About us.
What we stand for.
Vision
Creating a thriving arts culture that enhances the quality of life in our communities.
Mission Statement
The Region 2 Arts Council strengthens the presence of the arts by supporting opportunities for arts creation, promotion, and education for the people of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen counties.
Diversity and Equity Statement
At the Region 2 Arts Council, we are committed to fostering an environment where Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to create a thriving arts culture that enhances the quality of life in our communities by embracing these core values:
Inclusion: We strive to create a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and respected, honoring their backgrounds and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our collective creativity and understanding. We seek projects that bring our communities together through the arts.
Diversity: We celebrate the unique contributions of individuals from all walks of life. Our commitment to diversity ensures that our programs and initiatives reflect the rich tapestry of our communities.
Equity: We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all, ensuring that everyone has the resources and support they need to succeed. We recognize and address the systemic barriers that have historically marginalized members of our region.
Access: We work tirelessly to remove barriers to participation in the arts. Our goal is to make the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, ability, location or identity.
Our values of connection, responsiveness, celebration, and curiosity guide our actions and decisions. We connect with our community through meaningful engagement, respond to the needs and aspirations of our constituents, celebrate the achievements and creativity of our artists, and approach our work with a sense of curiosity and openness to new ideas guided by one big IDEA.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the offices of Region 2 Arts Council and the area we serve are on the land and waters that are the current and ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe and Dakota. R2Arts respects these sacred lands and stands with the community members from these Nations. We strive for equity and authentic inclusion as we celebrate arts and culture in our region.
We are grateful for the abundance and beauty of the land that inspires and sustains the artists of this region, and we honor and respect the Indigenous people and their connection to this land as its spiritual and physical caretakers.
We recognize the painful continuing history of physical and cultural genocide and the systematic efforts to alienate the Indigenous inhabitants from their territory and lifeways, and we are dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and promoting the rich arts and cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples as a part of these communities’ healing journeys. We are committed to continuing to learn how we might best do this.
Safe Space
At R2Arts, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all individuals, honoring and celebrating differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other identity. We recognize and honor the rich diversity of our community, and we strive to ensure that everyone feels respected, valued, and supported.
Our core values of creativity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, and accessibility guide our work in fostering a space where all voices are heard, where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and where individuals of all backgrounds can freely engage in artistic expression. We actively work to challenge barriers to participation and promote justice, inclusion, and mutual respect in all of our programs, partnerships, and services.
R2Arts is dedicated to providing a safe space where every person is empowered to contribute and create, knowing they are part of a community that honors their uniqueness and supports their artistic journey. We stand together in embracing difference, encouraging dialogue, and creating opportunities for all to thrive.
Who we are.
Services
R2AC provides grants for arts plans, projects, and programs for individual artists, non-profit organizations, government and tribal entities, schools, colleges, universities, and community education programs. To apply for a grant, create a login on our website and complete the application online. One of our grant programs, the Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grant, also offers the option to submit a paper grant application.
Whether virtually or in-person, we are committed to organizing, centralizing, celebrating, and sharing accomplishments, opportunities, and resources for those who create art or engage with it. Through FaceBook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok we engage with others to cultivate awareness, excitement, and interest in the arts. Our website is designed to spark ideas and provide useful information about available resources and help overcome obstacles to the creative process. Our online arts and events calendar celebrates the diverse ways that the arts, culture, and creativity are showing up in our communities and beyond. Sign up with us and receive Region 2 Arts Council updates and information in your email inbox.
Help elsewhere
Outside our region there is help for all MN Artists in promoting your work, creating an online portfolio, finding health care, and gaining business skills. State and National Arts Funding is available beyond our five county region offering additional grant opportunities.
You can help support funding for artists and arts organizations through Arts Advocacy.
Role of Regional Arts Councils
The Region 2 Arts Council is part of a statewide system of 11 regional art councils that receive a legislative allocation for the arts. The regional arts councils work on a statewide basis in partnership with the Minnesota State Arts Board to provide access to the arts to everyone in Minnesota. Each regional arts council is designated to assess arts needs, develop programs and services to meet those needs, and distribute grants to fund arts programs in their region.
History of R2
Since 1980, the Region 2 Arts Council (R2Arts), has been helping the people of North Central Minnesota strengthen the presence and purpose of the arts in their lives.
The Regional Arts Council system was created by the Minnesota State Legislature in 1977 and ensures that all Minnesotans have access to the arts, no matter where in the state they may live.
R2Arts By-laws
Click here to open a file regarding the R2Arts By-Laws.
Funding
The R2Arts Council is funded through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature, funding from the McKnight Foundation, and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The Region 2 Arts Council is a responsible steward of these funds maintaining accountability with measurable outcomes and assessment processes.
Stewardship of Funds
R2AC Official Documents:
