Arts News
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!
The Art of Making Music Workshop Series by In Progress
THE ART OF MAKING MUSIC
Workshop Series
First Session - September 27 & 28 /Studio 110 Crookston
Please join Studio 110 for the first Art of Music Workshop presented by In Progress artist Jeremy Gardner.
This hands-on workshop is your chance to:
- Learn how to write original songs
- Produce your own beats
- Record your music with professional guidance
Jeremy Gardner is a highly recognized performer in Minnesota with over 10 years of experience teaching and mentoring musicians. This workshop is the first in a three-part series of opportunities to learn, create, and grow as an artist—you won’t want to miss it!
Saturday & Sunday September 27 & 28 1-5 PM
October 11 & 12, October 25 & 26
Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street, Crookston MN 56716
Questions? Contact them at info@in-progress.org
To RSVP, click the link below:
Creative Minnesota’s Study on Arts Impact on Our Economy in NW Minnesota
Creative Minnesota’s Study on Arts Impact on Our Economy in NW Minnesota
Creative Minnesota’s research about the arts helps us understand the effects on quality of life and our economy. Learn about the impact of arts and culture in Minnesota and the economic activity it generates throughout the state.
Creative Minnesota 2025 is the 4th report about Minnesota's arts and creative field intended to improve our understanding about its importance to our quality of life and economy. Read this post for the results of the study for Northwest Minnesota
Are you a nonprofit arts and culture organization in NW Minnesota? Would you like to use an Arts Economic Impact Calculator to see the actual dollars YOUR organization drives?
Visit this page on our website: https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/economic-impact-calculator or the Americans for the Arts page at https://aep6.americansforthearts.org/calculator?partner_slug=the-northwest-regional-arts-council-431 to input your information and see your impact.
This calculator works best on a desktop computer and not on a mobile device.
See the statewide study at https://artsmn.org/assets/media/CreativeMN_Economic_Impact_Report_2025.pdf
Attention: NW Minnesota Schools Arts Equipment for Schools Grant Deadline is September 30
ARTS GRANT FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS
Deadline for Arts Equipment Grants for Schools is
September 30
Grant Writing Workshop is Sept 22 at 4 PM
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 is September 30, 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.
Artist Residency Grants. Schools can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. Another resource to find teaching artists is COMPAS. 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.
Click the Grant Login button at the top right of our website www.nwartscouncil.org to start your application.
We are holding a free grant writing training session on Monday, September 22 at 4 PM to answer questions and help you with your application. 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. Want to work on your application before that? Reach out to our office with questions.
218-745-8886, ext 1, www.NWArtsCouncil.org
September Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the September 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/47qcZo2
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
McKnight Fellowships in Dance and Choreography Intent to Apply is Open until September 8
McKnight Fellowships in Dance and Choreography Intent to Apply is Open - September 8
McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and the McKnight Fellowships for Dancers provide awards to individual choreographers and dancers who are beyond early practice and who reside in Minnesota. The McKnight Fellowships are designed to enrich and strengthen our community by acknowledging the accomplishments of individual choreographers and dancers and providing for their artistic growth.
The McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and Dancers annually awards three $25,000 fellowships to Minnesota choreographers and three $25,000 fellowships to Minnesota dancers. The awards are unrestricted and can help an artist set aside periods of time for study, reflection, experimentation, and exploration; take advantage of an opportunity; or work on a new project.
The McKnight Foundation funds individual artist and culture bearer fellowships in 15 artistic disciplines. Support for individual artists has been a cornerstone of the McKnight Foundation’s Arts and Culture program since it began in 1982. The foundation recognizes that the arts cannot flourish or enhance community life without the ideas, energy, and drive of individual artists and that artists cannot make these contributions without unfettered creative time
The Intent to Apply application is open. Deadline is Monday, September 8 and will close at 11:59pm.
Submit the online Intent to Apply form.
Applicants who miss the Intent to Apply (ITA) deadline may still submit a final application. However, they encourage you to apply to the Intent to Apply as it is a very important step. After submitting your ITA application, you’ll receive deadline reminders and/or important updates about the application.
This also allows the Minnesota-based panel the opportunity to see your performances live. Only artists who have completed the Intent to Apply can submit performances to the calendar. Notify them of your upcoming performances using the dancer form or the choreographer form.
First-time applicants who miss the Intent to Apply deadline can contact them at McKnightFellowships@springboardforthearts.org for application assistance.
