Arts News
Job Openings at Minnesota State Arts Board
Minnesota State Arts Board seeking
candidates for key positions
Are you looking for a position where you can make a difference? Where you can help make arts and creative activities available to residents and communities throughout the state? Where you can support the work of Minnesota’s creative individuals and organizations? Then consider applying for a position at the Arts Board:
Grant program officer – The person in this position will manage the Arts Board's largest grant program, Operating Support, which provides general support to established arts organizations. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
Grant programs assistant – The person in this position will provide administrative support for Arts Board grant programs. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, October 6, 2022.
Executive assistant – The person in this position will provide administrative support to the executive director and to the board. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
All are full-time, permanent positions. Telework and/or hybrid work arrangements are available.
Visit the Arts Board’s Web site to find more details about the positions and a link to required qualifications, salary range, and application instructions: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/about/employment.htm/
If you’d like to receive Arts Board updates directly, please sign up for their mailing list: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/contact/enews-signup.htm
Artists’ Futures Applications Due - Resources for Native American Artists
Artists' Futures applications are due soon! Resources for American Indian and Native American Artists!
Artists’ Futures provides resources directly to artists and culture bearers of African, Afro-Latinx, Afro-Caribbean, Latinx, Chicanx, Asian/Pacific Islander, and SWANA (South West Asian and North African) descent residing in the 7-county metropolitan area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties), and artists who are Native American/American Indian/Native Alaskan residing in Minnesota and the 11 Tribal nations that share the same geography.
Artists’ Futures provides financial support of $35,000 to individual artists along with additional resources and support. Artists’ Futures is a professional development, skill building and networking cohort for artists working in any artistic discipline at any stage in their career. The Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) is interested in investing in artists by providing support that allows them to grow their ability to take creative risks, and build technical skills that could contribute to a sustainable and successful career in the arts.
Submission Deadline: October 3, 2022, 11:59pm
Notification Date: February 22, 2023
Financial Support: $35,000 (unrestricted)
Additional resources: $2,000 for professional development, plus access to vetted partnering professionals/spaces/organizations
Cohort Period: Support from MRAC and access to partners from Feb 2023 – Feb 2025
Number of Selected Artists: 10
For questions about the submission process in general and technical assistance, please contact mrac@mrac.org or 651-645-0402.
For questions and assistance related to eligibility and/or preparing a submission, please contact Jovan Rebollar (jovan@mrac.org or 651-523-6381). Or, fill out the meeting request form to schedule a time to meet with a staff member who can assist you.
Individual Artist Grant Applications — reach out to Mara before September 22 for most help
FALL DEADLINES For Individual Artist Grant Applications
APPLY NOW!
Reach out to our director this week when she can provide the help you need + answer all your questions.
Individual Artist Grants have an October 1 deadline for $5,000 grants and November 15 deadline for $1,500 and an ongoing deadline for quick turnaround grants for $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.
Our director Mara Hanel is available this week through September 22 to answer questions or walk you through the grant writing process. After September 22 she is less available due to a remote working situation. Take advantage of her availability to get your grant submitted!
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 and $5,000 going to four individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2023). 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.
And to Make the Grant Process Easier ....
If you have applied to us before, an easy way to start is with a copy of your previous grant. We strongly recommend that you reach out to our director, Mara Hanel, so she can make a copy within our online grant software. Many data collection fields stay the same from year to year. A copy auto fills those routine fields. It uses your previous answers as a template to begin your next grant.
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.
Watch the YouTube videos that will walk you through the application process.
Auditions for Fall Play A.C.T. of Thief River Falls — Consider Trying Out!
AUDITIONS FOR FALL PLAY
A.C.T. of Thief River Falls is seeking auditions for its fall play, which will feature two titles: “It’s All an Act” by Carl L. Williams and “Bad Auditions for Bad Actors” by ian McWethy.
Auditions will take place at the Eagles Club on September 28 and 29 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Please be prepared to read from the script: “Bad Auditions” is available online at www.playscripts.com/play/2257 Copies will be available at the audition also.
Performances will take place on November 17-19 at the Eagles Club in Thief River Falls. The play will be directed by Jane Anderson.
This is a great opportunity for new actors or for seasoned actors on a tight schedule. This evening will feature several short segments with a large cast.
For more information, contact Jane Anderson at trfact56701@gmail.com.
