Arts News
Stephanie Olson’s Art is featured in NCTC Display Case
Stop by the display cases outside our gallery at NCTC. Work by Stephanie Olson is featured in one of them.
MN State Arts Board Seeks Grant Program Reviewers
The Arts Board seeks grant program reviewers
Do you wonder who applies for Minnesota State Arts Board grants? Have you ever thought of applying for a grant, but don't have a lot of experience writing proposals? Do you love the arts and want to know more about activities taking place all across the state? If so, the State Arts Board needs you!
The Arts Board is seeking people from anywhere in the state, who have different backgrounds and experiences, who can help review grant applications. It's important for Minnesotans to play a role in deciding how public funding for the arts is invested!
Who can be a reviewer?
Any Minnesota resident who has a strong interest in the arts. You don't have to work in the arts, just an arts background or involvement is enough.
If you don't have a background in the arts but do have experience with nonprofit organizations, budgeting, planning, or project management; we need you!
If you have already served as a reviewer in 2023, you cannot serve again on these panels.
What would I have to do?
Be able to commit to five weeks of service beginning January 2024.
Review 25-30 applications online, on your own time.
Participate in a one-hour virtual training session.
Participate in a one-day, virtual review meeting.
Grant application reviewers receive a stipend of $200 for their service.
How do I become a reviewer?
Fill out our online interest form today!
If you have questions before filling out the form, call (800) 866-2787 or send a message to panelists@arts.state.mn.us
Not able to serve as a reviewer right now? Please forward this message to one or two friends or colleagues who might like to participate.
State Arts Board FY 2025 Operating Support Grant Program + Virtual Information Session
Minnesota State Arts Board FY 2025 Operating Support Grant Program + Operating Support Virtual Information Session
Minnesota State Arts Board launches FY 2025 Operating Support grant program
Application materials and online application forms are now available for the FY 2025 Operating Support grant program. Applications must be received before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024.
Operating Support provides general support to high quality, established arts organizations and arts affiliate organizations that produce, present, or exhibit works of art; to organizations that provide a broad range of services to practicing artists; and to community art schools and conservatories that make arts learning available to Minnesotans of all ages and abilities.
For full details about eligibility, guidelines, and application instructions, please review the FY 2025 Operating Support Program Overview and Application Instructions document posted to the Arts Board website.
Want to learn more? Join the Minnesota State Arts Board for a virtual information session on the FY 2025 Operating Support grant program.
The free session will be hosted virtually on
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM
First-time applicants, or those new to roles applying for support, will find this session particularly valuable. Attendees can expect to leave with a better understanding of eligibility requirements, full versus interim applications, review criteria, and required financial information. There will be time for attendees to ask questions in a live Q&A at the end of the session.
The session will be recorded and posted to the Arts Board website for later viewing. No registration is required. For instructions on how to join the session, visit the Arts Board website Information Sessions page.
About Operating Support
Operating Support provides general support to high quality, established arts organizations that produce, present, or exhibit works of art; to organizations that provide a broad range of services to practicing artists; and to community arts schools and conservatories that make arts learning available to Minnesotans of all ages and abilities.
To review the full FY 2025 Operating Support Program Overview and Application instructions, visit the program page.
Questions and Accessibility Information
For questions about eligibility or the content of the application, please contact:Lindi Holliday, program officer(651) 539-2653Lindi.Holliday@arts.state.mn.us
For the virtual information session, automated closed captions will be provided. The Arts Board offers other accommodations (i.e. real-time CART captioning, ASL-interpretation, large print or alternate format materials) upon request. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact the Arts Board accessibility coordinator by Wednesday, December 6, 2023, using the contact information below.
Annick Dall-Desbois, outreach and accessibility coordinator (651) 539-2651 | Minnesota Relay 711 Annick.Dall-Desbois@arts.state.mn.us
McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists Applications Open March 15, 2024
McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists Applications Open March 15, 2024
The McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists supports outstanding Minnesota ceramic artists who identify with any methodology—whether it be functional, sculptural, or relational—all techniques are welcome. The intent of this program is to recognize and support midcareer artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence.
Applications open March 15, 2024. The deadline for the 20234McKnight Fellowships for Ceramic Artists is Friday, May 17, 2024 at 5pm CT.
