Arts News
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.
Minnesota State Arts Board offers Arts Experiences Grant
Minnesota State Arts Board Offers Funding for Arts Experiences
This pilot program supports individuals and organizations in providing meaningful arts experiences for Minnesotans within their communities. Funds may be used for a variety of arts projects such as creating and/or presenting concerts, plays, tours, exhibitions, arts festivals, public art, or other kinds of activities that provide Minnesotans opportunities to engage in arts activities that are instilled into community or public life.
Program overview and application instructions
FY 2026 Arts Experiences Program Overview and Application Instructions—All applicants should read this document thoroughly before beginning online application.
Application deadline
May 2, 2025, before 4:30 p.m.
When will funds be awarded?
Grant awards will be approved at the December 2025 board meeting. The grant period for these awards will be February 2026- January 2027; all funded activities must take place within the grant period.
Who can apply?
Both individuals and organizations are eligible to apply. The applicant must be:
An individual
An artist working in dance, media arts, music, photography, poetry, prose, theater, two-and three-dimensional visual art; or
A culture bearer who has been trained by traditional elders or master artists and whose artistic practice is reflective of the cultural life of a community; or
An organization
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts organization; or
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonarts organization that regularly offers arts programming as an integral part of its mission; or
A unit of state, local, or tribal government; or
An arts affiliate of a nonprofit organization or public entity; or
An arts group without 501(c)(3) status applying with a Minnesota tax-exempt or public fiscal sponsor
An individual may submit an application in only one of the following programs in FY 2026: Creative Individuals, Arts Experiences, Arts Education, or Cultural Expression.
An organization may submit an application in only one of the following programs in FY 2026: Arts Experiences, Arts Education, Cultural Expression.
Additional eligibility requirements are included in the FY 2026 Arts Experiences Program Overview and Application Instructions. Please review all eligibility requirements carefully before beginning an application.
Grant range
Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000. No cash match is required.
Resources for applicants
FY 2026 Arts Experiences Information Session and Q&A with Program Officers
Recording | Download PowerPoint
Learn more about the FY 2026 Arts Experiences grant program. This virtual information session will provide details about the program purpose, eligibility, and application process.
FY 2026 Grant Programs Overview
The Arts Board hosted two virtual sessions giving a high-level overview of the grant programs offered for organizations and individuals in fiscal year 2026. Potential applicants may wish to review the recording of either of these sessions to help determine which is the best fit for their work. Note that the program specific information session linked above will provide a more in-depth understanding of the Arts Experiences grant program for potential applicants.
FY 2026 Grant Programs Overview for Organizations– Recording | Download PowerPoint
FY 2026 Grant Programs Overview for Individuals– Recording | Download PowerPoint
Sample applications
The following applications were submitted by fiscal year 2025 grantees.
The files may take several minutes to download.
• North Shore Music Association
If you have questions or need assistance
If you have questions about the content of the application form or narrative, please contact the program officer team:
Jenny Dodgson, Jamie Marshall, Adam Wiltgen
ArtsExperiences@arts.state.mn.us
(651) 539-2671
If you have questions about the technical aspects of the online application forms, or questions about electronic submission, please e-mail the Arts Board at:
Apply.Arts@state.mn.us
Tom Miller, WebGrants administrator
(651) 539-2656
Chris Berry, grants management systems administrator
(651) 539-2668
For accessibility inquiries or accommodation requests, please contact:
Sue Gens, outreach and accessibility coordinator
Sue.Gens@arts.state.mn.us
(651) 539-2658
The Arts Board offers accommodations, such as alternate format materials, transcription, and other technical assistance, upon request. Grant application deadlines are not able to be extended for any reason. To ensure we are able to provide you access, please make your accommodation request as soon as possible, and no less than two weeks prior to a grant application deadline.
All staff can be reached toll-free at (800) 866-2787 or via Minnesota Relay 711.
How to apply
Application method—All applicants are required to use the WebGrants system to apply and will submit all materials electronically. Registration is required of all applicants before beginning an application to any Arts Board program. It is only necessary to register once.
Two online tutorials are available to acquaint users with the WebGrants system:
Individual Artist Grant Applications DUE April 15
Individual Artist Grant Applications DUE April 15.
Individual Artist Grants for $5,000 & $1,500
Free Grant Writing Session April 9 at 2 PM. RSVPS required
April Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the April 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/3RBwWPy
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Upcoming Grant Deadlines + Grant Writing Workshops
Upcoming Deadlines for Arts Grants Applications
Applications Open Apply Now
Deadline for Arts Grants for Organizations is
March 31 & April 30
Individual Artist Grants is April 15
Grant Writing Training is March 11 at 4 PM &
April 9 at 2 PM
Thinking about public art in your community? Nonprofits and government organizations can start submitting applications for arts projects. The next deadlines are March 31 and April 30. Grants are between $500 and $10,000 and you can apply for one arts project at a time. 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 these two very important grant opportunities include 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.
