Arts News
Applications Open for 2026-27 NEA Big Read / Arts Midwest
2026-27 NEA Big Read | Arts Midwest
Applications are now open for the NEA Big Read, a national program that offers matching grants of up to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs.
Who can apply? Nonprofit arts organizations, universities, libraries, service organizations, museums, school districts, and tribal governments are all encouraged to apply.
This year’s NEA Big Read centers around the theme America250, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The 24 books that applicants can choose to program this cycle celebrate America’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its people.
Learn More and Apply at ArtsMidwest.org
A mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 15, 2026
About NEA Big Read
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is a program that awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations.
These grants support community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. As our nation moves into its 250thyear, the goal of this program is to honor America’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community.
Grantees will receive funding for their programming and purchasing books, and tools to support them in working with local partners, developing public relations strategies, and leading meaningful book discussions.
NEA Big Read programs vary and can be as short as a week or as long as several months. Beyond discussions of the book, organizations may choose to include a kick-off event, invite the author for a visit, or have other events inspired by the content and themes of the book. These may include panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, poetry slams, writing workshops and contests, and community storytelling events.
In total, Arts Midwest will be awarding $1,090,000 in project grants through NEA Big Read this year. We anticipate making approximately 75 grants.
This Year’s Theme and Books
Programming for the 2026-2027 grant cycle will center around the theme America250.
Applicants will choose a book from these 24 titles available in the NEA Big Read Library. This year’s NEA Big Read titles celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. These books celebrate the country’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its citizens.
Using a book selection as inspiration, applicants will facilitate discussions, writing workshops, and creative programming activities that explore this theme and celebrate the unique aspects of their communities.
Applications for the 2026-2027 cycle are now open.
The deadline to submit an Intent to Apply is January 15, 2026.
Full applications are due January 29, 2026.
Applications Open for Minnesota State Arts Board FY2027 Arts Education Grant Program
Minnesota State Arts Board
accepting applications for its
FY 2027 Arts Education grant program
Application materials are now available for the FY 2027 Arts Education grant program. This program is open to both individuals and organizations.
Arts Education offers project grants to help Minnesotans develop personal relationships with an art form(s) by supporting arts learning experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities. In this program, funds may be used for age-appropriate classes, workshops, camps, after-school programs, online education programs, community arts education, school residences or partnerships, etc.
Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000.
More details, including program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Arts Education program page. Potential applicants are encouraged to review all information and resources on the program page and in the FY 2027 Arts Education Program Overview and Application Instructions document before beginning an application.
The Arts Board will offer a virtual Information Session for potential applicants to learn more about the program purpose and application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions with the program officer at the end of the session.
Important Dates
January 6, 2026: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will be recorded and available for later viewing.
February 6, 2026: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
August 2026: Arts Board will approve and announce grant awards.
October 2026 - September 2027: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
Apply for the Annual Art Exhibit
You are Invited to Apply for the
Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
Submissions Accepted January 1 Through February 28
We are pleased to announce our latest “Call for Entries” for the 2025 Annual Art Exhibit. This will open on January 1.
The deadline to submit your artwork is February 28, 2026.
This year, the annual Art Exhibit will be at the Warroad RiverPlace from Thursday, April 2 until Saturday, April 25. Artwork will be dropped off on Tuesday, March 31 from 10 AM - 7 PM at Warroad RiverPlace.
Artists and creatives from our 7 county- service region are invited to enter this art exhibit and will be competing for $2,300 in cash awards. The first place prize for adults is $500! Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Both adults and high school students are encouraged to enter up to two pieces. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by a qualified juror. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception at Warroad RiverPlace on Saturday, April 25. Artists are welcome to have their work in the exhibit available for sale.
See https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/nwmnartsexhibit-apply for more information, including the exhibit entry rules and directions. If you would like the entry form mailed to you, please contact our office 218-745-8886 ext 1 or director@nwartscouncil.org. The entry form must be submitted no later than February 28, 2026.
Need help completing the application form? Follow this step by step guide here.
December Newsletter … What’s happening in the arts?
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the December 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/48w5PxC
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Attention Songwriters, Composers, & Others in the Music Industry
Call for Songwriters, Composers, and Others in the
Music Industry!
Help Us Celebrate the Artists Behind the Music!
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is sponsoring an exhibit featuring songwriters, composers, and others involved in the music industry opening mid-January through April at our gallery in Thief River Falls.
Who are we looking for?
Singer/Songwriters
Composers
Performers
Instrument Makers
Others involved in music publishing, recording, management, production, distribution, marketing, merchandising, art design, and more!
What are the items that will be showcased?
Gig posters
Musical Instruments
Picks
Drum Sticks
Notebooks with music or lyrics
Awards
Newspaper/magazine articles
Photos
Sheet music
Albums
CD cases
Clothing or Merch
Other
Those featured will primarily be residents of our 7 county region. Former residents or others with a connection to the region can also be included.
Please reach out with questions and interest. We will need bios, artist statements, websites, and contact information. treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or 218-280-4917
Individual Artist Grant Deadline Added — Apply by January 15
Are you a non-hobby artist who makes most of your income from your art? We have funding available! Apply Now for an Individual Artist Grant!
There is an additional grant deadline of January 15 for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500. 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 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.
Playwrights’ Center Offers Programs for Area Artists
Playwrights’ Center Offers Opportunities for Area Artists
Applications are open for Playwrights' Center's fellowship programs. Artists are welcome to apply for multiple programs if they are eligible. See details below!
Core Writer: (committed US-based playwrights) Deadline Jan. 22
https://pwcenter.org/programs/core-writer-program/
McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting: (Minnesota-based playwrights who have had at least 1 professional production) Deadline Jan. 8
https://pwcenter.org/programs/mcknight-fellowship-in-playwriting/
Many Voices Mentorship: (beginning BIPOC Minnesota-based playwrights) Deadline Dec. 4
https://pwcenter.org/programs/many-voices-mentorship/
McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship: (experienced Minnesota-based non-playwright theater artists) Deadline March 26
https://pwcenter.org/programs/mcknight-theatre-artist-fellowships/
Arts Grant Funding for Schools — Apply Now!
ARTS GRANT FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS
APPLY TODAY!
Artist Residency Grants + Arts Equipment Grants
Artist Residency Grants
Schools can apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. To apply, schools fill out an application showing interest in funding, then requests are made with add-on forms within the on-line grant software for specific project funding requests. 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.orgunder the artists tab. Another resource to find teaching artists is COMPAS.
Arts Equipment Grants
Did you know that 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. The competitive deadline was September 30 and is now first come first served. Equipment that is used solely for the pursuit of arts like a kiln or theater lights, or a band instrument has a better chance of being funded. Please note that schools are limited to one grant up to $3000 per year so if your school has already applied and received a grant for arts equipment you are not eligible to apply again until the next school year.
Tips for applying...
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.
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! director@nwartscouncil.org, 218-745-8886, ext 1
Nominations for Of the Year Awards Due Saturday, January 31
Nominations for Of the Year Awards Due January 31
Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Often people serve in both roles. Nominations are due on Saturday, January 31.
Northwest Star Award
The Northwest Star Award is a lifetime achievement award. This award is for $5,000 and can be a wonderful gift to those who have chosen a hard career path related to artistic expression. Artists can only receive this award once.
Artist of the Year
Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500 to use however they see fit.
Arts Advocate of the Year
Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and honors someone who keeps being a voice and advocate for arts within the community or local school or the region. Arts includes all disciplines.
An ELIGIBLE NOMINATION must include one completed nomination form, narrative on merit, letters supporting the nomination, a copy of the nominee’s resume or detailed qualifications, five work samples if artist, and be received by January 31. Only residents of the Minnesota counties Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau are eligible for these $500 awards. We also give a large Northwest Star Artist award. The first step is to nominate the person for Northwest Artist. One person will be selected to receive a $5,000 cash award from the pool of candidates and receive our Northwest Star recognition. This person must be beyond an emerging or student status to be considered. This truly is a once in a lifetime award. Additional criteria apply so please contact our office for more information if you feel your nominee will be considered 218-745-8886.
RESTRICTIONS: Each award can be received only once in a lifetime. Nominations will not be carried over from year to year. Previous nominees must be re-nominated each year. It is the policy of NWMAC that nominees will not be notified of their nomination unless they are chosen to receive an Award.
* *
Please consider nominating someone who you view as a deserving candidate from our seven-county service area in northwestern Minnesota. Questions? Contact our office at (218) 745-8886 or email director@NWArtsCouncil.org for more information. The nomination form is here. Curious who has received these awards in the past? Find out here.
Awards are presented at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Exhibit reception in Warroad on Saturday, April 25. Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.
November Newsletter … What’s happening in the arts?
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the November 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/47VzqQP.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Summer Art Camp Instructor Proposals Now Open!
Summer Art Camp Instructor Proposals Now Open
Open to Practicing Artists in All Media
The North Dakota Museum of Art is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Summer Art Camp season. Practicing artists working in any media - painting, sculpture, fiber, design, printmaking, photography, and beyond - are invited to apply.
This is open to artists at all career stages.
Summer Art Camp is an exciting opportunity for kids to explore creativity and discover the many ways art can be made! As a practicing artist, your leadership and experience can inspire the next generation of creators. The North Dakota Museum of Art, our state’s official art museum, located in the beautiful city of Grand Forks, is the perfect place to make a meaningful impact.
Each camp functions as a weeklong teaching artist residency, offering professional artists the chance to work directly with children (ages 6-9 or 10-14) in a collaborative, hands-on setting. Projects should be designed for classroom-based spaces.
Projects should reflect the artist’s own practice while remaining accessible and engaging for young learners. Camps take place June 9–July 18, 2026, at the North Dakota Museum of Art and affiliated UND facilities. Artists will lead a single, week-long camp (Monday-Friday) with support from trained assistants and Museum staff.
Compensation and Support
$1,150 instructor stipend
$250 supply budget for materials
On-site staff and helper support
Limited travel stipends may be available for artists traveling long distances (typically 4+ hours) at the discretion of Museum staff.
Apply today and join the best part of Summer!
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all sessions are filled.
Final decision for the 2026 Season will go out in February, 2026.
Visit ndmoa.com/summer-art-camp for more information or call 701.777.3599
Copyright and Trademark Zoom Workshop Nov 8 Free
Intellectual Property Basics: Copyright and Trademark Virtual Workshop Nov 8 Free
Copyrights and trademarks are crucial tools to protect your brand and creative work. But do you know the difference between the two, or how to register for one?
Join attorney Andrea Pelloquin for this free virtual workshop on
Saturday, November 8 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
This attorney from Springboard’s Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts (MnLA) program will cover intellectual property for visual and performing artists, focusing on copyright and trademark. Learn the difference between the two, how and why to register them, and how both can be used to protect your brand and your creative work.
This workshop is part of a series of virtual workshops being presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library.
Meet the Instructor
Instructor: Andrea Pelloquin (she/her)
Bio: Andrea Pelloquin has worked in the music business and education spaces for over twenty years, working for major print music publishers, retailers, and arts non-profits. She has recently launched a second career as an attorney, specializing in copyrights and trademarks for small businesses and education. Her goal is to make copyright and trademark law simple for the creator and allow them to use it to their advantage to build their business.In addition to running her own legal practice, she is also an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and volunteers with the Minnesota State Bar Association for the Mock Trial and Wills for Heroes program.
This virtual meeting is offered via Zoom on
Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Central
Applications Open for 2026 McKnight Composer Fellowships
Applications are now open for the 2026 McKnight Composer Fellowships
Four awards of $25,000 in unrestricted funds for mid-career artists based in Minnesota
Apply by Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 11:59 PM
ACF's McKnight Composer Fellowships are presented in partnership with the McKnight Foundation as part of their Artist & Culture Bearers Fellowships, which support Minnesota-based creative work by mid-career artists and culture bearers who demonstrate achievement, commitment, and a high level of proficiency in their area of practice.
ACF will award four fellowships consisting of $25,000 in unrestricted funds and up to $3,500 to develop works-in-progress. Fellows have an opportunity to attend an artist residency program coordinated by the Alliance of Artist Communities within two years of the fellowship program. Fellows will also receive consultation, time, and resources from ACF and Springboard for the Arts.
Minnesota Schools Invited to Participate in Poetry Out Loud Webinar is Wed, Oct 22 at 3 PM
Minnesota Schools Invited to Participate in Poetry Out Loud
Webinar to learn more is Wednesday, Oct 22 at 3 PM
Arts Enrichment Opportunity for High School Students
Poetry Out Loud is a national program that invites high school students to engage with poetry through memorization and performance. The program encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition. Students begin at the classroom, school, or local level, with winners advancing to regional and state competitions. State champions move on to the national finals, where more than $50,000 in awards and school or organizational stipends are distributed each year, including a $20,000 prize for the national champion.
Free curriculum materials are provided, including a poetry anthology, a comprehensive teacher’s guide, videos of student performances, lesson plans, and promotional and media resources.
Students develop public speaking skills, gain self-confidence, and deepen their understanding of literary history and contemporary life, while helping schools meet language arts education standards.
Poetry Out Loud is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the South Central Service Cooperative. It was created in 2005, and in its 20 year history has reached more than 4.5 million students and 85,000 teachers from 21,000 schools and organizations nationwide.
Interested in learning about how your school could participate in Poetry Out Loud? A program overview and Q & A webinar will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 3 PM
Apply Now for an Individual Artist Grant! November 15 Deadline
Apply Now for an
Individual Artist Grant
Submit Your Individual Artist Grant Application Now — Upcoming Deadline is November 15!
Applications are open for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500 and have a November 15 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. Start your application now!
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 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.
There is a grant writing workshop on Thursday, October 30 at 10:00 AM that is mainly for Individual Applicants.
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.
This free grant writing session is offered to help you write your grant application or to answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend.
To learn more about 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 director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886, extension 1.
Applications Due October 31 for Arts Grants for Organizations and Non-Profits
Submit Your Arts Project Grant Application Now — Upcoming Deadline is Oct 31 for Arts Project Grants for Organizations
It’s time to submit your application for arts project grants. Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are July 31, October 31, February 28, and April 30. Grants are between $500 and $10,000. Funding sources for these grants are Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds, and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
Organizational arts activities funded through this very important grant opportunity includes festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities.
To learn more about 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 director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886, extension 1.
October Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the October 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3ICnn26.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
More Magic: Alcohol inks 2 Workshop on Alcohol Inks
Join Artist Julie Olson for an advanced class on alcohol inks
Sunday, October 19 from 4-6 PM
Arts for Vets
215 N 3rd Street, Grand Forks
$55 All supplies and light refreshments will be provided
Contact Julie to sign up at 701-343-2695 or julie@themiddleofnowherestudio.com
Applications Open for MN Landscape Arboretum 2026 Native American Artist in Residence Program
MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM 2026 NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
JUNE 01 - OCTOBER 01, 2026
APPLICATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
ABOUT THE ARBORETUM
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre public garden in Chaska, Minnesota, made up of 28 specialty gardens, 44 plant collections, and more than 150 outdoor permanent works of art, including the Harrison Sculpture Garden which contains 26 sculptures from 11 countries around the world. It is also home to the Reedy and Cafe galleries which host rotating art exhibitions to an audience of more than 600,000 arboretum visitors annually.
The Arboretum’s mission is to welcome, inform and inspire all through outstanding displays, protected natural areas, horticultural research and education.
Art is central to the Arboretum’s mission, with exhibitions that draw people into nature and natural spaces that inspire unique encounters with art.
ABOUT THE ART RESIDENCY PROGRAM
With support from the 2024 Board of Trustees Fund-A-Need Gala, the Arboretum plans to host a four-month Artist Residency Program for one local Native American artist from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota, beginning June 1 to October 1, 2026, providing an opportunity to explore artistic ideas that highlight themes of nature and landscapes.
Art and artists at the Arboretum serve as vital portals to understanding our deep interdependence with the environment. Through the lens of traditional ecological knowledge, art becomes a way to reconnect with the land, revealing the stories, histories, and relationships embedded in our landscapes. It fosters a sense of stewardship, sparks dialogue around pressing societal challenges, and helps us see ourselves—and one another—more clearly within the web of life. These creative expressions illuminate the interwoven relationships between people and place, encouraging a more thoughtful and reciprocal engagement with the natural world.
GOAL: The tradition of creating art within natural landscapes spans millennia. Contemporary American Indian artists and cultural bearers continue to carry this legacy forward, expressing it through Native art rooted in land-based practices across the country. The Arboretum’s Artist-in-Residence Program fosters meaningful engagement among the artist, the Arboretum, and its visitors—using art as a lens to deepen understanding of our connection to nature and the landscape.
OUTCOME: Immerse visitors in the environment through the traditional ecological knowledge of Native American people.
RESOURCES PROVIDED
$3000 artist stipend
$2500 available for travel and materials
$2000 community engagement costs, on or off site
Access to the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities including, natural areas, specialty gardens, plant collections, works of art and Library.
Staff time arranged as needed
Installation/production details available upon request
Housing is not provided
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Projects may be new or continuing, but at their core must be inspired by the Arboretum and be centered on nature, helping the audience better understand their relationship to the land.
This project will be done independently, with regular check-ins with the Curator and limited access to Arboretum staff as needed.
Artist in Residence will be expected to deliver the following
Work Plan: In conjunction with the Art and Sculpture Curator at the Arboretum, the artist will develop a project performance review plan to assess implementation and guide the project.
Finished Work: At the end of the 4 month residency, present a finished product.
Evaluation: At the beginning, middle and end of the program an evaluation will be completed. This evaluation will be provided by the Arboretum and will offer the artist an opportunity to review the Art Residency program experience.
Community Engagement: In conjunction with the Arboretum, the artist must be committed to fostering meaningful connections with the community as part of this project. Engagement may occur throughout the creative process, including through workshops, public discussions, or collaborative elements that invite input and participation. Alternatively, artists may present an event through an exhibition, performance, film, spoken word or any other format which may fit the project. We would like for this presentation to take place at the Arboretum but also understand artists may want to showcase this in their community.
Unallowable Projects:
Anything that damages the flora or fauna
Permanent installations
SELECTION PROCESS
The Arboretum Art Residency Program Selection Committee will include experienced members with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, who will help ensure a balanced assessment process, selecting artists who will most benefit from and contribute to the residency program.
Projects will be selected based on
Project Proposal
Nature and land relationship theme
Originality
Educational Value
Proposal must fit within budget and time frame
Community engagement/celebration idea
Quality of digital portfolio
CV
Letter of support (Only for emerging artists)
An emerging artist would be someone in the early stages of their career, developing their unique style and starting to gain recognition.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE ART RESIDENCY PROGRAM
The Arboretum warmly welcomes all and looks forward to hosting an Artist in Residence. They ask that you and your guests honor the spirit of shared stewardship by caring for the facilities, grounds, and natural areas throughout your time here. Your residency should be inspired by your experiences at the Arboretum—you are welcome to spend as much or as little time on-site as your creative process calls for.
ELIGIBILITY
Applications will be accepted from any of the following
Native American emerging through established artists
All forms of art are welcome, including but not limited to traditional visual arts, as well as song, dance, performance, writing, poetry, spoken word, and art whose work doesn’t fit neatly into categories and genres.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be completed via a form which will be made available on the Arboretum website from September 15, 2025 to January 5, 2026. It will include questions and an evaluation rubric for the selection committee. You can also access the application form here.
The Application must include the following:
The Title of the proposal
A description of the proposed project (250 words or less)
Community engagement plan.(250 words or less)
Project work plan
Digital portfolio (Images, Audio, Video, Text)
Maximum of 10 images.
Maximum 3 minutes audio/video.
Maximum 250 words for text submissions.
CV
1 Letter of support (Only for emerging artists)
Deadlines
09/15/2025: Application opens*
1/5/2025 at 11:59 pm: Applications are due
February 2026: Award Notification*
06/1/ 2026: Art Residency Program Begins
Summer - Fall 2026: Community Event
10/1/ 2026: Artist in Residence Program Ends
*Successful applicants will receive a gate pass to visit the Arboretum upon acceptance of award. Applicants interested in visiting the Arboretum prior to submittal may contact Wendy DePaolis depao008@umn.edu
Adult Acting & Theater Workshops by TRFACT
𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 (𝟏𝟖+)!
Ready to explore the art of acting? Join TRFACT for a 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝟒-𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬! Whether you’re curious about the stage, want to brush up on your skills, or are ready to try your hand at directing, there’s a workshop for you!
Each session is led by experienced local theater artists and builds toward a deeper understanding of performance. Attend just one session or all four!
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏 – 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 · Oct 16 · 6:30–8:30 PM
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐 – 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 · Oct 18 · 9:00–11:00 AM
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟑 – 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 · Oct 23 · 6:30–8:30 PM
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟒 – 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 · Oct 25 · 9:00–11:00 AM
Northland College Theater
Registration is required — spots are limited! Reserve your seat today → tinyurl.com/trfactworkshops
Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 25
Free for adults 18+
Join one workshop or all four!