Arts News
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
Proposals Accepted for Showcase Activities Contract Due August 15, 2026
Showcase Specialist Contract Position Announcement
2027 Exhibits at NCTC in Thief River Falls and Fournet in Crookston
Deadline to apply is August 15, 2026
Dates of tasks within this contract are September 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027
Anticipated budget for contract of $7,000 - $10,000
NWMAC is looking for interested people to apply to be considered for our showcase specialist position in calendar year 2027. To show interest, please submit a letter of interest by August 15, 2026, that includes some ideas of what you would coordinate as exhibits. Submit your qualifications if you have not been hired for this position before. If you have been hired for this contract position before, state the years you worked for us and what you enjoyed about doing this work for NWMAC.
Currently, there is a $7,800 board approved budget for this contract position, which is calculated at $1,200 per showcase that has fewer participants and $1,400 for larger group showcases. Applicants can request more or less based on their proposal, which clearly states your budget and reasoning for your requested amount for this work. Note: maximum budget for the year for this contract position and work activities is $12,000. Place a value on your estimated time spent on these tasks and your proposed $ rate, noting that we pay qualified specialists a rate of $25.00 - $32.00. Note: all expenses are paid for by the contract worker so anticipate your mileage, professional printing costs, packaging, reception refreshments, and minor costs associated with exhibit coordination.
Please direct your questions to Mara Hanel, Executive Director at 218-745-8886 ext 1. If she does not answer when you call, make sure you leave a detailed message that includes your name, email, and phone number.
Work Activities Include:
Six gallery exhibits: complete tasks from September 1, 2026 until December 31, 2027
Coordinate 3 showcases in the Fournet atrium in Crookston in 2027
Winter exhibit is Jan - April; Summer exhibit is May - August; Fall exhibit is Sep - Dec; exhibits should be on display for a minimum of three months
One exhibit will feature a solo (or small group) professional artist, one exhibit can feature a call for entries on a theme, one exhibit can feature students or traditional art
Coordinate 3 showcases in the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls in 2027
Winter exhibit is Jan - mid April; Summer exhibit is mid May - August; Fall exhibit is Sep - Nov; exhibits should be on display for three months
One exhibit will feature a solo (or small group) professional artist, one exhibit can feature a call for entries on a theme, one exhibit can feature public art or a specific group of arts organizations
Work activity tasks for each exhibit
Prior to exhibit installation
Finalize exhibit details three months prior to your art drop off date and communicate with NWMAC staff details.
Provide contract information to our Promotions Specialist and Executive Director on the artists exhibiting.
Communicate often with artist(s) to make the exhibit a success including getting their initial engagement and then their label information.
Professionally create and pay for and install all artwork labels and professional posters for each exhibit. Work should reflect the professionalism and standards of past exhibits.
Proof flyers and media communication pieces for any call for entries showcases that our NWMAC Promotions Specialist creates
Communicate all important dates and times with artists in showcases about art drop off, receptions, and art pick up and cc NWMAC staff. Communicate early and often to create a professional organized atmosphere for those exhibiting.
Install showcase
Install exhibit pieces, posters, and labels.
Take overall promotional pictures and videos of exhibit and upload them to the google folder then email to NWMAC staff that they are in the folder.
Take pictures that are needed for our NWMAC Promotions Specialist to create the virtual exhibit.
Submit an invoice for payment of half the amount budgeted for the exhibit, after exhibit installation.
During showcase
Assist NWMAC Promotions Specialist with Artist Spotlights. These are live interviews within an online platform called StreamYard that are recorded and provided to the public on our website. Anticipate one session that is one hour per exhibit. Up to three sessions for group exhibits.
Email participants the link to the virtual exhibit online once completed by the Promotions Specialist.
Proof reception announcement/promotional materials created by Promotions Specialist then send it by email to all artists encouraging them to promote attendance.
Provide solo or featured artists with the NWMAC exhibit expense reimbursement form to reimburse their mileage and small exhibit expenses like framing. Up to $500.00 available.
