Eagan Parks Department Receives $5,000 Grant for Arts Programming

Four Dakota County organizations were awarded a total of nearly $20,000 from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC).

More than $300,000 was awarded to 66 organizations and projects around the seven-county metro area for the second round of MRAC's 2013 Community Arts grant program.

Dakota County projects include a symphony for young artists, a drum and bugle competition and a jazz program.

"The organizations and projects chosen demonstrate both strong artistic quality and a connection to a community," MRAC wrote in a press release.

In 2012, the MRAC gave more than $2.7 million to arts organizations and projects across the state.

Dakota County Organizations Receiving Grants

Dakota Valley Symphony               $4,860

Funding for a Young Artists Concert, featuring a world premiere by Victor Zupanc and Kevin Kling. The concerts will take place at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center in April 2013.

Eagan Parks and Recreation                     $5,000

Funding for "Art... Be A Part! Inspire," yearlong arts programing for all ages featuring Sampler Saturdays, adult and teen open studios, and the annual Harvest of Art exhibit and open house. The activities will take place from April 2013 through March 2014.

Minnesota Brass, Inc                     $5,000

Funding for "Sounds of Minnesota," a drum and bugle competition featuring seven drum corps from throughout the Midwest. The event will take place at South St. Paul High School in August 2013.

Youth in Jazz, Inc.              $5,000

Funding for year-long programming in jazz for middle and high school-aged youth that includes instruction, rehearsals, recording and performance. Activities will take place between April 2013 and June 2014.