Two $25,000 grants will be awarded in 2024. Fellowship support may be pursued for, but not limited to: experimenting with new techniques and materials; purchasing materials and equipment; collaborating with other artists; or pursuing education, exhibition, or travel opportunities. The 2024 Fellowship recipients will deliver a workshop and at the culmination of the grant period, will be featured in a catalogue and group exhibition at Northern Clay Center that will also travel to 3 – 5 sites around the state of Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota. For more information, visit mcknight.org/artistfellowships
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fertile Public Library
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fertile Public Library from November 28 to January 16.
Stop by the library to see these works of art from throughout our region!
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 15 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 Fertile Public Library until January 16. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2023-2024 Artists and Artwork:
Ross Hier, Crookston, “Beach Ridge Bouquet” (Watercolor Painting)
Tim Anderson, Goodridge, “Let Your Light Shine” Wood Bowl (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Nancy Vraa, Red Lake Falls, “Country Classic” Hat and Mitten Set (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Lillian Ramsey, Thief River Falls, “Queen Mouse” (Acrylic Painting)
Kathy Panek, Goodridge, “Night Taxi” (Acrylic Painting on canvas board)
Jodi M Smith, East Grand Forks, “Swirls of Light “(Photography)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Old House” (Acrylic Painting) Merit
Madilyn Crompton, Borup, “Hang Time” (Digital Photo) Student Ada-Borup-West School
Makaela Longoria, Ada, “You Have My Heart“(Ceramic Sculpture) Student Ada-Borup-West
Emma Gunderson, Crookston, “Go on a Trip” (Acrylic Painting), Student Crookston School
Kaydence Skibicki, Fertile, Untitled (Silk Screen Print), Student Fertile-Beltrami School
Carter Lee Johnsrud, Goodridge, “Masking” (Mixed Media Graphite Pencil) Student Goodridge School (1st Place and People’s Choice)
Quinn Pittman, Greenbush, “Moe” (Pen Drawing), Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Rhiana Utter, Greenbush, “Elsa” (Linoleum Print) Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Maryjane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Time” (Acrylic Painting), Student Red Lake Falls School
The 2022-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
June to July 11 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
July 11 to August 29 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
August 29 to October 10 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
October 10 to November 28, Godel Public Library, Warren
November 28 to January 16 Fertile Public Library, Fertile
January 16 to February 27, 2024 Campbell Public Library, East Grand Forks
February 27 to March 26, 2024 Ada Public Library, Ada
March 26 to April TBD 2024** Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
*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 look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
November Newsletter
Read our November 2023 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3SDr2iL.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
McCanna House Artist-in-Residence Applications Open
Mc Canna House Applications for Artists in Residence
Open to Artists in Music, Theatre, Literature, & Visual Arts
The North Dakota Museum of Art is accepting applications for the 2024 McCanna House Artist-in-residence season. Artists working in music, theatre, literature, or the visual arts are encouraged to apply. Open to artists in all stages of their career.
The Program
The residency consists of 2 - 5 week blocks of time layered throughout the operating year. The house is open from June 1 through the end of September or early October. There will only be one artist on the property at a time unless a group project is specified in the application process. There are no expectations for the artist to complete work during the residency. However, artists are asked to use their time wisely and be aware of the transformative potential of time spent there.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2024
Announcements: February 15, 2024.
Amenities:
-Wireless Internet
-Well-lit French country-style farmhouse, detached 40x70 foot steel building, and ample outdoor space with yards and surrounding tree lines
-3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
-Washer and dryer
-New electric stove in a well-appointed kitchen
-Screened-in porch area with convenient BBQ
-Opportunities to work with surrounding community groups
-10 miles from the town of Larimore (pop.2,000), yet it feels remote and private
-35 miles from Grand Forks (pop.55,000), with its thriving art scene and good shopping/dining
-5 hours to Minneapolis and 2 hours to Winnipeg, Manitoba
-Well-stocked library
-Fruit trees
-Surrounded by working fields producing soybeans, potatoes, canola, and more...
-Endless sky
-Big weather
North Dakota Museum of Art | 261 Centennial Drive Stop 7305, Grand Forks, ND 58202
Minnesota Playwrights’ Center Offers Mentorships and Fellowships. Applications are open!
The Playwrights' Center sustains, develops, and advocates for playwrights and their work to realize their full artistic potential. The Playwrights' Center focuses on both supporting playwrights and promoting new plays to production at theaters across the country. It is a resource for playwrights statewide.