Coordinate and attend the six artist receptions from start to finish within the gallery locations. Pay for and set out attractive refreshments for a small group of guests between 30-50 people. Coordinate live music. At NCTC, look for events within the music department or at their auditorium to select a reception date that can be successful in that building.
Evaluate reception and exhibit overall by collecting statistics, interviews, and pictures.
Wrap up showcase
Coordinate art into three display showcases at NCTC switching over the three cases once during the year. Take pictures and provide information to NWMAC staff on new exhibits on display.
Coordinate retrieval of art by artist(s) showcasing, including bubble wrapping art if needed.
Send out Survey Monkey survey to all participants after they pick up their artwork.
Submit a wrap up report in the format provided by NWMAC office by the due date assigned.
Submit an invoice for payment of the second half of the amount budgeted, after each exhibit is wrapped up completely.
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.
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.
July Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities, and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4gdIbv9
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Artist-in-Residency Program in New Ulm
Artist in Residence Program in New Ulm for Printmaking, Letterpress, and Book Arts — Apply Now
The Grand Center for Arts & Culture in New Ulm has an Artist-in-Residence program that is open to all Minnesota residents working in printmaking, letterpress, and book arts. It's free to apply and selected artists receive 2-3 weeks of access to our studio, free housing, materials stipend, and weekly stipend. They would love to see more applications from folks in Greater Minnesota.
2027 Cellar Press Minnesota Artist Residency
The Grand Center for Arts & Culture (GCAC) is a nonprofit community hub for arts and cultural experiences. They have an art gallery, private artist studio spaces, an arts education area, and live performance spaces. Their mission is “to enrich community life through arts and cultural education and experiences; and support local artists by offering them opportunities to develop and demonstrate their artistry.”
GCAC is pleased to announce their artist residency program for the calendar year 2027. They are inviting guest artists to apply for a residency with the opportunity to use their Cellar Press studios — letterpress, printmaking, and bookbinding — to create works of art or as an integral part of their artistic practice. Residencies last 2 – 3 weeks, and while artists are not required to stay in New Ulm, they are expected to spend a significant amount of time in the studios gaining skills and producing work.
Applications are open June 1 – August 14, 2026.
QUALIFICATIONS
The Grand will host up to eight residents during the 2027 calendar year, with priority given to early career artists. To be considered “early career,” artists must have been generating work in their medium for 2-10 years outside of a degree-granting program. Students, recent graduates, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply, as well. The selection committee may choose to award one residency to an out-of-state artist, however, their priority is supporting Minnesota artists.
Please note that they cannot accommodate pets during artist residencies. A spouse, family member, or friend may visit for a short time during the course of the residency (maximum of three nights stay).
BENEFITS
· Materials Stipend
· Grand Membership: a $100 value
· All-hours access to Cellar Press during residency period
· Free lodging at The Grand Apartment (food not included)
· Stipend of $300 per week paid to individual artists
· Storage space for supplies and consumables
· Participation in the Artist Residency Gallery Show held annually
· Profiles in GCAC print and online communications
EXPECTATIONS
Artists-in-Residence are expected to:
· Be a current resident of Minnesota.
· Have some technical skills in the medium they pursue (GCAC staff will introduce artists to the specifics of Cellar Press equipment and available materials, and artists will complete a virtual equipment training).
· Immerse themselves in a new or continuing body of work.
· Work independently in the GCAC Cellar Press studio.
· Lead a public (virtual and/or in-person) community project. Examples include public demonstrations; teaching a class on printmaking or book arts; presenting an activity for public engagement at a farmer’s market or festival; a public art installation or performance; leading a workshop at one of our summer Kid’s Creativity Camps; designing and carving a series of linoleum blocks for The Grand’s use at events, demonstrations, etc. Feel free to propose an idea other than what is listed here!
· Provide The Grand with at least two works produced during the residency for The Grand’s exclusive use.
· Maintain a safe and clean working area.
· Complete an exit interview upon the completion of the residency.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be actively engaged in an artistic practice with an interest in book arts, letterpress, or printmaking. Artists are expected to spend significant time in the studios and produce works (either as a part of an exploration, a limited series, or a cohesive body of work), and have a willingness to demonstrate their practice through informal and/or formal presentation.