For more information about the dancer and the choreography application, please visit www.mcknightdancechoreo.org.
Aurora Center for the Arts Presents Up North LitFest
Aurora Center for the Arts Presents Up North Litfest September 25 and 26 in Fosston.
Upcoming Arts Grant Deadlines
Upcoming Deadlines for Arts Grants
School Arts Equipment Grant September 30
Arts Project Grant Oct 31
Individual Artist Grant November 15
Applications are now open for arts grants from the NWMAC
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.
Schools in our 7-county region can apply for a grant for Arts Equipment. Supported by general allocation funds from the Minnesota state legislature, schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for their 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 has recently changed to September 30, 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.
Schools can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. Another resource to view artists available to enhance curriculum is COMPAS.
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 two residencies. Then, based on remaining funding, can request up to four residencies total. Each residency requires a 10% cash match. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota.
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.
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.
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.
Monday, September 22 at 4 PM mainly for School Applicants
Wednesday, October 8 at 4 PM mainly for Organization Applicants
Tuesday, October 28 at 10 AM mainly for Individual Applicants
These free grant writing sessions are 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.
Credible Writing Workshop with Candace Simar
Credible Writing Workshop with Candace Simar
Jackpine Writers’ Bloc Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9 AM to 12 Noon
Jack Pines Resort, 53014 State Highway 34, Osage (located 9 miles west of Park Rapids and 1 mile west of Osage])
Cost: $60
****************************************************************
CREDIBLE WRITING—What is it?
Everyone wants to share brilliant words with readers across the world. But what makes writing good? How does a writer find the words that will draw the reader into his world? This multi-genre class investigates the key elements of good writing by studying examples from published works and excerpts from this year’s Talking Stick. Join the fun and elevate your skills in creating credible writing. This year, the Talking Stick 34's first and second place winners are invited to participate in a panel discussion concerning their inspiration and writing process. Time will be allowed for questions from the audience. The panel will be the last 30 minutes of the workshop.
The workshop will run from 9 AM to 12 Noon. The Workshop cost includes lunch at noon.
Candace Simar lives in Pequot Lakes and began her writing career after attending a Jackpine Writers' Bloc workshop in 1999. Candace writes historical fiction set in Minnesota and North Dakota. Candace has been blessed with awards from Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Laura Awards in short fiction, Midwest Book Awards, Will Rogers Gold Medallion, and Western Fictioneers, as well as regional awards. She is a grateful recipient of Five Wings Grant funds. Learn more about her work at www.candacesimar.com.
***********************************************************************************************************
YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP. Please email Sharon Harris at sharrick1@wcta.net to sign up. Phone 218-732-3782 if questions. Be sure to include your name and mailing address, phone number, and email address. Make your $60 check out to Jackpine Writers' Bloc and mail it to: Sharon Harris, 13320 149th Ave, Menahga MN 56464.
This workshop will be limited to the first 35 participants and then put names on a waiting list.
August Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the August 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/3HoqD0a
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
2025/2026 MCAD Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists
The 2025/26 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. Please see p.2 of the application guidelines for more information.
There are two pre-recorded information sessions on the application site. 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. Attached are the application guidelines. For Greater MN artists, the fellowship does cover 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 12 at noon CT.
Contact info: gallery@mcad.edu
Keisha Williams, Program Director
Melanie Pankau, Fellowship Coordinator
July Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the July 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/3Ibwczq
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Deadlines for Arts Grants for Organizations
Arts Grants Applications have Upcoming Deadline for Organizations
Applications Open July 1
Deadline to Apply is July 31
Free Grant Writing Session Wednesday, July 16 at 2 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, and February 28. 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.
There is a free grant writing session on Wednesday, July 16 at 2 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 click on the grants tab at the top of our website. 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.
Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance Call for Artists
Call for Artists
People’s Choice Art Competition with cash prizes
The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance (PRCA) in Morris, Minn., is looking for artists to compete in the Fall Into Art Festival art competition — with cash prizes — on Sept. 6, 2025 at East Side Park in Morris.
The theme for the art competition is “Nature in 3-D.” They are looking for original three-dimensional artworks that include nature motifs.
These could be sculptures in any medium; 3-D artworks in wood, metal, ceramic, fiber, found materials, glass, mosaic, concrete, mixed media; furniture; garden or yard art; planters, bird baths, rain barrel art, etc. Be creative and push the boundaries of three-dimensional art. All sizes accepted. Artworks should have a minimum value of $100. All contest entries will be eligible for cash prizes and a free artist booth.
