Got an arty idea? The Knight Arts Challenge St. Paul is taking applications today through May 18 for its second round of grants totalling $1.5 million.

Anyone can apply, artist or not. Last year, winners ranged from a construction company that restored historic signs in Lowertown to an artists' collective that put on a light show projected on a steam plume at the city power plant.

It couldn't be simpler. You need to describe your plans in 150 words or less and follow only three rules:

1) The idea must be about the arts.
2) The project must take place in or benefit St. Paul.
3) The grant recipients must find funds to match Knight's commitment.

Four Q & As offering tips will be held starting next week:

  • Monday, April 27, 6:00 p.m., Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave., Minneapolis
  • Tuesday, April 28, 8:30 a.m., The Dubliner, 2162 University Ave. W, St. Paul
  • Tuesday, April 28, 6 p.m., Rondo Library, 461 N. Dale St., St. Paul
  • Wednesday, April 29, 8:30 a.m., Walker West, 760 Selby Ave., St. Paul

This is the second of three years that the Knight Foundation will fund the challenge, part of a total $8 million investment in the arts in St. Paul that the Miami-based foundation has made. It also divided $3.5 million to five St. Paul arts groups -- The Arts Partnership, Penumbra Theatre, Springboard for the Arts, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and TU Dance.

For updates on the challenge, follow @knightarts and #knightarts on Twitter, @knightfdn on Instagram and Knight Foundation on Facebook.