Applicants must submit the following items in two documents, saved as either doc, docx, or pdf files:
Document 1:
· Artist resume (3 page maximum).
· Artist statement or bio (approx. 300 words maximum).
· Project proposal (approx. 500 words maximum). Applicants are required to submit a realistic proposal that demonstrates their vision and how they will utilize GCAC studios and equipment.
· Community component proposal (approx. 300 words maximum). Applicants are required to describe their ideas for a community outreach component of their proposal which meets the expectations outlined above.
· 2027 Availability.
Document 2:
· Six-eight image samples. Applicants are required to submit a minimum of six and a maximum of eight image samples. Images should be presented as a portfolio with the following information appearing along with the image: title, medium, size, and year completed. The maximum file size for the portfolio is 40 MB.
APPLICATION DEADLINE/DETAILS
All materials must be submitted via application form on The Grand’s website by Friday, August 14th, 2026, at 3 PM CST.
Artists will be notified by late October 2026. The earliest residency may begin in January 2027 (residency dates to be negotiated with artists).
GCAC STUDIOS AND EQUIPMENT
The Cellar Press artist studio at The Grand is well equipped with both state-of-the-art and vintage presses and other letterpress tools, including: an SP-15 Vandercook press (non-motorized), a Vandercook 215 (motorized inking), a Vandercook 1 proofing press, Showcard Press, several small Platen presses, a 1938 Kluge, and a Takach 24’ by 36’ etching press. They have a large collection of vintage metal and wood type, as well as printing ink for use in the studio. Their bookbinding equipment includes a variety of hand tools for leather tooling, a board shear, Advance guillotine paper cutter, Ideal Kutrimmer, Kwikprint foil stamper, finishing press, nipping presses, and job backer.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications are reviewed, via blind evaluation, by a jury of GCAC staff and area artist professionals. Applicants are evaluated and selected based on the quality of the materials submitted, with the most weight given to the project proposal and work samples, and with special consideration given to early career artists. Artists with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply. They encourage artists that identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or artists with disabilities to apply. All artists will be notified in late October 2026.
Arts Grants Applications Open July 1; Deadline is July 31
Arts Grants for Organizations
Applications Open July 1
Deadline is July 31
Free Grant Writing Session is Wednesday, July 15 at 2:00 PM
Applications open July 1 for government entities and nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
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.
FREE Grant Writing Workshop — RSVP Required!
There is a free grant writing session on Wednesday, July 15 at 2:00 PM to help you write your grant application or answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP!
To learn more about grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. On the top right hand corner of the page click the Grant Login button. 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, ext 1.
Emergency Relief Fund Upcoming Deadline is June 15
Emergency Relief Fund
APPLY NOW -- JUNE 15 DEADLINE
Additional Deadlines August 15, October 15, & December 1 as funds allow
The Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) provides short-term relief to individual artists facing housing, healthcare, income, transportation, legal, or property loss emergencies that impact their wellbeing or ability to work.
This program offers one-time awards of $500. In general, payments for emergency assistance are considered gifts and are not taxable income. Individuals must be currently active in a creative practice and live in Region 1: (Minnesota counties of Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, or Roseau). The Artists Emergency Relief Fund Network is stewarded by Springboard for the Arts and supported by F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Jerome Foundation, McKnight Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.
The application process opened May 1, 2026.
Application deadlines are June 15, August 15, October 15, and December 1 as funds allow.
Read more and download application here.
Reach out to NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel with questions about the program or application process at director@nwartscouncil.org or 218-745-8886, ext 1.
June Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including awards, upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4u7HRkK
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Proposals Accepted for Showcase Activities Contract Due June 22
Proposals Accepted for Showcase Activities
We are accepting proposals for a contract for Showcase Activities. Due by June 22, 2026
Work Activities Include:
Fall exhibits
NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls and Exhibit at the Fournet Building in Crookston (2 exhibits, one in each location)
$2,600 budget total
· Person of Color Exhibit at Fournet in Crookston $1,200 max.
