2026 Cultural Districts Art Fund

Cultural Districts Art Fund (CDAF) program applications are now open for applications! Check the links below learn more and start your application soon.  

Festivals & Cultural Spaces Activation Program - up to $16,700 per award, and 

Pop-Up Art & Culture Activations Program - $5,000 per award 

Both programs encourage proposals that respond to immediate community needs in 2026. Funding prioritizes community-driven, publicly accessible engaging arts projects that provide uplifting support, foster creative place-making, and strengthen safety, connection, and resilience within Cultural Districts. Funding priority to Minneapolis-based and regional artists and practices rooted in care and collective healing. 

Who Can Apply?   

Individual artists, artist groups/teams, arts entrepreneurs, arts organizations, arts/culture service organizations, neighborhood organizations and local businesses proposing artistic community-building projects. 

Eligible locations: 

All projects are expected to benefit communities and residents within the city of Minneapolis Cultural Districts (rather than the applicant), with projects taking place within and in *close proximity to the Minneapolis Cultural Districts. 

*ACA is open to considering proposals located within a 5-block radius of the boundaries delineating the cultural district. Each proposal will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine its alignment with our objectives and requirements. 

Key Dates to Remember:   

– Applications open: January 28, 2026 

– Award information session: February 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST (live virtual) RSVP here 

– Application deadline: February 27, 2026, at 4:30 PM CST 

– Applications review: March 1 to April 14, 2026 

– Award notifications: April 16, 2026 

– Eligible funding period: June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027 

⚠️ Please note: Applications must be submitted via online portal by the deadline. Send any questions to mplsaca@minneapolismn.gov or contact program manager – Meena Mangalvedhekar meena.mangalvedhekar@minneapolismn.gov 

These programs are a timely opportunity to bring your creative ideas to life and make a lasting impact on our community.