Asian Indians, to be performed at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in September 2007.
People, Inc. $3000
Funding for Artability at Apollo, featuring several workshops for artists with mental illness, providing instruction and skill development in photography, drawing, watercolor, matting and framing that will culminate with an art exhibit in October of 2007.
Saint Paul Vocal Forum $3000
Funding for Fear, a choral forum on racism, a free choral performance to be presented at four venues including St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church and Sundin Music Hall in February 2008.
TCHDC/Liberty Plaza $3000
Funding for a two-week summer arts program for youth living at the Liberty Plaza affordable housing development in St. Paul, featuring artists from Barebones Productions and culminating in a community event.
Umunne Cultural Association $3000
Funding for Igbofest, an annual festival featuring traditional Igbo dances, folk music, storytelling and textile design to be held at the University of St. Thomas campus in August 2007.
Women’s Initiative for Self-Empowerment $3000
Funding for Girls Art Project, a three-month conceptual art program serving high school-aged immigrant girls, culminating in an exhibition in August 2007.
Scott County
*Shakopee Community Education $3000
Funding for an original theatrical production celebrating Shakopee's 150th anniversary, to be performed at Shakopee Senior High School Auditorium in July 2007.
Suburban Hennepin County
*4 Community Theater $3000
Funding for Annie, to be held at Rockford High School Auditorium in summer 2007.
*Discovery Arts Council $1600
Funding for the Orono International Festival, a day-long event at the Intermediate School in Orono in October 2007.
*MDTS Youth Ballet Company $3000
Funding for the Performance in the Community program, consisting of 12 to 15 free dance performances at senior centers, hospitals and similar organizations in the metro area.
*Music Association of Minnetonka $3000
Funding for two young people’s concerts focused on building children's familiarity with instruments in the orchestra, to be presented at Wayzata Community Church in April and Mount Calvary Church in May 2007.
*NDI Backyard Productions $3000
Funding for Babes in Arms, to performed in a backyard in Maple Grove in July 2007.
*Three Rivers Chorale $2245
Funding for a classical choral concert featuring the choral work Mass of the Children, by John Rutter, to be performed at Word of Peace Lutheran Church in Rogers in May 2007.
*Westonka Community Education and Services Advisory Council $3000
Funding for the 15th annual Music in the Park Series, a free concert series consisting of five to six performances on Thursday evenings from June through August 2007.
Suburban Ramsey County
*Lakeshore Players, Inc. $3000
Funding for the 16th annual Summer Youth Project, a five-week long opportunity for youth to participate in producing an original play culminating in performances in July 2007.
*North Suburban Chorus $3000
Funding for 35 choral performances, to be held at nursing, healthcare and retirement centers in the north suburban area from April through December of 2007.
*TCHDC/Calibre Ridge Townhomes $3000
Funding for a summer arts program for youth living at the Calibre Ridge affordable housing development in Roseville, featuring artists from Barebones Productions and culminating in a community event.
Washington County
*Forest Lake Park Board $3000
Funding for Arts in the Park, a series of free, weekly summertime performances and exhibits to be held at Lakeside Park and Gazebo in Forest Lake.
*Masquers Theatre Company $3000
Funding for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, to be presented at Forest Lake High School Auditorium in July 2007.
*Music Saint Croix $3000
Funding for three chamber music concerts in the 2007-2008 season, to be presented at Trinity Lutheran Church and the Washington County Historic Courthouse in Stillwater.
*St Croix Valley Chamber Chorale $3000
Funding for a concert series celebrating Minnesota's water environment and featuring a newly commissioned work by Aaron David Miller, to be presented at the Washington County Historic Courthouse in February 2008.
FY 2007 Organizational Development Grant Awards
In January, 2007 MRAC awarded $59,600 to 10 organizations in our 2006/2007 Organizational Development Project grant program. The following is a complete list of grantees sorted by county that includes award amounts and project summaries.
The Organizational Development Project grant program offers grants of up to $6,000 for projects designed to strengthen the management or administration of small and mid-sized nonprofit arts groups located in the seven-county metropolitan area encompassing the counties of Anoka, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington. An appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature is the principle source of MRAC funds. Groups indicated by an * are funded primarily through a grant from the McKnight Foundation.
