Who We Are

Irish Arts Minnesota (IAM) is a 501(c) (3) charitable non-profit cultural and educational organization established to support, coordinate, encourage and promote high-quality activities and programs in Irish music, dance, and other cultural traditions. We hope to foster greater awareness, understanding, appreciation of, and participation in the traditional arts of Ireland and related cultural traditions.

Purpose of the Grant Program

To encourage study in the traditional arts of Ireland, including music, dance, Irish language, and other cultural topics as identified by the applicant and conforming to the charitable purpose of the Irish Music and Dance Association. We hope that recipients of IAM Educational Grants will continue their study and, in so doing, enhance the cultural life of our community. Irish Arts Minnesota considers the program an investment in the future.

Program Description

Individuals and groups may apply for a grant from Irish Arts Minnesota to pursue an interest in any of the traditional arts of Ireland. Grants may be used for fees, travel expenses, equipment purchase or other purpose which supports the applicant’s goal.

Applicants for grants associated with the performing arts (music, dance, theatre, storytelling, etc.) will be asked to contribute their new skills by performing at the IAM’s St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration or similar event. Applicants in other areas will be asked to demonstrate their new skills in a way appropriate for their field of study (e.g. display, demonstration, report).

Grants typically range from $100 to $500. IAM may choose to fully fund a grant request, or we may choose to provide a portion of the expense.

Criteria

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a commitment over time to developing mastery in their field of study, a willingness to help or teach others, and a generosity in sharing their skills in performance in a range of settings (if applicable). A strong sense of community, demonstrated by volunteer involvement, is highly desirable.

Music: Applicants are asked to submit a recommendation from a music teacher or skilled performer familiar with their work.

Dance: Applicants are asked to submit a recommendation from a dance teacher, Irish community elder, or skilled performer familiar with their work.

Theatre/Storytelling: Applicants are asked to submit a recommendation from a director, instructor, Irish community elder, or skilled performer familiar with their work.

Other Pursuits: Applicants are encouraged to provide the unique nature of the proposed area of study, its roots in Irish tradition, the scarcity of this study in the Twin Cities, etc. Applicants are asked to submit a recommendation from a recognized expert familiar with their work.

Application Process

Applicants should complete an application and submit it along with a letter of recommendation by April 15. Applications will be reviewed, and selections made by June 1. Funds will be available by July 1st. Grant recipients must commit to spending their grant by the end of the following year, and to providing documentation of their expenses to Irish Arts Minnesota by Jan. 31st of the following year.

Deadline for applications for 2024 is April 15, 2024.

At the completion, recipients will be asked to perform at the IAM’s St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration or another IAM event (if appropriate) or present their learning experience in another form as appropriate to their area of study.

For additional information, please contact Jan Casey at grants@irishartsmn.org or 651-276-0222.