Metropolitan Regional Arts Councilgrant

Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Emergency Relief Fund

Who Can Apply: Artists age 18+ who are active in creative practice and have kept their primary address in Minnesota's seven-county Twin Cities metro (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington county) for at least six months before applying; current and past MRAC grantees may apply.
The Focus: Short-term, rapid relief for unexpected expenses or lost income caused by a personal or professional emergency (such as illness or injury, loss of housing, contract cancellation or legal costs) or a natural disaster.
The Funding: The artist receives a one-time $500 relief grant, paid directly by ACH or check; about 20–25 applications are funded per round, chosen by random selection.
Key Requirements: Short Submittable application with legal name and primary address, artistic discipline, an artist statement, demographics and details of the emergency, plus one work sample from the last five years (image, document, video/audio under 5 minutes, or a URL). Round 13 closes November 13, 2026 at 5 pm; Round 14 runs November 16 – December 11, 2026 (5 pm).

DeadlineFriday, November 13, 2026

AwardThe artist receives a one-time $500 relief grant for unexpected expenses or lost income from a personal or professional emergency or natural disaster.

LocationSt. Paul, MN

Open toLocal artists only

ParticipationRemote

Career stagesAll Stages

Application notesAwards are chosen by random selection within seven days of each round deadline; applicants not selected may apply again in later rounds. Applicants may receive only one Emergency Relief Fund award, and MRAC verifies applications by phone. A portion of funds is set aside for BIPOC, disabled and LGBTQ+ artists and for artists in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott and Washington counties. Drafts are not considered; submit before 5 pm on the deadline. Questions and accessibility requests: emergencyrelief@mrac.org.

Contactemergencyrelief@mrac.org

Hosted by

Metropolitan Regional Arts Council

All opportunities from Metropolitan Regional Arts Council

Organization based in St. Paul