Amid ICE turmoil, Forecast launches $20K grant program to support Minnesota artists ‘bearing witness’

The St. Paul, Minn.-based Forecast will award 20 small grants of $1,000 each to Minnesota-based artists and culture bearers who are documenting what is unfolding in their communities, a move that comes in the midst of a number of high-profile incidents related to increased presence of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers in the region.

The initiative supports creative work that counters disinformation, preserves lived experience, and tells human-centered stories about the strength and realities of Minnesota’s people.

Forecast leaders say the documentation happening now is critical, noting that what communities in Minnesota experience in this moment may offer lessons for others across the country and around the world.

“To our Minnesota community: we support you, and we are with you in solidarity,” reads a statement from the nonprofit. “Like so many Minnesotans, we are heartbroken, angry, and shaken by what our communities are living through. We also see the strength of community and the power of love and creativity among neighbors. We didn’t ask for this chaos, but we will fiercely stand up for one another today and every day. Alongside you, we mourn the killings of our neighbors, including Keith Porter in Chicago and poet Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. “

The grants are open to artists working in a wide range of disciplines, including writing, photography, video, design, dance, murals, sound, music, visual art, and other creative forms. Projects may be shared publicly or kept private, recognizing the personal and communal risks that can come with telling the truth. With artists’ permission, Forecast may share selected works through its digital platforms, including social media channels and its free publication, FORWARD, which amplifies artists addressing urgent social issues.

The opportunity is intended for Minnesota artists and culture bearers who are witnessing events in their own communities, documenting lived experiences to prevent erasure or misrepresentation, countering misinformation, racism, and divisive narratives, and telling stories that affirm dignity, hope, connection, and shared humanity.

“Artists and culture bearers, we see you in this moment,” continues Forecast’s statement. “Through your voices, bodies, stories, and presence, you are on the front line of courage and care in our communities. You are helping people stay connected, grounded, and human. We see you showing up in the cold, documenting, feeding, comforting, creating spaces to gather and grieve. We see you showing us what democracy looks like in real time, standing up for freedom of expression, peaceful protest, and the right to disagree and dissent. You are standing up for truth and pushing back against racism, misinformation, and hate, reminding us that democracy depends on our ability to see one another in our shared humanity and resist division.”

Forecast is particularly interested in work that centers communities closest to harm, including immigrant, refugee, Native, youth, and other communities facing heightened risk, displacement, or erasure. No single artistic discipline, format, or aesthetic will be prioritized.

Fast turnaround for artists

The organization emphasized its goal of moving funds quickly so artists can respond in real time. All applicants will be notified within one week of applying, and grant payments will be made in full within one week of signing the grant agreement. Applications will be reviewed by a three-member panel composed of Forecast staff, an artist, and an advisor.

While only 20 projects can be funded at this time, Forecast is seeking additional funding partners to expand the program. Artists who are not funded may still receive technical assistance, guidance, or referrals to other resources.

For more information, click here.