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Create a More Connected Minnesota

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In the Twin Cities, just over 5 percent of cultural nonprofits receive 77 percent of all arts grants and donations. 

Only a fraction of that money goes to organizations by and about people of color. 

As a result, the large, white, mainstream organizations continue to get larger while smaller, more diverse organizations struggle to get by. 

Smaller, diverse groups swim against arts-funding tide

MPR News host Marianne Combs spoke with several guests about how racial inequities in funding are affecting local arts groups and how some grant givers are trying to change the status quo in light of our growing diversity.

Minnesota artists question state grant process

, artistic director of the Penumbra Theatre. 

, executive director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice.

, president and CEO National of the Committee for Responsive Philanthropy.

 To hear the full conversation use the audio player above. 

Marianne Combs

Author

Larger, whiter, cultural nonprofits are taking up most of the funding in the state. What does that mean for smaller, more diverse groups?

Larger, whiter, cultural nonprofits are taking up most of the funding in the state. What does that mean for smaller, more diverse groups? MPR News host Marianne Combs invited four guests from the arts community to discuss the state's grant process and what can be done to change the status quo.

Story audio

Stephanie Bertumen finds a quiet moment backstage. 

Do arts grant-givers overlook artist of color?

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Guests