MCA to receive 2014 operating support from the State Arts Board

WINONA, Minn. — The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts was once again selected to receive grant funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

For the 2014 fiscal year, MCA has been awarded funding in the form of an Operating Support grant allowing the organization to continue to provide arts-based learning opportunities and programming to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in Southeast Minnesota.
In 2010 and 2011 MCA was awarded funding through the State Arts Board’s Community Arts Schools and Conservatories grant division, and for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 years MCA was awarded formulary and merit-based funding for operating support. The consistent funding support by the Minnesota State Arts Board acknowledges MCA as a leader in community arts education for the state of Minnesota.

The Minnesota State Arts Board funding will help support and expand MCA’s current programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre for children and youth. Furthermore, the grant will allow MCA to venture into new community outreach projects, expand its visual art and theatre divisions, grow the Adult Arts Wellness program, and remain fiscally responsible with balanced budgets.

In the 2013, MCA employed 30 teaching artists, served more than 600 local children/youth as well as more than 100 adult students; additionally, more than 6,650 people attended dance and music performances and outreach events produced by MCA.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, exists to provide quality arts education and performance by nurturing and encouraging artistic expression in children and adults. MCA’s service to the community ranges from recreational to pre-professional performing arts curriculum and programming designed to provide physical and aesthetic benefits, heightened self-respect, discipline and confidence.

For more information about the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, an affiliate of Saint Mary’s University, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, or call (507) 453-5500.