Tending the Creative Soul September 14
Tending the Creative Soul will be Wednesday, September 14 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. This event is online and open to anyone who would like to join. Email Trey for a Zoom invite at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com.
We will be exploring Creativity and Music. How does music influence your creative process? If you are a musician what helps you get into the flow? Who or what styles of music are some of your inspirations? If you aren't a musician how do you experience music as a creative force? Please join us!
Need Assistance? Grant Writing Training for Individuals Sept 14
We are offering a grant writing training for individuals on Wednesday, September 14 at 4:00 PM. NWMAC Director Mara Hanel will walk you through the grant application process and answer all your questions! You can attend the training in person at our office in Warren or meet with Mara virtually.
RSVPs are required. Let us know if you’d like to participate in person or virtually. Or you can set up a time to work one-on-one with our director on the grant writing process.
There is no cost for the training.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to write your arts grant! You are welcome to come to our office in Warren at other times to work on your grants in our new setting. Please email Mara at director@nwartscouncil.org or call 218-745-8886.
Stage Lighting and Design Workshop Oct 15 & 16
Northern Light Opera Company in Park Rapids will be hosting their first ever Stage Lighting Design Workshop on October 15th and 16th.
Led by professional lighting designer Heidi Eckwall, the workshop will be two packed days of hands-on lighting design.
The workshop is free to all, but sign up now as space is limited!
More information, including the application can be found here.
Workbench Filmmaker Intensive Oct 20 - 22
Announcing:
A 3 Day Intensive for Aspiring Filmmakers!
Led by award winning LA filmmaker David Leidy, the Workbench Filmmaker Intensive will lead a group of aspiring filmmakers through 3 packed days of learning the ins and outs of making your own film. The Intensive runs October 20th & 21st and culminates with a showing of the newly created films and a reading of the full length screenplay The Secret Keepers on October 22nd.
They are currently accepting applications for filmmakers interested in making their own short film.
Filmmakers of all levels are welcome. Participants will be led through a series of exercises by award winning LA filmmaker David Leidy and NYC screenwriter Gregory Paul, culminating in a public showing of the created films and a reading of the full length screenplay The Secret Keepers. The cost for this workshop is free but come ready to work!
No previous experience is required to participate.
If you are interested or know someone who might be, head on over to www.northernlightopera.org to apply or click this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1ABZ9gS4XCQyO14CGoeHONDkkR7PAAveoxPx83jqJ8oTVkQ/viewform?usp=pp_url
Cancelled Call for Art & Exhibit — Remember the Dead
In the best interest of the Latino communities throughout the region we are delaying the Remember the Dead exhibit until further notice. We’ll let you know when and if this call for art and exhibit are re-scheduled. Thank you for your understanding.
Arts Grants Applications have Fall Deadline for Organizations, Schools, Individuals — Apply Now!
The NWMAC Announces Fall Deadlines for Arts Grant Applications.
Applications are open for arts grants to nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, individuals, and other nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofit arts organizations can apply as of September 1 each year for first consideration of their general operating grant. The grant amount they are eligible for is based on total expenses within the previous two completed years and their history of arts programming. These organizations will be able to add to this grant, as the year progresses, if they need additional funding. Funding sources for these grants come from Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
All other nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are August 1 (which has been extended to September 1 this year), November 1 and March 1. 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 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.
Schools in our seven-county region can also apply now 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.
Schools can also apply for Arts Equipment for their school by November 1 each year. Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match requirement. Funds for this arts equipment in schools grant program come from the general fund of the State of Minnesota.
Individual Artist Grants have an October 1 deadline for $5,000 grants and November 15 deadline for $1,500 and an ongoing deadline for quick turnaround grants for $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 and $5,000 going to four individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2023). 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.
And to Make the Grant Process Easier ....
If you have applied to us before, an easy way to start is with a copy of your previous grant. We strongly recommend that you reach out to our director, Mara Hanel, so she can make a copy within our online grant software. Many data collection fields stay the same from year to year. A copy auto fills those routine fields. It uses your previous answers as a template to begin your next grant.
To learn more about these grant programs and start an application login to the grants application on the top of each webpage. 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.
Calling All Artists for Fosston’s 4th Annual Juried Art Show
Calling All Artists for the 4th Annual Juried Art Show in Fosston.
