Region 2 Arts Council Opens Two-Year Operating Grants for Northern Counties

The Region 2 Arts Council began accepting applications today for its Community Arts Support program, a competitive two-year operating grant aimed at arts organizations in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and Mahnomen counties. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, with full details and instructions available at r2arts.org.

Awards are offered at levels of $2,000 to $7,000 per year, meaning recipient organizations may receive between $4,000 and $14,000 in total over the two-year grant period. Eligible applicants must have arts programming at the center of their mission and must have provided arts programming during two of the past four years. The program is supported in part by the state’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and by a General Fund appropriation, blending dedicated cultural funding with broader state budget support.

For small and mid-sized arts groups in Beltrami County, this represents an important source of predictable operating revenue. Unlike single-project grants, multiyear operating support helps organizations plan seasons, retain or hire staff, and cover core expenses such as facility rent, utilities and outreach. Even the program’s lower award tier can offset specific recurring costs, while higher awards can underwrite expanded programming or community engagement initiatives that boost local visitation and commerce.

From an economic perspective, sustaining arts organizations supports more than cultural activity. Cultural events and programming generate ancillary spending at restaurants, shops and local services, and steady operating funds can improve an organization’s ability to secure additional grants, sponsorships and earned income. The inclusion of a General Fund appropriation alongside the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund signals state policymakers’ willingness to supplement dedicated cultural dollars with broader fiscal support, which may be significant for long-term sector stability.

Local leaders and nonprofit managers should evaluate how a two-year commitment could fit into organizational budgets and strategic plans. Applicants can find eligibility criteria, application forms and submission instructions at r2arts.org. Meeting the Feb. 15 deadline will be critical for organizations seeking multiyear stability as they plan programming that serves Beltrami County residents and supports the local economy.