SF1605

Purpose

To provide funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to support the Minnesota Humanities Center’s statewide humanities efforts, partnerships, and educational programming with a focus on Minnesota’s culture, veterans and military experiences, educator development, and representation of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).

Main Provisions

• Appropriation amounts: $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,500,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• Source: Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• Recipient and control: Funds go to the board of directors of the Minnesota Humanities Center.
• Uses of funds:
  • Support statewide humanities programs.
  • Expand outreach partnerships and humanities programming with organizations and individuals across Minnesota.
  • Include programming related to the culture of Minnesota veterans and the military experience.
  • Provide professional development opportunities for educators.
  • Support programming representing and reflecting Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).

Significance and Potential Changes to Law

• This bill adds a two-year funding allocation to the Minnesota Humanities Center, increasing support for statewide humanities activities and outreach.
• The excerpt does not specify changes to existing statutes beyond the appropriation; it outlines how funds should be used and for whom, with an emphasis on veteran culture, educator development, and inclusive representation.

Fiscal Details and Timeline

• Total appropriation: $5,000,000 over two years (FY2026 and FY2027).
• Annual allocation: $2,500,000 per year.

Beneficiaries and Implementation

• Beneficiaries: Minnesota residents through statewide humanities programs; veterans and military communities; educators benefiting from professional development; BIPOC communities and organizations across the state.
• Implementation: Administered by the Minnesota Humanities Center’s board of directors.

Relevant Terms - arts and cultural heritage fund - Minnesota Humanities Center - statewide humanities programs - outreach partnerships - programming - culture of Minnesota veterans - military experience - professional development for educators - Black Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) - fiscal year 2026 - fiscal year 2027 - $2,500,000