Artist Spotlight with Dynamic Voices Artists August 22
Join us for an online discussion with the artists who have work in our Dynamic Voices Exhibit! We spoke about the exhibit, their backgrounds, insight into creativity and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was on our Facebook page and YouTube Live. Once the broadcast is done, you can watch it at anytime with this link https://youtu.be/FPSx5KBAoWQ. Let us know if you have any questions!
August Newsletter
Read about what’s happening in NW Minnesota Arts — Events, Exhibits, Grants, Calls for Art, Opportunities, and More!
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations Application Deadline + More
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations
application deadline and open hours with program officers
Are you planning to apply for a Creative Support for Organizations grant?
Not sure if you will apply or even how to apply, then read on…
Creative Support for Organizations application deadline
The second and final application deadline in the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations fiscal year 2023 grant cycle is approaching. The program offers flexible support for Minnesota arts organizations, and for non-arts organizations that regularly offer arts programming as an integral part of their missions.
The second application deadline is September 9, 2022. These grants will support activities that take place between May 2023 – April 2024.
Funds from this program can be used to help organizations continue to adapt their arts programming to the changing environment in which they work so that they will be able to continue connecting with and serving Minnesota communities.
Organizations that submitted an application for the first deadline in May 2022 may not submit a second application.
Please visit the Creative Support for Organizations webpage to find the complete Program Overview and Application Instructions; other details about the program; and a free, recorded information webinar.
Open “office” hours with a program officer
If you have questions that you’d like to ask a program officer about any aspect of the Creative Support for Organizations program or the application process plan to join a virtual open office hours online session. Sessions are virtual only, not in person. You can login to join the online meeting, or call via phone, any during the scheduled 90 minutes. Two sessions will be held:
Thursday, August 11 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Monday, August 15 from 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Videoconference links and phone numbers are available on the Arts Board Web calendar: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/calendar/information-sessions.htm
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Greenbush Public Library
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota Region
Visits Greenbush Public Library
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. The exhibit includes 17 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Greenbush Public Library until September 28. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2022-2023 Artists and Artwork:
Ross Hier, Crookston, “Wood Splitter’s Alarm Clock” (Watercolor Painting) (Merit)
Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad, Ada, “Cornflower Bee” (Mosaic)
Heidi Danos, Fosston, “Hot Pink Sadness” (Mixed Media)
Stephanie Olson, Thief River Falls, “Monday’s Cat” (Painting)
Alicia Spilde, Karlstad, “Leaving” (Mixed Media)
Cindy Kolling, Gully, “Prairie Smoke” (Mixed Media/Other)
Jodi Peterson, Ada, “Cardinal” (Mosaic)
Kate Hammer, Roseau, “Abandoned” (Sculpture)
Nick Reitzel, Karlstad, “Across the Purple Sky” (Painting) (Merit)
Paulette Christianson, Badger, “Under the Orange Moon” (Pastel Drawing) (Merit)
Mason Owens, Crookston, “Peace is in the Roughness” (Wood Sculpture) (student) (Merit)
Kinsley Oslund, Grygla, “Crush” (Sculpture) (student)
Emily Balboa, Crookston, “Timeless Beauty” (Painting) (student)
Autumn Ruikka, Thief River Falls, “Bull Stamp” (Printmaking) (student)
Carlie Nehrus, Ada, “Jelly Fish” (Pen and Ink) (student)
Lakylie Brobst, Grygla, “Hayes Lake Skies” (Photography) (student) (Merit)
Paige Sturre, Thief River Falls, “Escaping the Bland” (Mixed Media/Watercolor) (student)
The 2022-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
April 29 – June 16, 2022 Hallock Public Library
June 16 – August 8, 2022 Godel Memorial Library, Warren
August 8 – September 28, 2022 Greenbush Public Library
September 28 – November 22, 2022 Fosston Public Library
November 22, 2022 – January 17, 2023 Ada Public Library
January 17 – March 1, 2023 Red Lake Falls Public Library
March 1 – April TBD** Crookston Public Library
*The start and end dates at each location are approximate, depending on weather, venue hours and other circumstances that may occur to prohibit travel. For specific library hours, please contact each location before planning your visit, especially if you are planning on bringing a group.
** Tentatively Scheduled
For more information about the Traveling Exhibit or our other exhibits call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
Dynamic Voices: A Collection of Work by Women Artists of NW Minnesota
Dynamic Voices:
A Collection of Work by Women Artists of NW Minnesota
Where: Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls
When: August 8 - September 28
Artist Reception Wednesday, September 28 from 5- 7pm
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our exhibit – Dynamic Voices: A Collection of Work by Women Artists of NW Minnesota. The exhibit is open from Monday, August 8 to Wednesday, September 28 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701.