Applications are currently open for:
-The Many Voices Mentorship — for beginning Black playwrights, Indigenous playwrights, and/or playwrights of color or artists in other disciplines who are interested in learning about playwriting (deadline December 7)
-The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship -— for theater artists other than playwrights based in Minnesota (deadline March 28, but we recommend submitting and intent to apply earlier)
-The McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting — for playwrights in Minnesota who have had at least one play professionally produced (Deadline January 11)
-Core Writer Program — for any committed professional playwright (Deadline January 25)
Reach out to the Center with any questions you might have.
Julia Brown (she/her/hers), Artistic Programs Manager
Playwrights’ Centerwww.pwcenter.org | 612-332-7481 x.11152301 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Artist Spotlight with Stephanie Olson Saturday, November 4
Watch our Artist Spotlight with Stephanie Olson here or on our Facebook or YouTube pages. This was live on Saturday, November 4 at 11 AM.
NWMAC staff Trey and Kristin spoke with Stephanie Olson for an Artist Spotlight to highlight the Figures of Ghosts and Dreams Exhibit. We spoke with Stephanie about her what influences her artistically, her art, the exhibit, her writing background, and much more. Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson is open until November 29. Let us know if you have questions!
Minnesota State Arts Board is hiring a Grants Management Systems Administrator
The Minnesota State Arts Board seeking applicants
for a key systems administration position
Are you an organized systems thinker? A person who can develop clear and efficient ways to collect, store, and retrieve data? Do you like to find ways to make online systems and processes more effective? Are you a strong project manager? Do you want to find a meaningful role that combines your skills and experience with online systems administration and your passion for the arts?
The Arts Board is looking for its next grants management systems administrator. This person will ensure that the board has a fully functioning online grants management system that meets the needs of both internal and external users. Successful candidates for this position will have at least four years' experience in information systems project management and business analysis. They will have the ability to work with software programs, databases, and operating systems. They will be able to develop online forms to collect information from applicants and grantees. They will create efficient and organized ways to store, maintain, and retrieve data (i.e., applications, reports, contracts, requests for proposals, etc.).
In addition to the day to day work of systems administration, this person will join the agency at a key moment, as it completes an upgrade or conversion of its online grants management system. The systems administrator will manage the planning and implementation for this important project.
This is a full-time, permanent position. It is eligible for hybrid or telework arrangements.
Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2023.
All interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Arts Board's Employment Opportunities web page at http://www.arts.state.mn.us/about/employment.htm to get more details about the job including the salary and benefits information, required qualifications, and application instructions.
McKnight Printing Fellowship at Highpoint Deadline is Nov 26
McKnight Printmaking Fellowship at Highpoint
The specific intent of the McKnight Printmaking Fellowship is to recognize and support mid-career artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence in the field of printmaking.
Two selected artists will receive:
An unrestricted $25,000 award
One year access to Highpoint’s state-of-the-art print shop
Technical support from the fellowship coordinator
Professional development opportunities
Storage space for materials, use of inks, and standard shop supplies
Provided access to Highpoint classes
Group discussions and critiques with local and national experts in the field
McKnight Printmakers' exhibition, public talk, and reception at Highpoint
Professional digital documentation of exhibited artwork
Opportunity to participate in a fully-funded artist residency through a partnership with the Artist Communities Alliance following the fellowship year
Highpoint supporting membership
Fellowship Timeline:
Wednesday, November 1 @ 7 pm — info session (join at Highpoint or via Zoom)
A recording of the session will be made available on our website at a later date
Sunday, November 26 @ 11:59 pm — applications due
Thursday, January 18 — applicants notified
Thursday, February 1 — Fellowship begins
Friday, January 31, 2025 — Fellowship ends
Eligibility Requirements
This program is open to Minnesota-based printmakers, including artists living outside the metro area.
Have or maintain MN residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship.
Are beyond emerging with a body of work that demonstrates a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and excellence in the field of printmaking.
Have not been awarded a McKnight Artist Fellowship in any artistic discipline in the last five years.
Demonstrate growth and ongoing artistry since their most recent McKnight Artist Fellowship (if applicable).
Are not staff, board, or immediate family of the McKnight Foundation or fellowship administrative partners.
Are not enrolled full-time in an academic program.
Artists must demonstrate excellence in at least one traditional printmaking technique (intaglio, lithography, screenprinting, mono printing, or relief).
Applicant may only apply to one McKnight Artist Fellowship per year (in any/all artistic disciplines).
