Amid Gridlock, Major Arts Wins Secured Thanks to MCA Members

Just before Memorial Day weekend, Governor Walz officially signed into law two critical arts funding bills—a remarkable outcome in one of the most gridlocked and unpredictable legislative sessions in recent memory

Here’s what your advocacy—and your membership—made possible:

• Legacy Bill (HF 2564): Secures MCA’s top priority—47% of the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund is allocated to the Minnesota State Arts Board and Regional Arts Councils (MSAB/RAC system) over the next two years.
• State Government Bill (HF 3045): Provides stable General Fund support for the arts, with a modest increase despite major budget constraints.
• Protected Artistic Freedom: No content-based censorship. Artists and organizations remain free to create without interference.
• Protected Arts Funding: MCA blocked attempts to divert Legacy dollars to non-arts projects—keeping funding focused on what it was meant for.

These are not small wins—they are structural protections for our sector.

And they didn’t happen by accident. They happened because of MCA members like you.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is 100% member funded. We’re the only statewide organization solely focused on protecting and advancing public arts funding. When challenges rise, we’re at the table—because you put us there.

Despite legislative gridlock and economic uncertainty, the major arts bills are passed, signed, and protected. That’s the power of organized, relentless, statewide advocacy.

What's next?

• A Special Session is likely. MCA is watching closely. If new threats emerge, we’ll call on you—and we know you’ll be ready.
• Once the dust settles, MCA will host a post-session webinar to break down what this year’s session means for your work and your funding.

Join or Renew with MCA Today

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Because the next fight is always closer than it seems—and we need you with us.