Our History
Since 1980, the Region 2 Arts Council (R2AC), 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.
Our Vision
Creating a thriving arts culture that enhances the quality of life in our communities.
Our Mission
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.
Our Equity Statement
Artistic expression acts as the eyes, ears, and voice of humanity, building empathy and calling us to see, hear, and respond as one human being to another. Being an organization that supports and celebrates the diversity of human expression, we acknowledge and must be aware of the racial, cultural, social, and economic forces that have defined us and our organization. Every day in any decision we make, Region 2 Arts Council is called to listen, learn, and respond to all those around us, regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality, mental or physical capability, social status or economic circumstance
Please read this statement as a work in-progress. We are committed to actively listening, learning, and changing in order to make progress toward greater equity.
The Role of Regional Arts Councils
The Region 2 Arts Council is part of a statewide system of 11 regional arts 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.
Funding
The Region 2 Arts 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.
r2arts.org 