Arts Tourism Opportunity: Explore Minnesota’s New Star of the North Campaign

Minnesota’s arts community is one of our state’s greatest tourism assets—and Explore Minnesota wants to help tell that story.

Thank you to Kathryn Sutton and the Explore Minnesota team for joining MCA members to share the new Star of the North campaign, a statewide effort to showcase the people, places, and experiences that make Minnesota a destination worth exploring.

For arts organizations, artists, and creative businesses, this creates new opportunities to connect with visitors, elevate your work, and be part of Minnesota’s tourism story.

Missed the Webinar?

We’ve got you covered.

Watch the Webinar Recording

Download the Presentation Deck

Explore MN Resources for Star of the North Campaign

Turn Opportunity Into Action

The organizations that engage, share their stories, and take advantage of these resources will be best positioned to benefit from this exciting statewide initiative. We encourage you to explore the available tools and consider how your organization can connect with this effort.

A Partnership That Benefits the Arts

We’re grateful to Kathryn Sutton and the Explore Minnesota team for recognizing what MCA members have always known: arts and culture aren’t just amenities—they’re powerful drivers of community vitality, economic activity, and Minnesota’s identity.

Help MCA Create More Opportunities Like This

From protecting arts funding at the Capitol to building partnerships that help the arts thrive, MCA’s work is powered entirely by our members.

If you’re not yet a member, now is a great time to join.

Become an MCA Member

Community Conversations: Legacy Arts Funding Tour Stops

These informal gatherings bring together artists, organizations, community leaders, and advocates to share how Legacy Arts Funding is strengthening Minnesota communities—from local economies and Main Streets to health, wellness, and social connection.

They are an opportunity to connect directly with arts leaders, share your community’s story, and help shape the future of arts policy in Minnesota.

Upcoming Metro area stops include:

• Highpoint Center (Minneapolis) Tuesday, June 9th from 2:00 - 3:00 PM
• Playwrights' Center (St Paul) - Friday, June 26th from 11:00 AM - 12 PM

REGISTER FOR MCA TOUR

Protect Arts & Humanities Funding: Urge Congress to Support the NEA and NEH

On May 21, 2026, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee advanced its FY 2027 bill proposing $135 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts (National Endowment for the Arts) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (National Endowment for the Humanities), a 35% cut, while also proposing to increase the state arts agency set-aside from 40% to 53%, which would reduce direct support for local arts organizations. We oppose these changes and support restoring funding to $213 million each and maintaining the 40% formula, please take two minutes to contact your Congressional delegation and urge them to support strong funding for these cultural agencies.

Contact Your Congress Person