Questions about eligibility or anything else? Contact josh@highpointprintmaking.org
or visit: https://www.highpointprintmaking.org/mcknight/ for FELLOWSHIP/APPLICATION FAQ
McKnight Fellowships for Musicians Deadline to Apply is January 30
McKnight Fellowship for Music
With the generous support of the McKnight Foundation, MacPhail awards four $25,000 fellowships to outstanding and distinctive mid-career solo artists or small ensembles/bands. A McKnight Fellowship in Music 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. Ensembles/bands recognized as finalists and/or fellowship recipients will split awards between members; individual ensemble/band members will not each receive the full award amount. Awards are subject to state and federal income tax guidelines.
To apply and for more information visit: https://www.macphail.org/mcknight-fellowships/
Application Deadline: Monday, January 30, 20233:00 p.m. CST
You will not be able to upload files after 3 pm CST on January 30, 2023. At that time the system immediately stops accepting applications, even if you are in the middle of working on it.
https://www.macphail.org/mcknight
McKnight Fellowships for Dancers Deadline is March 20, 2024
The McKnight Fellowships for Dancers annually award three fellowships of $25,000 each 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 intent of the McKnight Artist and Culture Bearers Fellowship is to recognize and support Minnesota artists and culture bearers who are beyond early practice, have sustained experience in their discipline, and demonstrate exceptional accomplishments. In addition to the cash award, fellows receive additional support for career development, are invited to attend a four-day retreat in rural Minnesota, and are eligible to have an original solo work commissioned for an evening titled SOLO.
Support for individual artists has been a focus of the McKnight Foundation's Arts and Culture program since its inception. The foundation recognizes that the arts cannot flourish or enhance community life without the ideas, energy, and drive of individual artists & culture bearers and that artists cannot make these contributions without unfettered creative time. Fellowship awards are made in 15 disciplines through 13 arts organizations and presenters. The Cowles Center is the administrative home for the McKnight Fellowships for Dancers, the McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers, and the McKnight International Choreographer Residency Program.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The Intent to Apply application opened July 19th, 2024.
The Intent to Apply application deadline was Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, at 11:59 pm CST.
Applicants who miss the Intent to Apply deadline may still submit a final application. However, they will not receive programming updates and other resources, and their live performances will not be viewed by panelists.
First-time applicants who miss the Intent to Apply deadline may send an email for further information to mckfell@thecowlescenter.org
Final Application: Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 at 3:00 pm CST
Their website will be open to accepting final applications in early January 2024. The final deadline is firm, the application site will close down at exactly 3:00 pm CST on the deadline date.
Applicants will be notified of the decisions in early June 2024.
HOW TO APPLY or http://www.mcknightdancechoreo.org/dancer-guidelines/
McKnight Fellowship for Culture Bearers Submissions Open Nov 6
McKnight Fellowships for Culture Bearers Opens Nov 6
The McKnight Foundation and the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center of St. Paul have partnered to launch the first-ever McKnight Artist Fellowship for culture bearers. The McKnight Culture Bearers Fellowship will support three culture bearers who practice sacred and healing lifeways and share cultural art practices across generations. Fellows will receive a $25,000 unrestricted award and public recognition in support of their cultural practice. Additionally, fellows receive:
Professional development support, including a stipend to honor mentors/teachers
Participate in a network of culture bearers in Minnesota
Access to Indigenous Roots facilities and resources
Honored and recognized at gathering ceremony
Selection Process. There will be three rounds of reviewing submissions before selecting the final three fellows.
First round. This initial round centers on a collective peer review process. In this round, every person who enters a submission will have the option to review another person’s submission along with the additional community members and Culture Bearers (local) who did not apply.
Second and Third Rounds. Following the peer review process, there will be two rounds of community reviews. In these rounds, additional community members and Culture Bearers (local and national) who did not apply will be reviewing submissions.
The submission review process will occur between January to March 2024.
What is a culture bearer?
Culture Bearers practice intergenerational lifeways and living, evolving cultural art practices that educate, exchange, and share in order to preserve ancestral knowledge. In this work, Culture Bearers hold a direct throughline from ancestors and teachers and center sharing their practice with youth. The role of culture bearer is particularly important within ancestral cultures undergoing transition or experiencing threat from outside and dominizing culture(s).
Culture Bearers accept a responsibility to share ancestral and cultural knowledge. The practice of being a Culture Bearer is distinct from other individual art practices because the practice is a full life tradition (not separate) and includes intergenerational transmission of learning. While we honor the role of guests within lineages, the intent of this opportunity is to first resource individuals and cultures that are from the cultural and heritage lineage that they practice.
