Investing in the Arts throughout Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties, the CMAB aims to foster a thriving, collaborative, and innovative arts community. This includes striving for excellence in leadership, increasing quality of life through arts engagement, nurturing artists' professional needs, and ensuring responsible arts funding distribution. The mission encompasses supporting creativity, diversity, civic engagement, lifelong learning through the arts, and accountability in the funding process.
The Public Art Grant Program provides financial support for both temporary and permanent public art projects that are freely accessible to the public. These projects should have a considerable impact on the public or ensure permanent, accessible documentation for temporary works. The overarching goals include facilitating a change in the regional residents' knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, or conditions through public art, arts festivals, or arts events. Additionally, the program aims to help regional artists reach new audiences and foster relationships that contribute to their artistic development, as well as to broaden the audience for Minnesota folk and traditional artists/arts. While there is no maximum request amount for funding, available funds are limited.