HF1559

This bill appropriates funds from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to support a Community Festival Grant Program. Specifically, it allocates $1,250,000 for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Minnesota Humanities Center, which will distribute grants to community organizations, cities, and counties to support cultural festivals and events statewide.

The funding may be used for event programming, staffing, community outreach, transportation, facilities and equipment rentals, and signage. Additionally, up to $200,000 may be allocated for public safety reimbursement to county sheriff departments for festival-related expenses.

Priority funding will be given to several specific cultural events, including:
- Somali Museum Annual Celebration
- Twin Cities Jazz Fest
- Selby Avenue Jazz Fest
- Hmong Festival
- Cinco de Mayo Festival
- Rondo Days (St. Paul)
- Hiddo Soor International Somali Cultural Festival (Plymouth)
- Safe Summer Nights (St. Paul)
- Somali Independence Day (St. Paul)