Purpose

• This bill provides funding to support a Southeast Asian music festival on the East Side of St. Paul. The goal is to support cultural heritage and arts in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Section 1: Appropriation of $200,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• The money goes to the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Humanities Center.
• The Board is authorized to provide a grant to Siengkane Lao MN to host a Southeast Asian music festival on the East Side of St. Paul.

Administration and Recipients

• Recipient organization: Siengkane Lao MN (via a grant administered by the Minnesota Humanities Center’s Board of Directors).
• Fund source: Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• Timing: Funds are appropriated for fiscal year 2026.

Significance and Intent

• Focuses on celebrating Southeast Asian culture and music.
• Targets a local community area—East Side of St. Paul—through a cultural event funded by state arts resources.

Changes to Existing Law

• Creates a new appropriation within the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for a specific festival.
• Does not establish new programs or modify existing agency duties beyond authorizing the grant.

Implementation Notes

• The bill's introduction indicates it has been referred to the Environment Climate and Legacy committee, but the core provision is the targeted appropriation for the festival.

Relevant Terms - appropriation - Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund - Minnesota Humanities Center - Board of Directors - Siengkane Lao MN - Southeast Asian music festival - East Side of St. Paul - fiscal year 2026 - grant