Arts News
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.
Grant Writing Training is Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM RSVP Today
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!
Grant Writing Training is Thursday, February 12 at 4 PM RSVP Today
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Thursday, February 13 at 4 PM. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!
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.
Free Virtual Workshop on Creating your portfolio kit
Work of Art: Portfolio Kit
Zoom Meeting
January 17 from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
VIRTUAL, WORKSHOP
Focus on the essential elements of your portfolio: sharpening your artist statement, tailoring your artistic resume, and curating and formatting your work samples. Presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library. Your portfolio is the core of your promotional material and professional calling card. To register or learn more visit https://springboardforthearts.org/event/work-of-art-portfolio-kit/
Free Virtual Workshop on Legal Issues — Intellectual Property, Contracts, & More
Work of Art: Legal Considerations
February 21 from 1:00 to 3:30 PM
Obtain general information about your intellectual property, contract basics and structuring your artistic business.
This workshop is part of a series of virtual workshops being presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library, and listed as “Legal Considerations for Artists” on the library website.
This workshop is a unit in 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.
To learn more and to register visit https://springboardforthearts.org/event/work-of-art-legal-considerations/
McCanna House Artist-in-Residence Apply by January 31
McCanna House Artist-in-Residence
Application Open through January 31
Open to Artists in Music, Theatre, Literature, & Visual Arts
The North Dakota Museum of Art is accepting applications for the 2026 McCanna House Artist-in-residence season. Artists working in music, theatre, literature, or the visual arts are encouraged to apply. Open to artists in all stages of their career.
The Program
The residency consists of 2 - 4 week blocks of time layered throughout the operating year. The house is open from June 1 through the end of September or early October. There will only be one artist on the property at a time unless a group project is specified in the application process. There are no expectations for the artist to complete work during the residency. However, artists are asked to use their time wisely and be aware of the transformative potential of time spent there.
Amenities
Wireless Internet
Well-lit French country-style farmhouse, detached 40x70 foot steel building, and ample outdoor space with yards and surrounding tree lines.
3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
Washer and dryer
Well-appointed kitchen
Screened-in porch area with convenient BBQ grill
Opportunities to work with surrounding community groups
10 miles from the town of Larimore (pop.2,000), yet it feels remote and private
35 miles from Grand Forks (pop.60,000), with its thriving art scene and good shopping/dining
5 hours to Minneapolis and 2 hours to Winnipeg, Manitoba
Well-stocked library
Fruit trees
Surrounded by working fields producing soybeans, potatoes, canola, and more...
Endless sky
Big weather
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2026
Announcements: February 28, 2026.
Since the inception of McCanna House, over 100 artists have participated in residencies. The Museum relies on donations to help offset the cost of day-to-day operations, ensuring creative minds will have a place to paint, write, edit, and further develop ideas. If you would like to support the McCanna House, click here.
In Progress Hosts The Art of Making Music Sundays Through Feb 8
In Progress Hosts
THE ART OF MAKING MUSIC
SUNDAYS 1-3PM JANUARY 4 - FEBRUARY 8 /Studio 110 Crookston
Please join In Progress for a series of open learning and making sessions with their Art of Music Workshop presented by In Progress artist Arley Sinks
This hands-on workshop is your chance to:
- Produce your own beats
- Record your music with professional guidance
- Have fun and learn and create with others
Arley Sinks is a self taught artists who has been producing and selling beats for five years now. He is a homegrown Crookston artist and at the age of 13 has already proven his ability to teach and guide others. Supported in each session with their studio director Rena Zapata you can drop in learn music, work on photography, or create a video.
These winter sessions will be dedicated to shared learning —you won’t want to miss it!
Sundays 1-3PM January 4 - February 28
Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street, Crookston 56716
Questions? Contact info@in-progress.org
To RSVP, click here or https://in-progress.org/rsvp-artofmakingmusic?utm_source=sqmktg_email
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.
Virtual Workshop on Writing Artist Statements January 10
Virtual Workshop: Writing Artist Statements
Offered by Springboard for the Arts
Artist Statements
Zoom Meeting
Saturday, January 10 from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
VIRTUAL, WORKSHOP
Get a hands-on, step-by-step approach to writing a range of statements that best represent your work as an artist. Presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library.
This workshop is part of a series of virtual workshops being presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library, and is a unit in 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. For more info and to register visit https://springboardforthearts.org/event/artist-statements/
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.
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.
Engaging Customers & Selling Your Work — virtual workshop December 2
Work of Art: Engaging Customers & Selling Your Work is a free virtual workshop offered by Springboard for the Arts on Tuesday, December 2 from 6 to 8:30 PM. Sign up at https://springboardforthearts.formstack.com/forms/work_of_art_engaging_customers_selling_your_work
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
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.
Free Artist Career Consultations offered by Springboard
Free Artist Career Consultations Offered by Springboard for the Arts!
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar
Minnesota arts & cultural organizations offering accessible programs and services are welcome to list events on the Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar. An account is required; register today or log in to submit events. New accounts need to be approved by the Minnesota Access Alliance board before you’ll be able to submit events. Please allow 48 hours for your registration to be approved.
The Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) provides this Accessible Arts & Culture Calendar for patrons who use accessibility accommodations. At the their website you’ll find listings of (in order):
* Captioning,
* ASL interpreting,
* Audio Description,
* Sensory-friendly accommodations, and
* Disability-related events.
Each listing links to more details on MNAA’s online calendar (https://calendar.mnaccess.org). Be sure to check the listing or venue to find out its COVID-19 protocol and if you need to make an advance reservation for the accessibility service.
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar is here: https://calendar.mnaccess.org
If you previously had an account to submit events to VSA Minnesota’s Accessible Art Activities Calendar, your credentials for that calendar are still valid here.
This calendar only lists events that provide explicit accommodations for people with disabilities. Information about the accessibility of the event location and provided accommodations is a requirement in order to be listed.
To submit events and register start at this page: https://calendar.mnaccess.org/calendar/submit/
If you know of other accessible events, please ask those venues to submit their events to the MNAA Calendar (and to MinnesotaPlaylist.com).
Anyone can get this monthly calendar: email mactfactor@icloud.com and/or info@mnaccess.org and indicate which list you want: the entire list or specifically ASL Interpreting, Captioning, Audio Description, Sensory Friendly accommodations or Disability-related topics.
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
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