Artists include Connie Nelson of Hallock, Rachel Gustafson of Hallock, Therese Jacobson of Alvarado, Heidi Danos of Fosston, and Stephanie Olson of Thief River Falls.
To experience the exhibit virtually click here.
You won’t want to miss this exhibit! Please join us for a free Artist Reception with the artists on Wednesday, September 28 from 5 to 7 pm at the gallery. Refreshments will be served.
Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B. Visitor parking is free.
Stay tuned for an online discussion with the artists. You will be able to watch this Artist Spotlight on Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Visit the NWMAC Facebook page or YouTube page for more information. The Artist Spotlight will also be available to view at any time after the live broadcast. Reach out to us with questions.
If you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, contact Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
North Country Fiddle & Dance Heritage Days Concerts — Aug 13 & 14
North Country Fiddle and Dance presents Heritage Days Concerts Aug 13 & Aug 14, 2022
Free Admission, Heritage Days activities on-going
Where:
East Grand Forks Heritage Village, 219 20th St. N.E,. East Grand Forks
When:
August 13 at 1:30 pm – Dean and Peggy Ellingson - a light hearted romp featuring antique tunes and vintage songs to entertain the young at heart.
Call to Artists: You are invite to Sell your Art Sept 9/10 in Fosston
The Arts & Culture Commission in Fosston would like to invite you to display and sell your art September 9-10th. This event will coincide with Heritage Days and Forged in Fosston. All three organizations will be cross-promoting events to increase reach and awareness. Different this year... all artists will be housed together in one indoor location on Hwy 2 to provide optimal exposure to all those participating. The location will be clearly marked with several outdoor flags during the event days.
Current plans are as follows:
Friday, September 9th: 11am-2pm setup, 2pm-5:30pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Saturday, September 10th: 9am-3pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. 3pm-5pm takedown.
Allotted space per artist will be approximately 10x10.
You will be responsible for bringing any items you’ll need, including table, chairs, etc.
Water and snacks will be provided.
There is no charge to participate.
If you are interested in participating, please let Heidi Danos know by end-of-day on August 5. If you know other talented artists who may wish to participate please feel free to share this information. Reach out to Heidi with questions and to sign up at heididanos@gmail.com or 818.325.5053.
Upcoming Exhibit: dynamic voices: a collection of work by women artists of nw minnesota
Stay tuned for our upcoming exhibit — dynamic voices: a collection of work by women artists of nw minnesota at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River. The exhibit will open from August 8 to September 28. More information to come!
SCENE, the Building Block of Story Workshop
Writing Workshop: Scene: The Building Block of Story with instructor Candace Simar
When: Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 9 AM to 12 Noon
Where: Jack Pines Resort, 53014 State Highway 34, Osage MN 56570
(located 9 miles west of Park Rapids MN [1 mile west of Osage MN])
Cost is $60
*Masks are optional unless the COVID situation worsens
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Instructor: Candace Simar
Candace Simar lives in Pequot Lakes and began her writing career after attending a Jackpine Writers' Bloc workshop in 1999. Candace writes historical fiction. Her work has since received awards from the Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Western Fictioneers, The Will Rogers Medallion, the Laura Awards for Short Fiction, The Writer's Digest, The Midwest Book Awards, Brainerd Writer's Alliance, The League of MN Poets, The Lake Region Writers, and other regional awards. Learn more about her work at www.candacesimar.com.
Course: Scene, the Building Block of Story
Attempting to write a longer writing project is daunting. Did you know that most novels contain 35 to 100 scenes? If you can write one scene, you can write as many as you need to finish your book. This class investigates ways to create vivid scenes that move your story forward to the end and keep your readers reading.
This Writers' Workshop will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Jack Pines Resort, 53014 State Highway 34, Osage, MN 56570 from 9 A.M. to 12 Noon. The Workshop cost includes lunch at noon. There will be a Book Release Party from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. There is no charge to attend the Book Release Party.
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YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP. Please email Sharon Harris at sharrick1@wcta.net to sign up. Call 218-732-3782 with any 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. The sign-on information will be sent to you before the workshop.
The workshop will be limited to the first 35 participants and then names will be put on a waiting list.