Forecast Public Art firmly believes that culture and creativity are important drivers of creating a more just society. As one of the country’s first nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing the field of public art, Forecast’s mission is to activate, inspire, and advocate for public art that advances justice, health, and human dignity. Forecast believes public art plays a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging and supporting people to realize their potential and live healthy lives.

Forecast was founded in 1978 by and for artists working in public space and is currently led by Executive Director Theresa Sweetland. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and working both locally and nationally, Forecast connects artists with cities, institutions, and communities to courageously tackle the vital issues of our time. The organization partners with decision-makers and stakeholders on arts and cultural planning efforts and supports public artists with funding, training, and opportunities to create partnerships and advance their public art careers. Their team also helps others find, select, curate, fund, and commission public artists. Forecast emphasizes access for artists of color, Indigenous and/or Native artists, and groups that are traditionally excluded.

Jerome Foundation supports Forecast’s Early-Career Project Grant and Research and Development Grant programs. Managed by Director of Learning, Grants, + Research Jen Krava, Forecast’s early-career Public Artist Grants specifically serve individual, early career, generative public artists and artist teams in the state of Minnesota and the Native Nations that share the same geography. Grants to early career artists consist of two Project Grants to support the creation of new temporary or permanent public art projects and four Research & Development Grants to support public art planning and project development. In addition to funds, grantees receive a unique constellation of resources and services catered to their specific interests, needs, and artistic practices. Forecast works to connect grantees with a broad network of public artists and opportunities by offering access to Forecast activities and events, easing grantees’ path as public art professionals and opening doors for them to connect with peers, established artists, and other community members.