Arts News
NEA Big Read
NEA Big Read
An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEABig Read broadens our understanding of our world, our neighbors, and ourselves through the power of a shared reading experience. Showcasing a diverse range of contemporary themes, voices, and perspectives, the NEA Big Read aims to inspire meaningful conversations, artistic responses, and new discoveries and connections in each community. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 each, and the Intent to Apply is due on January 18, 2023.
WHAT: The NEA Big Read is a reading program that brings communities together around a selected book title.
WHEN: Applications are due January 25, 2023 (with the Intent to Apply due January 18), and funded projects must occur between September 2023 – June 2024.
WHERE: Nonprofit organizations and public libraries located across the United States and the Native nations that share this geography can apply.
WHO: Arts organizations, universities, libraries, service organizations, museums, school districts, and tribal governments are all encouraged to apply.
Applicants are now required to submit an Intent to Apply at least one week prior to the application deadline.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 granting cycle. Visit How to Apply for more information.
Contact:
612.238.8024 neabigread@artsmidwest.org
Artist Spotlight featuring TRFACT, More Drama Please!
Listen to TRFACT Executive Director Jane Anderson and NWMAC Staff talk about theater in NW Minnesota for youth. This discussion includes the NWMAC exhibit More Drama Please! as well as a number of other items.
Watch the discussion here.
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC)'s exhibit – More Drama Please! Open from October 4 through the end of November, this gallery exhibit features non-profit theater groups that work primarily with children in the NW Minnesota region. When you visit the exhibit you will find props, costumes, shoes, Paper-Mache creations, photos, playbills, advertising, and historical information. Many of the props and costumes are handmade and have been used in a variety of plays over the years.
The featured theater groups are Thief River Falls Area Community Theater, Middle River Community Theatre, and Fosston Community Theater. For this exhibit there are no pieces of art for sale. To view the exhibit virtually click the link below.
TRFACT Director Jane Anderson has said, “Since I am a full-time employee of the Thief River Falls ACT, theater is my working life. But it is also my non-working life. I live to create theater for the community, to educate children and adults on stage, and to bring joy and inspiration to those in the audiences. Bringing joy to others, makes me happy and whole.” Jane has much more to say during this Artist Spotlight.
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701. 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.
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.
Arts Grants Funding Available - Upcoming Deadlines for Individual Artist Grants, Project Grants, and More!
Arts Grants Funding Available!
Upcoming Deadlines for Individual Artist Grants, Project Grants, Artist Residency Grants, Arts Equipment for Schools
Apply Now
Individual Artist Grants have a 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. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Upcoming grants deadlines for these are 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. This is a great way to bring arts experiences to your community.
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.
Start an application on 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.
North Country Fiddle & Dance Saturday, Nov 12 Live Music and Dance
North Country Fiddle and Dance “Harvest Dance”
Saturday, November 12 from 7:30 to 10:00 pm
live music with the O'Neil Family Band
Caller: Jeanne O'Neil
East Grand Forks Senior Center 538 Rhinehart Dr. S.E. East Grand Forks, MN
All ages -singles, couples, families
Reels, squares, circle mixers and more...all dances are taught and easy to learn!
Donations at the door. For more info visit northcountrydance.org.
Siama’s Congo Roots Oct 17 in East Grand Forks
Siama’s Congo Roots Oct 17 in East Grand Forks at the Campbell Library showcase music and storytelling.
Campbell Library in East Grand Forks offers Art Workshop for Adults with Disabilities
Campbell Library in East Grand Forks offers art workshop for adults with disabilities on October 14 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fosston Public Library
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota Region
Visits Fosston 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 Fosston Public Library until November 22. 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.
Tending the Creative Soul October 12
For our Tending the Creative Soul we will be exploring "The Practice of Observing Art." The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston Texas has a four step practice of how to "look" at art. We will be experiencing their four steps of Look, Describe, Think, and Connect with various pieces of art. If you have a favorite art piece you would like to share for the practice please "bring" it.
