Public funding for the arts is more important than ever—and we rely on arts advocates to ensure this funding continues to support arts and culture in Minnesota.
What’s an arts advocate?
Arts advocacy isn’t something that can be done for you—it requires your involvement to get these important messages out! By publicly and actively supporting the arts, you are an arts advocate. In Minnesota, this can include educating your friends, neighbors, family, and elected officials about the importance of public funding for the arts.
Looking for ways to be an arts advocate in your community? Read on!
Write to Your Elected Representatives
If you want to make sure public dollars keep going to the arts, let your representatives know! You can find your state representative and state senator by typing your address into the MN District Finder.
Remember, the majority of the funds MRAC gives out in grants are allocated by the Minnesota State Legislature through appropriations and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. We need your help to let elected officials know that these dollars are important to you and your community, ensuring funding will continue to be available in the future.
Acknowledgement Letters from Grantees
If you receive a Creative Connections or Flexible Support grant, a requirement of the award is sending a thank you letter to the elected officials who represent your organization/group’s primary address or your primary residential address if you are awarded as an individual. You can used the MN District Finder to confirm your representatives.
It’s important to let your legislators know how state arts funds are making a difference in their district and the types of activities these fund are supporting. A letter or email should be sent to your Minnesota State Senator and Minnesota State Representative; it is not necessary to send correspondence to your US representatives. We advise you to send this correspondence before any events so you can invite them to the activities that are made possible with these funds!
Here are two Sample Grant Acknowledgment Letters to legislators you can use at a starting point. It includes versions for groups and individuals.
(Note: If you receive a Next Step Fund award, the McKnight Foundation has requested no thank you be sent from grantees.)
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is a statewide arts advocacy organization that organizes the arts community to lobby the Minnesota State Legislature. Supported by membership, their mission is to ensure opportunity for all people to have access to and involvement in the arts.
Arts Advocacy Day
MRAC works closely with MCA to support the annual Arts Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in early March. Hundreds of art advocates gather at the capitol to show their legislators that arts funding is important to their communities. This is an opportunity to meet and network with artists and art supporters from around the state while showing your passion for the arts to legislators.