The Fall Into Art Festival is a fundraiser to benefit the PRCA, a local, volunteer arts organization. Contest entries will be considered donations to the PRCA and will be auctioned off in a live auction following the contest.
How to participate in the Fall Into Art Festival Art Contest
1. Create a 3-D artwork with a nature motif to enter into the contest. All works of art entered in the contest are eligible for $600 in cash prizes, to be awarded by audience voting on the day of the festival. People’s choice awards will be given for 1st ($300), 2nd ($200), and 3rd place ($100.00). All works of art entered in the contest will be considered donations to the PRCA, and will be auctioned off in a live auction following the contest. As part of the auction, artists will have a chance to speak about their art. Auction proceeds will benefit the PRCA.
2. Every artist who donates an artwork to the art contest also gets a FREE vendor space to display and /or sell their artwork during the festival.
3. Contest art must be original, have a nature motif, and be viewable in three dimensions (contest does not include traditional photography or paintings). 3-D works may be any size and medium.
4. Register your artwork by August 25, by e-mailing prca@prairierenaissance.org. Please include your name, address, phone number, the approximate dimensions of your artwork, and the value of your artwork. It is very helpful if you could include a photo of your contest piece. Also indicate if you would like to have a booth to display or sell your artwork.
5. Bring your artwork to Eastside Park, East 7 St., Morris, MN on Saturday, Sept. 6, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. This free outdoor art festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and includes live music, dancing, food and beverages, art vendors, and free art activities.
PRCA is also looking for artists vendors to participate in the festival.
For more information or questions, contact Diane Trew at 320-314-2262, or email her at prca@prairierenaissance.org
PRCA 630 Atlantic Ave., Morris, MN 56267 320-585-5037 •prca@prairierenaissance.org
Grant Writing Training is Wednesday, July 16 at 2 PM RSVP Today
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Wednesday, July 16 at 2 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!
Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities
Now Open: Midwest Award
For Artists With Disabilities
Arts Midwest is now accepting applications for the 2025 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities, an award supporting accessibility in the arts and celebrating the work of disabled Midwestern visual artists.
About the Midwest Award For Artists With Disabilities
What: The Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities is a $3,000 award that recognizes disabled visual artists in our region, celebrates their efforts, and encourages their future work.
Who: They invite mid-career 2D and 3D visual artists with disabilities to apply for this award.
When: This award application will close at 11:59 pm CDT on July 10, 2025, with awardees notified in August 2025.
Where: Individuals must live in the Arts Midwest region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Native Nations that share this geography.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more about the Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities, review eligibility requirements, and read the guidelines on their website.
June Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the June 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-the-Northwest-Minnesota-Arts-Council.html?soid=1103359496097&aid=xv81VCiGjrc
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Minnesota Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee Call for Art
Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee Call for Art
The Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee is excited to continue to announce the next Call for Art Exhibit Proposals. CAEAC is accepting proposals until July 6, 2025. This call for art is for the 3rd floor gallery at the Capitol building in St Paul, which offers great exposure and a resume builder opportunity. The time period is the calendar year 2027. Three exhibits will be chosen.
Requirements for Proposed Exhibitions
Exhibits must comply with (at least) one of the criteria outlined in Minnesota Statues 15B.36―that art exhibits should tell Minnesota stories and engage people to:
reflect on Minnesota history;
understand Minnesota government;
recognize the contributions of Minnesota's diverse peoples;
inspire citizen engagement; and
appreciate the varied landscapes of Minnesota.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the depth by which the art addresses these requirements and the provided scoring criteria.
_____________________________
The 2027 Call for Proposal series opens May 1 through July 6!
Information regarding the CAEAC and the Call for Proposal can be found on the CAEAC website, which is hosted by the Department of Administration.
Here are quick links to the 2027 Call for Proposal information page, and the application form. Note: applicants will need to log in to apply and to submit images with the following credentials - username: capitol.art@mnhs.org, password: Minn?sota2027?
Please reach out to Lindsey Rulon-Miller (she/her), Capitol & MNHS Sites Art Program Specialist at the Minnesota Historical Society at 651-259-3252 with questions.
We will share more information as it becomes available.
May Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the May 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/4cQ5WWm
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.