Our next TCS is Wednesday, October 12 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. This event is online via Zoom. Reach out to Trey for a Zoom invite.
More Drama Please! NWMAC Gallery Exhibit is open
More Drama Please!
Featuring Photos, Costumes, Props and More from Area Theater Groups
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls October 4 - November 30
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our exhibit – More Drama Please! Open from October 4 through the end of November, this gallery exhibit features non-profit theater groups that work primarily with children in the NW Minnesota region. When you visit the exhibit you will find props, costumes, shoes, Paper-Mache creations, photos, playbills, advertising, and historical information. Many of the props and costumes are handmade and have been used in a variety of plays over the years.
The featured theater groups are Thief River Falls Area Community Theater, Middle River Community Theatre, and Fosston Community Theater. For this exhibit there are no pieces of art for sale.
TRFACT Director Jane Anderson said, “Since I am a full-time employee of the Thief River Falls ACT, theater is my working life. But it is also my non-working life. I live to create theater for the community, to educate children and adults on stage, and to bring joy and inspiration to those in the audiences. Bringing joy to others, makes me happy and whole.”
Kay Dell Super of the Middle River Community Theatre explained, “Directing children/students on stage has been a highlight of my life. Striving to implant teamwork, self-confidence, and compassion into children in today's world seems impossible at times with all the "outside noise of society" filling their minds and hearts. I feel drama is a great avenue for such qualities ... it forces them to focus and concentrate on the world around them. To combine two loves of children and theatre is a gift!”
The Fosston Community Library & Arts Association (FCLAA) Theater Program has been thriving for decades. Their Children's Summer Theater Program has run continuously since the mid-1980s. In 2019 "Mary Poppins, Jr." was performed with donated costumes by an anonymous patron. Included with the donation was a note stating that this dress, along with others, was made in the early 1900s. Director Abby Pearson shared, “Mary Poppins was a delight to costume and cast. Children in 3rd -12th grades were able to be a part of the ensemble. One of the Directors favorite parts of the show was creating the illusion of magic. It was so much fun for the students to brainstorm ways to make the illusion work. Students are involved in every aspect of the show to give them a well-rounded experience in theater.”
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett said, "I love the enthusiasm of the theater directors. They are passionate about youth being involved in and experiencing the world of drama and acting. Many of the high-quality props and costumes in the exhibit are homemade and have been used throughout the years. The creativity of the directors, staff, youth, parents, costume designers, prop engineers, artists, and photographers is evident in this wonderful exhibit."
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701. 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 theater directors. 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.
For more information about our exhibits or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please 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.
September Newsletter
Read about the latests in regional arts opportunities, including exhibits, grants, announcements, events, trainings, workshops, calls for art, and more! September newsletter is here: https://conta.cc/3Ux786q
Rural Connection Fund — grant money to support rural artist gatherings
Do you miss connecting with other rural artists in-person? Apply to the Rural Connection Fund.
The Rural Connection Fund will provide rural artists in the Upper Midwest with $2,000 to support informal gatherings of rural artists and creatives to witness one another’s work, exchange ideas and learning, and build a foundation for long lasting peer support.
Who is Eligible? Culture bearers, makers, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, performers and other creatives in rural and tribal communities of 30,000 people or less in the Upper Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois and the Native Nations that share those geographies). Gatherings must connect at least two rural artists who live at least 75 miles apart.
Types of gatherings may include but are not limited to:
Informal exchanges to visit one another’s community and witness one another’s work in person
Mini-retreats of 2 or more rural artists/creatives to explore a specific topic and share learning
Gatherings of artists from multiple locations to connect .Note: Springboard encourages simplicity! It is rare to get a chance to visit another artist without an obligation to fulfill, so consider how this can nurture other aspects of your artistic life without adding new major commitments to your life.
The Rural Connection Fund has 3 rolling deadlines to enter your request in their lottery-based selection process. The lottery pool is reset after each selection, but in your form, you can choose to automatically resubmit your request for each deadline.
November 1, 2022
January 6, 2023
March 3, 2023
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.