For more information on the Organizational Development grant program, check out the Organizational Development program page or find your program director on the staff page.
Dakota County
*Minnesota Valley Academy of Music $6000
Funding to work with a consultant seasoned in mergers and community planning, to facilitate discussions and assist with creating an organizational framework as community partners work together to convert the Minnesota River School of Fine Art building into a multidisciplinary nonprofit art and culture center.
Hennepin County
Ananya Dance Theatre $6000
Funding to hire a part-time Community Partnerships and Volunteer Manager that will allow the theatre to create a volunteer system, build community partnerships, and increase organizational capacity for long-term growth.
Minneapolis Musical Theatre $6000
Funding to hire the organization’s first paid staff member, a part-time executive director.
One Voice Mixed Chorus $6000
Funding to create a five-year strategic plan with the assistance of an organizational development consultant. The plan will give long-term structure for One Voice to further its mission.
Phillips Community Television $6000
Funding to work with consultants to develop a strategic long-range plan that will result in a strong articulation of vision, mission, measurable outcomes and strategies, and an operational plan.
Soap Factory $5600
Funding to support the expansion of the organization’s website. The project includes funding planning with a professional web designer, a digital camera, and a brief training on the new “foolproof system” for updating content.
Dragon Festival $6000
Funding to work with a festival management firm who will prepare the Dragon Festival to make a transition from an all volunteer “grass roots” festival to a more professional organization capable of managing a significantly larger event.
Ramsey County
Minnesota Boychoir $6000
Funding to work with a consultant in developing a strategic marketing and communications plan in order to give the organization a broader, more vibrant and unique image.
Teatro del Pueblo $6000
Funding to work with a fundraising consultant to assess the theatre’s current fundraising capacity in relationship to individual giving, to create a fundraising plan, and to offer follow-up assessment.
Suburban Hennepin County
*Ethnic Dance Theatre $6000
Funding to hire a consultant to complete a community assessment process to learn stakeholder attitudes and beliefs. Assessment will take place within the performing company, the dance community, the marketplace, the funding community and the media. Findings will be used to shape an audience development strategy and marketing plan.
FY 2007 Capital Grant Awards
In January, 2007, MRAC awarded $46,037 to 10 organizations in its 2006/2007 Capital grant program. The following is a complete list of grantees sorted by county that includes award amounts and project summaries.
The Capital grant program offers grants of up to $6,000 to small and mid-sized nonprofit arts organizations to purchase equipment and related supplies and service, or to make capital improvements. Groups must be located in the seven-county metropolitan area encompassing the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington. An appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature is the principle source of MRAC funds. Groups indicated by an * are funded primarily through a grant from the McKnight Foundation.
For more information on the Capital grant program, check out the Capital grant program page or find your program director on the staff page.
Dakota County
*Dakota Valley Symphony $3534
Funding to purchase five major pieces of percussion equipment and related pieces to increase the orchestra’s self-sufficiency and artistic quality. The pieces include a bass drum with stand and beater, cymbals with stand, xylophone, orchestra bells, and gong with stand and mallet.
Hennepin County
Diaspora Flow $1758
Funding to purchase a MacBook Pro computer and QuickBooks software to enhance their administrative and financial management capacity.
Kairos Dance Theatre $6000
Funding to purchase an integrated technology package to support both administrative and artistic needs.
Minneapolis Guitar Quartet Association $6000
Funding to commission the design and building of an eight-string guitar to perform repertoire requiring this instrumentation.
Old Arizona Collaborative, Inc. $6000
Funding to purchase two dimmer bars of six dimmers each, and cables, in order to eliminate the need to rent dimmers, as well as to increase lighting flexibility.
Open Eye Figure Theatre $6000
Funding to build out three required bathrooms for a new ADA accessible space.
Ritz Theater Foundation $6000
Funding to purchase a permanent sound system for the newly renovated theater.
Ramsey County
Ballet Minnesota $2501
Funding to purchase a flexible, non-skid, vinyl floor cover to be installed in the organization’s studio.
Suburban Hennepin County
*Allegro Orchestral Association $2244
Funding to purchase a computer, multi-purpose printer and software in order to upgrade technology in response to organizational grow | 