Applications are also open for Individual Artist Grants. 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. Individual Artist Grants provide financial assistance for the exhibition, performance, or production of a specific creative work, mentoring with a more experienced artist, participation in not-for-credit arts experiences.
To be eligible you must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age and reside in the 7 county NW Minnesota region. College tuition is not an eligible expense. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Quick turnaround grants for $500 are available on an ongoing deadline -- first come, first served for individual artists. 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.
Schools in our seven-county region can also apply for an Artist Residency grant of $2,600 plus an additional $400 if the residency needs supplies. 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.
Schools can initially apply for one residency. Then based on remaining funding, can request up to three additional residencies into spring and summer. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota.
Read more here about our grants and how to apply.
FREE Grant Writing Sessions
March 11 at 4 PM &
April 9 at 2 PM
We offer grant training workshops via Zoom or in person at the NWMAC office in Warren. The next one is March 11 at 4 PM. 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.
To learn more about grant programs and start an application visit 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.
March Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the March 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/3DgBPtT
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Minnesota State Arts Board Offers Opportunities to Apply for Accessible Arts Grant Programs
The Minnesota State Arts Board announces two opportunities to apply for the Accessible Arts grant program and serve as a grant advisor
Opportunities from the Minnesota State Arts Board
FY 2026 Accessible Arts grant application materials available
Help them invest public funds
for the arts
FY 2026 Accessible Arts grant program application materials available
Application materials are now available for the Accessible Arts grant program. This program is open to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts organizations, and arts affiliates of a nonprofit organization or public entity.
Accessible Arts offers project grants to increase the capacity of the arts sector to make arts experiences more accessible for people with disabilities.
In this program, funds will be used for investments that will have a longer-term impact on the applicant, such as professional development related to accessibility (i.e., staff or volunteer training, etc.), hiring accessibility consultants to conduct accessibility audits and/or develop accessibility plans, etc. Funds may also be used for small equipment investments (costing less than $5,000) that will make programming more accessible over time (i.e. assisted listening or captioning equipment, handrails, grab bars, etc.).
Applicants may request between $10,000 - $20,000.
The Arts Board will host 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 program officers at the end of the session. See below for more information.
Details, including full program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Accessible Arts program page.
Important dates
February 26, 2025: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will be recorded and available for later viewing.
April 4, 2025: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
October 2025: Arts Board approves grant awards.
December 2025 - November 2026: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
See the full FY 2026 grant program calendar on the Arts Board website.
February Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the February 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/3PY1J8v
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Minnesota State Arts Board offers Creative Individual Grant Program
Minnesota State Arts Board Offers Creative Individuals Grant Program
Grant Opportunity for Individuals:
FY 2026 Creative Individuals
Application materials are now available for the Creative Individuals grant program. This program is open to individual artists and culture bearers.
Creative Individuals provides support to help individual artists and culture bearers develop or sustain their creative practices and meaningfully engage with Minnesotans.
In this program, funds may be used to support an individual's creative practice and meaningfully connect to and engage with audiences, participants, students, and/or communities during the grant period.
Applicants may request between $2,000 - $10,000.
The Arts Board will host 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 program officers at the end of the session. See below for more information.
Details, including full program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Creative Individuals program page.
Creative Individuals Program Page
Important Dates
January 29, 2025: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will be recorded and available for later viewing.
March 7, 2025: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
November 2025: Arts Board approves grant awards.
January - December 2026: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
See the full FY 2026 grant program calendar on the Arts Board website.
January Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the January 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/404iiEn
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Grant Writing Training is Tuesday, Feb 11 at 4PM — RSVP Today
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Tuesday, February 11 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!
Artists of NW Minnesota 6th Edition is here!
Artists of Northwest Minnesota 6th Edition is here!
Featuring listings of artists, performers, &
arts businesses and organizations
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce the publication of the 6th edition of Artists of Northwest Minnesota booklet.
The NWMAC publishes a directory every 3 years that lists fine craft and visual artists, photographers, writers, and performing artists who answered our call for entries, as well as arts organizations. This is an invaluable resource when the public is looking for art and artists in our region. This booklet allows you to connect with and find local artists and their products or services, as well as businesses that support the arts. Our region is home to talented writers, visual artists, performance artists, fiber artists, sculptors, 3D artists, photographers, mosaic artists, printmakers, jewelers, metal artists, wood carvers, and more. This edition of the booklet has an added section of performing artists, including musicians who play in our area. Artists of Northwest Minnesota was designed by Kat Allen of Warroad and edited by Kristin Eggerling, NWMAC Promotions Specialist and Executive Director Mara Hanel with funding from the McKnight Foundation.
Pick up a copy of this directory at no cost at your local library, coffee shop, or other businesses in our region. To view the booklet on our website click here.
For more information, contact our office at 218-745-8886 or director@nwartscouncil.org.