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Federal Shutdown & Arts Funding
As of October 1, the federal government has entered a shutdown. While this creates uncertainty, Congress is still in session and negotiations continue on the appropriations bill that funds the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
During a shutdown, NEA and NEH offices are closed and grant activity is paused until funding is restored. That means no new grants are processed and communications may be delayed, though previously awarded funds are not rescinded.
A quick reminder: Minnesota’s Legacy funds remain secure and are not impacted by the federal shutdown. These state dollars, protected by our constitution and allocated by the legislature, are a national model of stable arts funding that keeps creativity thriving in every corner of our state.
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is monitoring the situation closely in partnership with Americans for the Arts (AFTA), who are leading national advocacy efforts. We will share updates as guidance becomes available.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us—and with the arts.
2025 Arts Economic Impact Study Webinar
Last week MCA hosted a webinar on the release of the 2025 Arts Economic Impact Study—a powerful resource to help arts organizations, artists, and advocates strengthen their case for funding and community support.
The recorded webinar isn’t just about numbers—it’s about tools you can use, including:
- How the arts fuel jobs, spending, and community vitality across Minnesota.
- Fresh data you can put to work in grant applications, fundraising, and advocacy.
Be among the first to access this data and start using it right away.
MCA is On the Road!
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts has officially hit the road with the Creative MN Tour—and what an exciting start it has been! We’ve already had great stops in Lanesboro, Rochester, Fairmont, and Marshall, where artists, advocates, and community members came together to share how the arts are shaping local economies, building community pride, and enriching everyday life.
And we’re just getting started!
Sarah Fossen (MCA) and Sue Gens (MN State Arts Board) are bringing this conversation directly to communities across the state with the help of and the Regional Arts Councils and The McKnight Foundation. Each stop is a chance to celebrate local impact, spark meaningful conversations, and connect arts supporters with the bigger picture of why public funding for the arts matters.
We’d love for you to join us at one of our upcoming tour stops:
Northeast & East Central Minnesota
October 14: Hinckley
October 15: Duluth, Ely
Register below to get full details on times, dates, and locations.
Stay tuned—more tour dates and locations for Central and Northwest Minnesota will be announced soon!
Come be part of the conversation and help strengthen the future of the arts in Minnesota!