Promoting and supporting the arts in Northwestern Minnesota for over 40 years.
What we do
We provide grants, host exhibitions, and offer training opportunities for artists and art lovers in northwestern Minnesota.
Exhibits
Spend a few minutes (or a few hours!) seeing local art showcased in our exhibits.
Events
Theater, open studios, music, workshops, trainings, and other events make it easy to connect with other arts lovers!
Grants
If you’re looking for dollars to support your work as an artist, we have grants for you.
Podcast
Hear stories from local NW Minnesota artists on our weekly Let’s Talk Art podcast.
Artist Spotlight
Please join NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett in a conversation with Photographer Denise Jenson of Badger that took place on Friday, July 31. Denise has work in the current NWMAC Gallery exhibit The Great State of Minnesota. She's also been a regular entrant in our annual and other exhibits. Learn about how Denise became a photographer, composition, and much more! Denise shared this quote by Thomas Merton, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” If you missed the live discussion on our Facebook or YouTube page you can watch the recording at https://www.youtube.com/live/Rj6mzeodGCY?si=h8sDOwhSlTsVSfAa.
Seeking a Layout Designer for Artists of NW Minnesota Booklet
Deadline -- November 18!
Looking for bids from design/layout artists to create our next booklet!
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is updating our Artists of Northwest Minnesota booklet and will be printing 2,000 - 3,000 copies of this 7th edition, as well as providing an on-line version. This is a marketing booklet that will be distributed throughout our region. We are accepting entries through December from artists and organizations or businesses.
This next booklet will be designed and printed in 2027. The booklet will be in libraries and retail locations in 2027, 2028, and 2029. Our call for entries for individual 1/4 page entries is until the end of this calendar year.
We are requesting bids from design/layout artists to complete the 7th Edition of our Artists of Northwest Minnesota booklet. November 18 is the deadline for those interested in submitting a design for the next booklet. Work activities happen between January - April 2027. We anticipate that the project will take about 40 hours of time. Please email our office at nwartscouncil@gmail.com to request information on the budget for the designer and more specifics on this specific contract. Or call 218-745-8666, ext 1.
Artists Interested in a Listing
In addition to a design/layout artist to create the booklet, we are looking for a variety of creative people and artists to provide information for this booklet. The booklet helps those who are listed reach out to the general public and is a means to help the public “get in touch with them” to purchase art, book them, or have them provide a service. The booklet will include visual artists, fine crafters, performing artists like musicians, dancers, actors, creative writers, fine art photographers, creative videographers, serious graphic artists, interior design artists, landscape artists, journalists, screenwriters, history writers, editors, artistic architects, theater directors, choreographers, accompanists, bands, folk musicians, and more.
Artists can find the application form and the current booklet on our website at https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/artists-of-nw-minnesota-booklet. Or contact our office to receive a paper form by emailing NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com or calling 218-745-8886, ext 1. The cost is only $20 for a ¼ page listing + you receive 20 copies of the booklet.
Arts organizations, dance studios, stores with local art, local sellers of supplies and materials for artists, and other businesses that serve artists will be included in the back of the booklet.
Submissions for individuals will be accepted through December. Businesses or organizations that sell local art or that serve artists can also apply for a listing at the back of the booklet. The deadline for businesses and organizations for submissions will also be accepted through December. There is also an entry form for businesses. The cost is $20 for arts-serving businesses/groups that want to have a logo or picture in the booklet.
Find a free print edition of our current booklet Artists of Northwest Minnesota at your local library, from featured artists, or in other public spaces throughout our region. This is the 6th edition of this publication. The directory lists fine craft and visual artists, photographers, writers, and performing artists who answered our call for entries, as well as arts organizations. It's an invaluable resource when you are looking for art or artists in our region.
The Minnesota State Arts Board is actively seeking passionate individuals to serve as Artistic Reviewers for their Operating Support grant program. Are you an arts supporter, creator, or advocate?
What Artistic Reviewers Do
Artistic evaluators experience the arts firsthand by attending in-person events or viewing online activities presented by organizations seeking state funding.
Evaluate: Review up to 10 artistic experiences.
Assess: Complete a short questionnaire after each event detailing your impressions.
Impact: Your feedback directly informs the Operating Support panels as they evaluate the quality of applicant activities.
