Arts News
Springboard for the Arts Offers Business Structure Basics for MN Artists Oct 10 via Zoom
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/
September Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
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.
Apply to be on the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Board of Directors
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, but Don’t Know How? Sign up for a FREE Portfolio Kit Virtual Workshop Offered by Springboard for the Arts
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
Upcoming Grant Writing Sessions — FREE
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
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 Grant Applications Due by September 15
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 — Applications Due by Tuesday, August 18
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.
August Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
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 Workshop on Portraiture with Photographer Xavier Tavera Aug 22 and 23 in Crookston
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
Grants Available for Schools for Artist Residencies & Arts Equipment
Grant Funding Available for Schools for
Artist Residencies & Arts Equipment
Looking for funding for Artist Residencies and Arts Equipment?
NW Minnesota area schools can apply for up to $12,000 of grant funding from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council for this next school year into next summer. Funding can be used to bring in professional artists to work with students and/or to purchase arts equipment that is used by your community and your school; and stored/used primarily in the school building. To apply, schools fill out an application showing interest in funding, then requests are made with add-on forms within our online grant software for specific project funding requests. The program accepts funding requests from July 1 until April 30 each year, but remember that it is first come, first served so applying early is best. Each add-on funding request can be for up to $3,000 in grant funds.
Artist Residency Grants
Schools can apply for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. Schools can initially apply for 2 residencies. Then, based on remaining funding, can request up to 4 residencies total. Each residency requires a 10% cash match. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. We have many new artists on our list. Another resource to find teaching artists is COMPAS. Ideas also include children's theater camp and/or arts camp during the summer at your school, and community education workshop series for adults on artistic techniques.
Arts Equipment Grants
Schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for your visual art, performing art, media arts, or creative writing departments. Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. Equipment that is used by both the community and the school solely for the pursuit of arts like auditorium lights has a better chance of being funded. Please note that schools are only eligible for one grant for up to $3000 per fiscal year. Once your school has already applied and been approved for a grant for arts equipment, you cannot receive another one until next school year. All previous arts equipment grants for your school must be closed before you can apply again.
Tips for applying... ask for the Google slide deck that takes you through our grant process.
• Remember that most schools are already in our system as organizations, so you probably only need to call our office to add yourself as a User.
• The first thing to do is show interest in our funding by completing the very easy Arts Grant application and hit submit. Tutorial available.
• Next our staff reviews your school's interest and then assigns add-ons to the teacher/coordinator/administrator listed in the app that would like add-on forms.
• Teachers login, complete and submit their add-on follow up form with details related to their project and their $ request. This form is short and friendly to fill out.
• Then as your school waits to hear back, someone needs to complete the required data collection app online and submit.
Contact our office with questions or for help with your application. We are happy to help!
As with all of our grants, applications are only being accepted from our 7 county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Questions? Call our office at 218-745-8886, ext 1 or email nwartscouncil@gmail.com.
Attention Musicians and Authors! Minnesota Humanities Center announces funding opportunities
Attention Musicians and Authors! MHC Open Grant Announcement and funding opportunities
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) by virtue of funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature, has three open grant opportunities.
The following grant opportunities are available:
Minnesota Musicians - $400,000 – to individual Minnesota Musicians to create, produce, and perform music. The deadline to apply is September 11, 2026.
Youth Literacy - $500,000 – to individual authors and organizations to create, produce, and distribute books for youth, that celebrate cultural expression, with a focus on excellent creative work and educational value. The deadline to apply is September 11, 2026.
Underrepresented Groups Cultural Studies Materials - $400,000 - to individuals and organizations that will work to develop high-quality academic (K-12), cultural, and ethnic studies materials for communities that do not have adequate materials, or who are underrepresented in those materials, including but not limited to Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Oromo cultures. The deadline to apply is October 2, 2026.
If you are interested in applying for one of the open grant opportunities, please visit their website for more information or contact a Grants Administrator at grants@mnhum.org.
In Progress Offers the Art of Music II in Crookston
The Art of Music II
Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9
1 - 4PM
STUDIO 110
Crookston
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, August 8 & 9, 1 - 4PM
Location:
Studio 110
110 South Main Street
Crookston MN. 56716
Please register below. This activity is intended to build belonging through creativity.
Questions can be directed to info@in-progress.org.
Attn: Early Career Artists! 2026/27 MCAD-Jerome Foundation Fellowships Application Open
The 2026/27 MCAD–Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists application is now open.
The Jerome Foundation defines early career as at least 2 years but not more than 10 years of creative generative experience not including any exhibition opportunities provided through a school or college program.
There are two pre-recorded information sessions on the application site to help you. They also offer one-on-one meetings with applicants before submitting their application materials. They can provide feedback on work sample sections, editing artist statements, and organizing resumes, etc. For Greater MN artists, the fellowship covers mileage and lodging for fellow meetings, curator studio visits, and the exhibition installation so this is not a financial burden on the artists.
Here is a link to the application: https://mcad.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: Friday, September 11 at noon CT.
Contact info: gallery@mcad.edu
Keisha Williams, Program Director
Melanie Pankau, Fellowship Coordinator
Forecast Offers Creative Power, Civic Purpose
Forecast Offers Creative Power, Civic Purpose
There are 2 remaining sessions in this series:
The Art of Governance: Artist–Government Collaborations for More Responsive Institutions
THURSDAY, SEPT 24 · 12–1:30 PM CT
How artists embedded in civic systems advance transparency, equity, responsiveness—and help strengthen public institutions through creative collaboration.
Funding Creative Civic Power: Investing in Artists Who Strengthen Democracy
THURSDAY, OCT 29 · 12–1:30 PM CT
Practical strategies for resourcing artists’ civic work and sustaining arts-driven democratic participation at scale.
Why This Series, Why Now
Artists are essential civic actors, building civic knowledge, connecting communities across differences, and strengthening the systems and relationships that democratic life depends on. With support from EFA, this series invites leaders from many fields to come together:
share practical tools for arts-based civic engagement
highlight place-based creative leadership in historically underfunded regions
support community-rooted civic participation and civic health
uplift models for building civic capacity and community power
illuminate how artists help strengthen democracy from the ground up
Who Should Attend
Artists, culture bearers, civic and community leaders, funders, educators, local government partners, and anyone working to strengthen civic life through creativity and community-rooted practice.
Register for Creative Power, Civic Purpose—Up next: The Art of Governance: Artist-government collaborations for more responsive institutions
Sign up today to access all remaining sessions, including calendar holds, Zoom links, updates, and session recordings.
For more information visit their website at https://forecastpublicart.org/creative-power-civic-purpose/
2026 Midwest Culture Bearers Award is Open for Applications
2026 Midwest Culture Bearers Award is Open for Applications
Supporting Midwest Culture Bearers
Every community has culture bearers: people who carry its stories, teachings, art, and creative practices forward to ensure cultural knowledge remains alive and accessible for future generations.
The 2026 Midwest Culture Bearers Award is now open and looking to support 18 Midwesterners with $5,000 awards in honor of their work. If this sounds like a good fit for you or someone you know, submit an application by August 18, 2026.
About the Midwest Culture Bearers Award
WHAT: The Midwest Culture Bearers Award is a $5,000 award. It is unrestricted and no matching funds are required. It will honor and amplify the work of 18 Midwestern culture bearers in 2026.
WHO: You may apply if you practice a folk arts or traditional cultural practice that you have engaged in for at least 10 years and focus on passing your knowledge to others.
WHERE: You must live in the Arts Midwest region. This includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Native Nations and communities that share this geography.
WHEN: Applications close at noon (12:00 p.m.) Central Time on August 18, 2026. Awards will be made in October 2026.
You can ask someone to help you complete your application. You can also nominate someone with their permission.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more about the Midwest Culture Bearers Award, review eligibility requirements, and read the full guidelines on their website.
Call for Folk Art! Submissions Due by August 21
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce a Call for Art for an upcoming folk art exhibition.
We are accepting folk art entries in a variety of mediums and materials including textiles, ceramics, painting, sculpture, woodworking, calligraphy, music, dance, metal, paper, and more. Not all art will be accepted -- only those deemed to be folk art.
Here is a video that explains folk art https://youtu.be/PpNvx-5tz2M?si=al3gp1Ou6YTxAz_m
What is folk art?
Folk art reflects culture, history, and daily life
Cultural Representation. It embodies the history, heritage, traditions, or identity of a community, region, or country.
Utilitarian & Decorative. Pieces are typically created by self-trained artists for everyday use or community performance..
Generational Techniques. Folk art is created with skills and traditional designs that are passed down orally and practically.
Examples include duck decoy wood carving, bead work on Native American clothing or jewelry, painting such as rosemaling, music such as mariachi and polka, storytelling of community lore, and Fraktur calligraphy writing.
Performing artists can submit pictures of themselves or group in their traditional costumes or holding their instrument. Historical festivals may want to submit pictures of folk-art taking place at their festival. Folk music, dance, and theater entries can be enhanced with instructions/QR codes that help visitors hear your audio and/or watch your video online. (we can assist with this)
Submissions due by Friday, August 21
Submit (what, photos, size, price, comments) by Friday, August 21 to treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. You will drop off your art at our gallery in Thief River Falls August 31, September 1, or September 2. The exhibit will open September 3 until the end of November at our NWMAC gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. This exhibit will mainly feature the artists and art of our service area in Northwest Minnesota. Questions? Email Trey at treveverettcreates@gmail.com.
For more information about this upcoming exhibit visit our website at NWArtsCouncil.org. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886, ext 1 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Join our board!
NWMAC is looking for board members to serve a three year term starting soon. At this time, we are prioritizing the recruitment of men and people of color, in order to keep diversity on our board and learn from members who represent a variety of demographics. First steps are to talk with our Executive Director Mara Hanel about being a Board member and what to expect while you serve. If you are a good candidate, you will be asked to fill out a self nomination form. A love of supporting artists and arts activity is a must, as well as basic computer skills to attend zoom meetings and score online applications.
To learn more, visit https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/boardmembership, email Mara at director@nwartscouncil.org or call our office at 218-745-8886, ext 1.
Promote Your Art and Yourself — Submit your entry for 7th edition of Artists of NW Minnesota booklet
The 7th edition of our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet is in the works — We are accepting entries through December from Artists and Organizations/Businesses!
It's time to submit an entry for the 7th edition of our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. Email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com or call our office at 218-745-8886, ext 1 to receive a paper form. The cost is only $20 for a ¼ page listing + you receive 20 copies of the booklet! You are also able to have a piece of art hanging in our office space to help promote you.
We print 2,000 - 3,000 booklets and have a popular on-line version here. 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 will be this fall until the end of this calendar year.
Submissions for individuals will be accepted through December. Businesses or organizations that promote or 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.
To learn more and to download the entry form visit this page on our website.
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 and artists in our region.
Call for Art for EGF Campbell Library 2026 Community Art Exhibit
Call for Art!
The East Grand Forks Campbell Library is now accepting submissions for their 2026 Community Art Exhibit!
The exhibit will open Monday, July 27th and will run for 6 weeks. If you are interested in submitting, please send Andrea an email at alorenz@egflibrary.org with your name, phone number, and the number of pieces you would like to show (for now the number of pieces an individual can show will be capped at 5, which may change ).
Submissions will be accepted until July 20, 2026.