The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council's mission is to develop the arts in Northwestern Minnesota's Region 1 by working with local and area arts organizations and individuals. It aims to foster artistic experiences of high quality by supporting the creation, production, and sponsorship of art activities across various disciplines.
The Arts Legacy - General Operating Grants aim to support artistic activity with a strong community focus within the Northwestern Minnesota region. It targets nonprofit arts organizations incorporated in the area, providing them funding mainly sourced from the Minnesota State Legislature through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. The grant supports art projects that develop or enhance local or regional artists, art resources, or art audiences, with projects needing to be completed within 24 months of receiving the grant. This program covers seven counties in the region, aiming to enrich the community's cultural landscape.