Time Commitment & Flexibility
Flexible Schedule: You work directly with the organizations to decide which events to attend based on your availability.
Paced Assignment: You will start with 2 to 3 evaluations, and then receive additional organization assignments as you go.
Timeline: Most of the evaluations take place between mid-February and May 1.
How to Learn More and Apply
Explore: To see if this role is the right fit for you, visit their Artistic Evaluators page to learn more about the program.
Apply: If you are ready to make a difference in your regional arts community, please complete the Minnesota State Arts Board Advisor Interest Form
If you or anyone in your network has questions, please feel free to reach out to jillian.smith@state.mn.us.
Learn more at https://www.arts.state.mn.us/volunteer/index.htm
Springboard for the Arts Offers Free Workshop on
Business Structure Basics for Minnesota Artists
Saturday, Oct 10 via Zoom from 1 PM – 3 PM
VIRTUAL, WORKSHOP
An attorney from Springboard’s Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts (MnLA) program will cover business models from LLC’s to 501(c)3’s, including information on how to prepare, and benefits and risks. This workshop is presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library.
Read more at https://springboardforthearts.org/event/business-structure-basics-for-minnesota-artists/
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming Free grant writing workshops, deadlines, calls for art, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities, and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4x5Zcw5
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Help Shape the Future of Arts Advocacy in Minnesota
Apply to Serve on Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Board of Directors by
Monday, September 29!
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is seeking passionate and committed leaders to serve on their Board of Directors.
As Minnesota’s only statewide arts advocacy organization, MCA works every day to protect and expand public funding for the arts. Their Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding this work and representing arts organizations, artists, and communities across our state.
Why serve?
Help shape the future of arts advocacy and public investment in Minnesota.
Be a part of this great effort to protect and defend over $50 Million in art funding through the State of Minnesota, which fuels the MN State Arts Board and Regional Arts Council Grants.
Represent your region and ensure the arts remain strong everywhere in Minnesota.
Build connections with leaders in the arts, government, and community.
Contribute your expertise to advance equity, creativity, and access to the arts.
Who should apply?
They welcome applications from arts leaders, community advocates, business professionals, artists, and anyone passionate about ensuring Minnesota remains a national leader in public investment in the arts.
MCA is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the people, communities, and rich cultural landscape of our state.
Deadline to apply is MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Learn more and apply at Apply for MCA's Board
Your voice matters—help us continue to make history for the arts in Minnesota.
Want to Create a Portfolio? Sign up for a FREE virtual Portfolio Kit Workshop
Work of Art: Portfolio Kit
Your portfolio is the core of your promotional material and professional calling card. Focus on the essential elements: sharpening your artist statement, tailoring your artistic resume, and curating and formatting your work samples.
This workshop is a part of the 12-part Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series, a professional development curriculum designed to teach business skills to artists in all disciplines. The curriculum is always available for free download, or you can buy a copy of the book to support your practice.
Meet the Instructor
Instructor: Mikha Dominguez (they/them)
Bio: Mikha Dominguez (aka Mikhamik) is a Queer non-binary Latinx Venezuelan artist based in Minneapolis since 2014. With a background in set design, Mikha’s work explores identity, migration, and resilience. They have worked at the Walker Art Center, exhibited at MCAD, University of Minnesota, St. Catherine University, and the University of Omaha, and participated in the Art Shanty Projects. Mikha leads Mikhamik House of Arts and teaches at Springboard for the Arts while studying at MCAD. Visit their website at mikhamik.com.
This is a Zoom Meeting on Tues, September 22 from 6 - 8 PM
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. Upcoming trainings include
Tuesday, September 1 at 3:30 PM for Individuals
Thursday, October 15 at 10:00 AM for Organizations
These can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886, ext 1 or email nwartscouncil@gmail.com. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!
Warroad RiverPlace Call for Art
Small Wonders: A Holiday Exhibition of Compact Creativity
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October 17, 2026
Small Wonders invites artists to explore the power of scale and the profound impact that small works can hold. This year, Warroad RiverPlace is celebrating the idea that art does not need to be monumental to be meaningful. In these small works, artists capture moments of curiosity, beauty, and imagination, proving that even the smallest creations can leave a lasting impression.
By embracing small-scale formats, artists are encouraged to distill their ideas and refine their compositions, creating works that invite viewers to come closer and look longer. These intimate pieces are ideal for personal collecting and thoughtful gift-giving during the holiday season.
Sometimes the most powerful artistic experiences are held within a modest frame, asking us to discover the extraordinary within the small.
Eligibility
Open to artists residing in Roseau County, Kittson County, Lake of the Woods County, Marshall County, and Beltrami County.
All media are welcome, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media, fiber, ceramics, and small-scale sculpture.
Artwork must be original and created within the last two years.
Previously exhibited artists are welcome to participate, but submitted artwork must be new to the RiverPlace gallery and may not have been exhibited here previously.
Size Requirements
To maintain the intimate scale of the exhibition:
Two-dimensional works must not exceed 10 × 10 inches, including the frame.
Three-dimensional works must fit within 10 × 10 × 10 inches.
Submission Guidelines
Artists may submit up to two (2) works for consideration. Only one (1) work per artist will be selected for exhibition.
Not all submissions will be accepted. Space is limited, and artwork will be selected to create a cohesive exhibition.
Accepted artwork must match the submission image. If the finished work differs significantly from the submitted materials, the gallery reserves the right to decline the work for exhibition.
All artwork must be available for sale and may not exceed $300 in retail price.
There is no submission fee.
RiverPlace Gallery commission: 20% of priced work.
No accepted entry may be withdrawn prior to the close of the exhibit.
Delivery & Presentation Requirements
All artwork must arrive exhibition-ready.
Wall-mounted artwork must be equipped with picture wire or sawtooth hangers.
Z-bar clips or French cleats will not be accepted.
RiverPlace Gallery reserves the right to decline artwork that does not meet presentation requirements.
Work may be hand delivered or shipped in sturdy and insured packaging within the drop off time frame. All artwork that is shipped to and from RiverPlace is at the artist’s expense.
Accepted artwork that is not delivered by the delivery deadline is subject to not being included in the exhibition.
Important Dates
Submission Deadline: October 17, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: October 20, 2026
Artwork Delivery Deadline: November 3, 2026
Exhibition Dates: November 10 – December 19, 2026
Opening Reception: December 11, 2026
The submission form and more information is on their website at https://www.warroadriverplace.org/events/call-for-artists-small-wonders
Individual Artist Grants of $5,000, $3,000 & $1,500
Deadline to apply is September 15!
*Please note: the deadline for Individual Artist Grant applications is earlier than in past years.
Free Grant Writing Sessions will be September 1 at 3:30 PM
Applications are open for individual artist grants from the NWMAC. It’s time to start writing your grant application!
Individual Artist Grants. Applications are open for arts grants to individuals from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. This year individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500 have a September 15 deadline; and then a January 15, 2027 deadline. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make a substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals, $3,000 going to three individuals, and $5,000 going to three individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2027). In the case of college students, your school or your home mailing address must be in our region. You will have to show proof of residency, usually your driver’s license.
FREE Grant Writing Session will be Tuesday, September 1 at 3:30 PM
We offer free grant writing sessions to help you write your grant application or to answer any questions. The upcoming session will be Tuesday, September 1 at 3:30 PM. These free Grant Writing Workshops are on Zoom -- contact our office for a link. You can also come to our office in Warren and attend from our grant writing station. You must RSVP to attend! Email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com to RSVP or with questions. Don’t let your questions about the grant process keep you from applying! We are here to help. This is a great opportunity to come to our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space. If you can’t attend these trainings but would like assistance, please contact our office.
To learn more about our grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com or call 218-745-8886, ext 1.
Minnesota State Arts Board is Looking for a
Data Management Assistant
Position title: Data management assistant
Job opening ID: 95955
This position exists to manage data related to the Arts Board's grant programs, and to provide administrative support for other grants and program related activities. The assistant works closely with other Arts Board staff, regional arts council staff, applicants, and grantees.
All applications must be submitted via the State's Careers Web portal, by or before Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
This is a full-time, permanent position. Telework and/or hybrid work arrangements are available.
Visit the State of Minnesota Careers Web portal to find the salary range, candidate qualifications, and application instructions.
Go to the State of Minnesota Careers Web portal: https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/
Select Search open positions link
In the Search Jobs field, type the job opening ID number 95955
Click on the job title to open a more detailed description of the position, the requirements, and the application instructions.
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming deadlines, calls for art, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities, and much more! Click https://conta.cc/45z0wfA
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
The Portrait
Sat, August 22 & Sun, August 23 from 1-4 PM
Studio 110
Crookston
Join internationally recognized photographer Xavier Tavera and local artists Rena Zapata & Calixtra Bouchard in learning the art of portraiture photography. Sponsored by In Progress at Studio 110 in Crookston.
The Portrait is a hands-on workshop focuses on the art of portraiture as a tool for storytelling and representation. Participants explore lighting, composition, and collaboration with subjects to create images that reflect identity, presence, and lived experience. Through guided practice and discussion, attendees will develop both technical skills and a deeper understanding of the power of the portrait.
Dates:
Saturday & Sunday, August 22 & 23 1-4 PM
Location:
Studio 110
110 South Main Street
East Grand Forks MN. 56716
Workshop Coordinator - Rena Zapata
Please register below. This activity is intended to build belonging through creativity.
Questions can be directed to info@in-progress.org.
If you would like to find out more about In Progress - their history and the artists they work with, please visit their website at: www.in-progress.org
In Progress 30th Anniversary Screening
Sunday, October 18 / 11AM
Grand Theatre
Crookston
The program will bring together stories created across generations and communities, including locally produced works such as The Harvest and Cries of the Children, alongside short films by professional filmmakers from the Twin Cities.
Following the screening, everyone is invited to gather for a community feast at Studio 110.
Date:
Sunday October 18 at 11AM
Location:
Grand Theatre
For more information, email info@in-progress.org or call Rena Bouchard Zapata (218)-277-8774.
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Folk Dance
Saturday, October 10 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM
with Peggy and Dean Ellingson of Bemidji,
together with the O'Neil Family Band
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers Ave, EGF
Reels, squares, circle mixers, contras and more...
All are welcome, all ages; families, couples, singles
Donations at the door
Coming up:
Saturday, November 14 from 3-5:30
with Sugar on the Roof of Hibbing/Duluth
Find them online at <northcountrydance.org>
Fall Painting Retreat for Women Oct 23-25
Gail Ose of Serendipity Art Hub is offering a fall painting retreat at The Lake House at Lake Cameron in Erskine. Reach out to serendipityarthub.com for more information and to sign up.
Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company
Friday, September 18 | 6 PM | Free Hosted by the Warroad Native American Education Program. This will be at Warroad River Place.
Experience the captivating storytelling of the Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company through dance, music, movement, and song. Every step, expression, and rhythm shares stories that honor Native history, culture, and traditions, creating a powerful and immersive visual experience that educates and inspires audiences of all ages.
Middle River Goose Fest Live Music
The Middle River Community Club is excited to announce an incredible lineup of FREE entertainment during Goose Festival weekend. Thanks to the generous support of the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, you'll enjoy outstanding local and regional talent throughout the weekend.
Friday, September 25
Middle River Sportsmen's Club
Tannis Tyler kicks off the weekend with an evening of great music you won't want to miss!
Saturday, September 26
Morning – Music on the Street
Enjoy the sounds of the "Northland Jazz Band" as they fill downtown Middle River with lively jazz and community spirit.
Afternoon – Music on the Street
An exciting lineup of talented performers takes the stage:
Cathy Erickson – Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inductee
Nathan Bukowski – Our own hometown favorite
Gracie Crocker – A rising new talent bringing excitement to the Goose Festival stage
Keybeat (The Augustines)
Saturday September 26 Evening
Middle River Sportsmen's Club Shed
Back by popular demand... WOODPICKS returns to keep the celebration going with another fantastic evening of music.
Bring your family, invite your friends, stroll through downtown, enjoy the music, and celebrate everything that makes Goose Festival one of northwest Minnesota's favorite traditions.
In Progress Offers Workshops
Cinematics I
Saturday & Sunday, August 1 & 2, 1-4 PM
Family Resource Center
1505 Central Avenue NW
East Grand Forks 56721
Cinematics II
Saturday, August 15 & Sunday, August 16, 1-4 PM
Studio 110
Crookston
Join internationally recognized filmmaker Mickies Kiros and local artist Sana Nur in learning the art of video creation. Write stories, and bring them to life using professional video cameras. Cinematics. explores the craft of videography as a powerful tool for storytelling rooted in culture, identity, and lived experience.
All ages are welcomed to join, make movies and share stories with others that reflects personal truth and the power of visual stories.
Workshop Coordinator - Rena Zapata
Please register below. This activity is intended to build belonging through creativity.
Questions can be directed to info@in-progress.org.
If you would like to find out more about In Progress - their history and the artists’ work, please visit their website at: www.in-progress.org
East Grand Forks Heritage Days Traditional Music Show
August 8 and 9, 2026
Heritage Village, 219 20th St. NE, East Grand Forks
Saturday- August 8
1:00 PM- Jeremy Kingsbury- bagpiper and historian. Jeremy plays several types of small pipes in the Scottish, French and Irish traditions.
2:00 PM Bob and Gail Johnson - Songs and tunes from Ireland and Appalachia, with guitar, harmonica, recorder, harp and more.
3:00 PM -Vidar Skrede- Norwegian folk music - fiddle, hardanger fiddle, guitar and mandolin.
Sunday- August 9
12:00 PM– O'Neil Family Band- French Canadian, Celtic and Appalachian tunes and songs – fiddle, guitar, banjo, concertina and step dance.
1:00 PM- Vidar Skrede- Norwegian fiddle music
2:00 PM- Bob and Gail Johnson- Celtic and Appalachian songs and tunes
3:00 PM Jeremy Kingsbury- Bagpiper
Chuck Gust, accordionist, will entertain for the Sunday noon dinner in the Beier Bldg.
*This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
Other activities on the grounds from 10 AM to 4 PM each day.
The Art of Music
Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26 1-4PM
Family Resource Center
East Grand Forks
Begin your music-making journey by uncovering your unique creative voice. Through playful experimentation and guided exploration, In Progress artist Jeremy Gardner helps participants tap into their curiosities, interests, and talents in the world of digital music. Participants will have the opportunity to learn song creation, beat making and sound engineering, depending on participant interest.
Dates:
Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26 / 1-4PM
Location:
Family Resource Center
1505 Central Avenue NW
East Grand Forks MN. 56721
Please register below. This activity is intended to build belonging through creativity.
Questions can be directed to info@in-progress.org.
Please join NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett in a conversation with Photographer Denise Jenson of Badger that took place on Friday, July 31. Denise has work in the current NWMAC Gallery exhibit The Great State of Minnesota. She's also been a regular entrant in our annual and other exhibits. Learn about how Denise became a photographer, composition, and much more! Denise shared this quote by Thomas Merton, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” If you missed the live discussion on our Facebook or YouTube page you can watch the recording at https://www.youtube.com/live/Rj6mzeodGCY?si=h8sDOwhSlTsVSfAa.
The 2026 Northwoods Art & Book Festival is in Hackensack on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 9 AM to 3 PM. There’s a long list of featured authors. Jackpine Writers will be there and Talking Stick books will be available for purchase.
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Wednesday, July 15 at 2:00 PM. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886, ext 1 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!
Count Down Is On!!!
The Dollipops are coming to Greenbush!
Friday, July 10, 2026
Outdoor Stage at Legion Park – Greenbush, MN
6:00–7:00 p.m.
FREE for all ages
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends for this exciting community event!
This event is made possible through funding from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and is hosted by Lil' Chompers Childcare Center.
Check out our full calendar of upcoming events
Our Funding
The NWMAC serves Polk, Pennington, Marshall, Kittson, Red Lake, Norman and Roseau counties in northwestern Minnesota.
Funding for our programs comes primarily from The Minnesota State Legislature. We, along with the other 10 regional arts councils, work with the Minnesota State Arts Board to provide arts services, staffing and grants.
We also receive funding from the McKnight Foundation. This allows our organization to help artists grow and prosper through their continued financial support and leadership training. Their funds help to promote and showcase our artists’ art.
Related to funding, Please Note: The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council will NEVER ask you to purchase items or gift cards on our behalf. If you receive a suspicious message like this, do not respond. Report it as phishing and delete it immediately. If you ever have doubts about a message claiming to be from us, reach out directly to us. Thank you!