· NWMAC Gallery in Thief River Falls. Arts in Education or Folk Arts Exhibit $1,400 max.
Fournet Exhibit —Person of color exhibit in Crookston for three months in Fall 2026
Coordinate the showcase in the Fournet atrium in Crookston, assist with artist spotlights.
Coordinate, attend and evaluate the reception collecting statistics, interviews, and pictures.
Coordinate retrieval of art by artist(s) showcasing.
Submit a wrap up report by December 10 2026 in the format provided by our office
NWMAC Gallery Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls — Arts in Education or Folk Art Exhibit at for 3 months in Fall 2026
Cordinate student/teacher or folk arts showcase in Thief River Falls at NCTC gallery from Sep/Oct/Nov 2026
Coordinate, attend and evaluate a reception collecting statistics, interviews, and pictures.
Move scaled down version of exhibit to display case
Coordinate retrieval of pieces by artists showcasing and artist in display case that is ending.
Send out survey monkey to all participants.
Submit a wrap up report by December 10 2026 in the format provided by our office
Please include who will be in the showcases or if there will be a call for entries. Exhibit at the Fournet Building in Crookston will be a person of color artist and the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls will be Arts Education and/or Traditional Folk Arts based.
Please contact our director Mara Hanel for more information or to apply at director@nwartscouncil.org or 218-745-8886, ext 1.
May Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including awards, upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click
https://conta.cc/3QPUW4i
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April Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including awards, upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4txRSYJ
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Arts Grants Deadline is April 30
Upcoming Deadline for Arts Grants is April 30
Arts Project Grants & Individual Artist Grants
Free Grant Writing Session will be held on
Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM
Applications are open for grants from the NWMAC. It’s time to start writing your arts grant application! April 30 is the final deadline for this fiscal year.
Arts Grants for non-profit and governmental organizations. Non-profits and cities or counties can apply for one arts project at a time. The next deadline for these grants is 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. Public art like murals or sculptures also fall into this category.
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. Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500 have an April 30 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. 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.
We offer free grant writing sessions to help you write your grant application or to answer any questions. The upcoming session will be:
Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM
This free Grant Writing Workshop is 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 director@nwartscouncil.org 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 director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886, extension 1.
March Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/40KwCm0
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Apply Now for a 2026 McKnight Visual Artist Fellowship
The 2026 McKnight Foundation Visual Artist Fellowships application is now open. This opportunity is for mid-career/established artists. There are two pre-recorded information sessions on the application site and 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, organizing resumes, and more. Learn about the application guidelines on their website. For Greater Minnesota artists, the fellowship does cover mileage and lodging for finalist/curator studio visits and fellow meetings so this is not a financial burden on the artists.
Find the application at https://mcad.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: Friday, March 20 at noon CT.
Contact info: gallery@mcad.edu
Keisha Williams, Program Director
Melanie Pankau, Fellowship Coordinator
February Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4adelCv
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National Loon Center Call for Artists
National Loon Center
Call for Artists
National Loon Center - Call For Artists -
The National Loon Center in Crosslake, Minnesota, invites artists to submit proposals for a site-specific art installation in the entry vestibule of its upcoming state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to open in early 2027. This installation should reflect the Center's mission to protect loon habitats and freshwater ecosystems, providing an immersive experience that educates and inspires visitors about the importance of loons and lake conservation. The chosen artist will receive a maximum budget of $250,000, and their work will become a permanent feature, welcoming guests into a space dedicated to conservation, education, and community involvement.
When
See projected schedule below (subject to change).
· January 26, 2026 – Artist Design Submission Begins
· March 16, 2026 – Artist Design Submission Ends
· March 31, 2026 – Notification of Selected Artist
· May 1, 2026 – Refined Design Intent Documentation and Power Requirements Due
· May 15, 2026 – Feedback from National Loon Center + Architectural Coordination
· June 30, 2026 – Schematic Design Drawings Due
· July 17, 2026 – Design Development Drawings Due
· Final installation timeline will be coordinated.
