The majority of MRAC’s funding comes from sales tax revenue collected through the Legacy Amendment. In 2008, Minnesotans voted to approve the addition of the 25-year Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to our state constitution. The Legacy Amendment, which continues until 2034, increased sales tax by 3/8 of 1% (that’s just 3 cents on a $10 purchase). That revenue is dedicated to protecting drinking water sources; protecting, enhancing, and restoring wetlands, prairies, forests, lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater as well as fish, game, and wildlife habitats; supporting parks and trails; and preserving arts and cultural heritage. Arts and culture are officially a natural resource here in Minnesota!
The Legacy Amendment stipulates that 19.75% of the revenue from this tax goes to the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund—which can add up to more than $100 million a year! From there, the biennial state budget appropriates a certain amount to the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) and the Regional Arts Council (RAC) system.
The Minnesota State Arts Board appropriates about 70% of its budget to direct grants and services. The other 30% is given to the Regional Arts Councils for distribution directly to the communities they represent. The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council serves the seven-county Twin Cities metro, which includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties.