Impact in Action: Arts
At the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, we believe art is a driving force behind community connection, cultural identity and economic vitality.
That’s why we invest in a vibrant arts community. This can be seen through our work with donors, nonprofit organizations, artists and other partners.
Our Commitment to the Arts
Protecting and investing in the arts is critical to Minnesota’s future – especially as we strive for thriving, healthy and equitable communities.
Program Officer Sharon DeMark shares more about our commitment to the arts.
The Need for Arts
Arts is more than creative expression – it can reflect culture, foster empathy, provoke thought and lead to transformation. It can also play a vital role in supporting mental health, healing and overall well-being. But in today’s climate of shrinking public funding and shifting priorities, access to the arts is increasingly at risk.
From local theaters and music programs to community murals and youth workshops, these touchpoints not only enrich our lives – they also reduce social isolation, promote emotional resilience, educate and foster a sense of belonging. The arts support small businesses, spark neighborhood revitalization and build pathways for social change, lifelong learning and personal wellness.
How We Invest in Arts
Grantmaking
We and our donors care deeply about investing in the arts. From 2019-2024, the Foundation and our fundholders together granted more than $100 million to arts, culture and humanities organizations.
Art In This Present Moment
Art in This Present Moment is an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation that provides support to artists who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.
Since 2020, we have provided grants to 12 Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by over 50 BIPOC artists. The artists have created projects ranging from photography, dance, murals, music and other artistic expressions of something significant to them in this present moment.
Juana Garcia: Celebrating Cultural Traditions Through Dance
Dance has been a way for Juana (Jaynie) Garcia to connect to her Mexican heritage, introducing Ballet Folklorico to others in the city of Willmar.
See the project
Drumming for Unity: A Vision for Community Change
Created by John Salgado Maldonado, Cimarrón Batucada uses the art of drumming to address social justice issues and promote cross-cultural community engagement.
See the project
From Lab to Stage: Kenji Shoemaker's Unique Path in Theater
There’s a unique art and science to prop and stage design. These skills helped former scientist Kenji Shoemaker switch careers, showcasing his talents behind the curtains.
See the project
Sara Ochs: Bridging Theater and Music in a New Artistic Journey
Sara Ochs is a multidisciplinary theater artist and songwriter. With support from Art in This Present Moment, Sara will be exploring her talents as a songwriter, writing new music and potentially a one woman play.
See the project
Mother and Son Duet Bridges the Gap Between Old and New
Mothers often have close relationships with their sons, but in the case of Maria Biagetti Cortez and Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti, that bond is deeply immersed in their culture and music.
See the project
Songs of Connection: Conductor Strives to Desegregate the Choral Community
Music is a universal language, and no one knows that more than Ahmed Fernando Anzaldúa El Samkary.
See the project
Dudley Edmondson Sheds Light on a Fellow Photographer
Dudley Edmondson is best known for photography depicting his love for nature, but for his most recent project, he decided to take on a human subject, Walter Griffin.
See the project
Immortalizing Moments with Artist Thai Phan-Quang
For Art In This Present Moment, Thai Phan-Quang uses his passions for skateboarding and photography to create an innovative project using photo graffiti.
Watch the videoInspiring Generosity
Increasing Access to the Arts
We look forward to inviting fundholders and their guests to our next Giving+Together event on July 29. We’ll engage with changemakers who understand why protecting and investing in the arts is critical to Minnesota’s future.
Speakers include:
- Sarah Bellamy, President at Penumbra
- John Davis, Executive Director at Warroad River Place
- Mary Anne Ligeralde Quiroz, Co-founder and Executive Director at Indigenous Roots
Make More Arts Possible
We are dedicated to ensuring arts organizations, initiatives and programs are around for future generations. From local theaters and music programs to community mural and youth workshops, we know that these creative practices are vital to building thriving, healthy and equitable communities.
Inspired to Make a Difference?
Here are three ways you can support the arts.
- Donate. Across the Arts landscape – from youth programming to professional orchestras, theatres and more, the arts enrich our lives. Find nonprofits the Foundation has granted to. If you’re a fundholder with the Foundation, contact your relationship manager for personalized giving guidance.
- Volunteer. Find volunteer opportunities on Catchafire or HandsOn Twin Cities.
- Advocate. You can advocate for policies to ensure Minnesota maintains its thriving arts scene.