Who
The National Loon Center (NLC) is a new destination focused on conserving loons and freshwater ecosystems. Expected to open in early 2027, the Center aims to engage, educate, inspire, and motivatevisitors to better coexist with loons in our shared habitat, the northern lakes. Through interactive exhibits, outdoor activities, and citizen science programs, the Center encourages a deeper understanding of loon ecology and the importance of protecting freshwater habitats. Its sustainable design and community- driven initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and education.
Eligibility
This Call for Artists is open to professional artists, artist teams, and studios with demonstrated experiencein the design, fabrication, and installation of permanent or large- scale works of art.
· Artists may apply as individuals or collaborative teams.
· Artists may reside anywhere within the United States.
· Employees, officers, board members of the National Loon Center, and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
· Prior experience with public art or architecturally integrated installations is strongly encouraged.
Submission may be emailed in PDF format to David@nationallooncenter.org or mailed to
National Loon Center
Attention David Nielsen PO Box 642,
Crosslake, MN 56442
Artistic Guidelines
· Artists are expected to use sustainable materials to support the Center's commitment to environmental stewardship and regenerative practices.
· Artists should consider using materials that enhance natural light, as this space will receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
· Artist to provide input on integrated lighting and additional lighting options that may affect the proposed piece, such as spot or task lighting.)
· The proposed solution must be a permanent fixture. Material, form, and mounting must align with a permanent installation strategy.
· The artist is required to either perform the work themselves or oversee the installation of the proposed design.
Apply Now for Our Teaching Artist Roster Program Training — Deadline is March 6
Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) Training
Apply Now — Deadline is March 6
Training will be held Late March - April 2026
Are you an area creative (visual, performing, writing, media, fine craft) who is interested in earning income by working within our local schools and festivals as an artist in residency? The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce an upcoming series of 7 teaching artist training sessions that you can participate in. You will also have the chance to connect with other artists in our region. You must apply and be accepted into the cohort to attend these trainings.
This series will include five sessions online via Zoom and two sessions in person and will be held the following dates:
Saturday, March 28 9 AM to Noon in person in Warren
Tuesday, March 31 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Thursday, April 2 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Tuesday, April 7 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Thursday, April 9 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Tuesday, April 14 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Saturday, April 18 9 AM to Noon in person in Warren
What is the result?
In addition to honing your teaching and professional skills, participants will join the Teaching Artist Roster list on the NWMAC website where schools and festivals go to select who they would like to sponsor with grant funds. You will also have tangible and useful items to help you be a teaching artist, like creating lesson plans, marketing materials, and more. The focus of this training will be to create all content for your online listing by the end of the training. You will also be trained how to work smoothly with school administration and festival coordinators
Is there a cost to participate?
This training is free! This is a invaluable opportunity to receive 16 hours of professional education at no cost and valued at $1,000.
How Do I Apply?
You must fill out the application and send in 2 work samples (see details, including requirements below). Application deadline is March 6. You can download the application from the button below or contact our office for a hard or digital copy. Either mail the application to our office at 109 S Minnesota St, Warren MN 56762 (it must be postmarked by March 6) or email it to director@NWArtsCouncil.org. If you email the application, you MUST confirm with the director that she received the application. If you have questions or need assistance, NWMAC’s Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process. Contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or 218-745-8886, ext 1. Or contact Kristin at nwarts.kristin@gmail.com with questions or for assistance.
Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) Program
Overview & Guidelines
The Teaching Artist Roster Program is a multi-session training designed to support artists (visual, performing, writing, media, fine craft) in refining and developing skills for conducting collaborative, in-depth arts learning experiences in organizations, community settings and schools. A small cohort of artists will be selected to participate in this training, conducted by our Training Specialist Jane Anderson and guest peer coaches contracted by NWMAC. This training is valued at $1,000 and is 16 hours of education.
Artists who complete the program are listed on the NWMAC Teaching Artist Roster online in our NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org website under Artists in navigation. This roster will be used by area schools to select qualified artists in residencies in the years to come. Schools can and will apply for NWMAC grant funding to sponsor in your residency. Special designated funding exists for schools to sponsor artists on our Teaching Artist Roster.
Artists who complete the Teaching Artist Roster Program:
· Value themselves as artists and understand what they offer as teaching artists
· Expand the ways they apply their craft
· Understand the essential role arts play in a complete education
· Belong to a network of fellow teaching artists who serve as resources, mentors and peers
· Are ready to do personal reflection for continuous improvement
· Understand how the roles of artist and teacher intersect
· Are able to develop a residency plan
· Are familiar with the NWMAC Teaching Artist Grant application process
· Employ strategies that contribute to success as a teaching artist
WHO CAN APPLY
· 18 years of age or older
· Resident of Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, or Norman County for a minimum of six months prior to application will have priority. Artists who live within a close distance (60 miles) to our service area are eligible to participate.
· Either a citizen or have attained permanent resident alien status
· Current and previous Board Members and Staff are eligible
· Applicants cannot have overdue final reports and must be in good standing
Panel members use the following statements when reviewing applicants and selecting participants:
· Applicant’s rationale for wanting to participate in the program has merit.
· Applicant’s work samples demonstrate skill and ability.
· Applicant’s bio shows professionalism and longevity in their discipline.
· Applicant shows a willingness to commit time and energy to program obligations.
· Applicant demonstrates an interest in expanding their skills as a teaching artist.
Download the Application here.
Applications Due February 28 for Arts Grants for Organizations and Non-Profits
Looking for funding for public art or summer music or theater?
Start Your Arts Project Grant Application Now — Upcoming Deadline is Feb 28 for Arts Project Grants for Organizations
FREE Grant Writing Session on Thursday, Feb 12 at 4 PM
It’s time to start 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.
Do you need assistance writing your grant? We offer a free grant writing session before every grant deadline. There is a session on Thursday, February 12 at 4 PM that you can join via Zoom or in person at our office. 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 Open for 2026-2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE
2026 – 2028 ACTIVATE RURAL LEARNING LAB IN
MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA
The Activate Rural Learning Lab is a 2-year curated cohort experience for teams of creative entrepreneurs, artists, community activators, elected leaders, and small business owners to cultivate creative third places in rural communities. The Learning Lab provides grant funding and ongoing curated technical assistance through monthly project check-ins, exchange visits, workshops and gatherings, and allocated staff time to support the development of systems for the project’s operations, activations, and stewardship.
Ten building activation projects will be selected in rural communities with a population under 20,000 residents in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Native nations that share that geography. Ideal projects will (1) be creative and community-focused, (2) be ready to try something new, and (3) demonstrate the potential to build local capacity for creative approaches to building activation.
SELECTED BUILDING ACTIVATION PROJECTS WILL RECEIVE:
A $50,000 unrestricted grant to move their building activation project forward
Curated one-on-one technical assistance (monthly check-ins with Activate Rural team and direct support with navigating challenges and opportunities)
Supportive cohort peer network
Project promotion and documentation support (video and storytelling)
Access to Activate Rural Learning Lab resource guides and workshops
Travel and lodging costs for 2 core team members to attend 2 in-person cohort gatherings and the Activate Rural Summit
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Eligible building activation projects are:
Focused on designing a gathering place for community connection through creativity
Located in a Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana rural community, or Native nation that shares this geography, with a population of around 20,000 or less
Led by a committed core team of 1-2 artist leads and 2-3 activators (see FAQ for descriptions) and to participate in 2-year cohort experience
Safe and viable space for active engagement and public events
Moving forward in an identified building currently or soon-to-be under contract or ownership by member(s) of the core team and/or project partner(s) with eligible organizational structures (tribal government, municipal government, county government, 501c3 nonprofit, fiscally sponsored group, cooperative)
Informational Session: 2026 – 2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab for Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 12 – 1 PM
Virtual via Zoom!
The virtual informational session will provide an overview of the 2026 – 2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab and the application process for building activation projects in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana.
*A recording of the Informational Session will be made available here
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR THE INFO SESSION HERE!
Applications are open now through February 20, 2026
Each selected applicant will receive a $50,000 unrestricted grant and two years of curated technical assistance.