What Happened at the Capitol — And What’s Next for Minnesota Arts

While headlines focused on political chaos, budget fights, and election-year noise, something incredibly important was happening behind the scenes at the Capitol:

Minnesota’s arts funding, artistic freedom, and cultural investments were being challenged in very real ways.

And MCA was there every single day fighting to protect them.

This legislative session was not simply about securing funding. It was about defending the integrity of Minnesota’s nationally recognized arts ecosystem from efforts to redirect arts dollars, weaken long-standing protections, and insert political interference into creative expression.

Because of sustained advocacy, relationship-building, and the collective strength of Minnesota’s arts community, those efforts were stopped.

But none of this happens automatically.

It happens because people like you invest in this work.

At a time when arts and cultural organizations across the country are facing increasing political pressure, Minnesota cannot afford to become complacent.

The truth is this:

The arts are only strong at the Capitol when the arts community is organized, visible, and engaged.

Now legislators are heading home to campaign ahead of November’s election — and the groundwork for the next major budget session in 2028 begins now.

If we want lawmakers talking about the arts on the campaign trail, prioritizing arts funding in future budgets, and continuing to defend Minnesota’s position as a national leader, we need to build even more power and momentum today.

That means growing our membership.  
Growing our advocacy network.  
Growing our political strength.  
And growing the number of people willing to invest in protecting this work.

If MCA’s advocacy matters to you, now is the time to step forward. The Arts Need Strong Advocates — And We Need You:

1. Join MCA today
2. Renew your support before momentum is lost
3. Make a gift to power urgent statewide advocacy efforts
4. Invest in the MCA PAC and arts leadership at the Capitol
5. Rally others in your community to help protect Minnesota’s arts future

The arts community has accomplished extraordinary things together in Minnesota — but those victories are never guaranteed.

They are earned. Protected. Defended.

And that work continues today.

BECOME AN MCA MEMBER TODAY!

Statewide Tour Continues through the Metro Area!

As MCA continues its statewide tour across Minnesota, we’re bringing the conversation to the Twin Cities for a new round of community gatherings focused on the future of arts funding, advocacy, and the real impact of the arts in our communities.

These informal meetups bring together artists, arts organizations, community leaders, legislators, and advocates to share stories about how Legacy Arts Funding is strengthening Minnesota communities in meaningful and measurable ways.

Across the state, we’ve heard how the arts are helping revitalize Main Streets, drive local economies, support veterans living with PTSD, improve outcomes for mental health and memory care patients, create connection for older adults, support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, and build stronger, healthier communities overall. The arts are not separate from community vitality — they are central to it.

These gatherings are an opportunity to connect directly with arts leaders and decision-makers, share what’s happening in your community, and help shape the future of arts and cultural policy in Minnesota.

Want to join the conversation? We’ll be in:

1. Lyric Arts (Anoka) Tuesday, June 2 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM
2. Highpoint Center (Minneapolis) Tuesday, June 9th from 2:00 - 3:00 PM
3. St Paul Location - Coming Soon

REGISTER FOR THE TOUR TODAY!

Arts and the New MN Tourism Initiative!

Minnesota Tourism and Art Special Webinar

Friday, May 29th, 10 - 11 AM

Join us for an inside look at how Minnesota is using arts and culture to tell the state’s story through the new Star of the North campaign. Learn how your work can connect with statewide tourism efforts, reach new audiences, and increase visibility and participation.

We're pleased to feature:

Kathryn Sutton, Deputy Director, Explore Minnesota

Sarah Fossen, Executive Director, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts

Tourism is a powerful driver for the arts, and this is a long-awaited step forward. Don’t miss this opportunity to see what’s possible and how you can engage.

We’re excited to offer this conversation as part of your MCA membership benefits, and we hope you’ll join us.

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

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

Now is a critical time to speak up for arts and culture funding. As Congress begins work on the FY 2027 budget, the President’s proposal calls for major cuts that would eliminate both the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), despite bipartisan support last year that maintained funding at $207 million each. The NEA and NEH provide essential grants to organizations in every Congressional District, supporting cultural access, education, and local economies. Americans for the Arts (AFTA) also shared a funding chart highlighting the sharp differences between the President’s proposal and current federal support levels. Contact your Members of Congress and urge them to preserve full FY 2027 funding for the NEA and NEH.

CONTACT YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TODAY!