Fellowship Timeline
-November 6th Submissions open
-November 22nd & 24th Info Sessions
-Submission Support (Tuesday & Wednesdays from 5p to 7p/ Fridays 1p to 3p)
-January 1st, 2024 Submission are due by 11:59p
-January to March Review of submissions
-March 2024 Announcement of McKnight Culture Bearer Fellows
Visit their website to learn more at https://iroots-mcknight-culturebearers.org
ACF McKnight Composer Fellowships Application Deadline is December 1
ACF MCKNIGHT COMPOSER FELLOWSHIPS
For Music Creators Living in Minnesota
Application Deadline: Friday, December 1, 2023 11:59 p.m. Central
The intent of the McKnight Artist and Culture Bearers Fellowship is to recognize and support artists and culture bearers who are beyond emerging and have sustained experience in their area of practice. Fellows demonstrate achievement, commitment, and high level proficiency in artistic and/or culture bearer practice that contributes to their field and impacts and benefits people in Minnesota.
ACF will award four McKnight Composer Fellowships consisting of $25,000 in unrestricted funds. Awards are subject to state and federal income tax guidelines. Fellows have an opportunity to attend an artist residency program coordinated by the Alliance of Artist Communities within two years of the fellowship program. Fellows will also have an opportunity to present their work as part of an ACF-produced showcase event, and will receive consultation, time, and resources from Springboard for the Arts.
For application and complete details, visit https://composersforum.org/programs/mcknight-composer-fellowships/
McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers Deadline to Apply is March 20, 2024
The McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers annually awards three fellowships of $25,000 each to Minnesota choreographers. 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 intent of the McKnight Artist and Culture Bearers Fellowship is to recognize and support Minnesota artists and culture bearers who are beyond early practice, have sustained experience in their discipline, and demonstrate exceptional accomplishments. In addition to the cash award, fellows receive additional support for career development and are invited to attend a four-day retreat in rural Minnesota. Fellows are also offered funds for research and development that can be used to visit New York City during APAP and engage collaborators and spaces in their creative process.
Support for individual artists has been a focus of the McKnight Foundation's Arts and Culture program since its inception. The foundation recognizes that the arts cannot flourish or enhance community life without the ideas, energy, and drive of individual artists and culture bearers and that artists cannot make these contributions without unfettered creative time. Awards are made in 15 disciplines through 13 arts organizations. The Cowles Center is the administrative home for the McKnight Fellowships for Dancers, the McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and the McKnight International Choreographer Residency program.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The Intent to Apply application opened July 19th, 2023.
The Intent to Apply application deadline was Wednesday September 6th, 2023, at 11:59 pm CST.
Applicants who missed the Intent to Apply deadline may still submit a final application. However, they will not receive programming updates and other resources, and their live performances will not be viewed by panelists.
First-time applicants who missed the Intent to Apply deadline may send us an email for further information at mckfell@thecowlescenter.org
Final Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 at 3:00 pm CST
Their website will be open to accepting final applications in early January 2024. The final deadline is firm, the application site will close down at exactly 3:00 pm CST on the deadline date.
Applicants will be notified of the decisions in early June 2024.
NEA and Arts Midwest offer grants to theater companies for young audiences
NEA and Arts Midwest Offer Theater Arts Opportunity for Young Audiences
Shakespeare in American Communities Opportunity
About Shakespeare in American Communities
Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Through grants to theater companies, this program supports productions and educational activities for young audiences throughout the United States. Applicants can choose from two paths: Schools or Juvenile Justice. Grants range from $15,000 to $25,000 each.
What: Shakespeare in American Communities is a project-based, matching grant that helps theater companies and organizations bring Shakespeare and works inspired by Shakespeare to students.
When: The mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 25, with final applications due February 8, 2024, and funded projects must occur between August 2024 – July 2025.
Where: Nonprofit theater companies and organizations located across the United States and the Native nations that share this geography can apply.
Who: The schools program is available to theater companies producing a play that is a work written or inspired by Shakespeare, an adaption of Shakespeare’s text, or a production that incorporates scenes, monologues, and/or sonnets by Shakespeare, with related educational activities in partnership with schools. The Juvenile Justice program is available to nonprofit organizations providing Shakespeare educational activities in partnership with the Juvenile Justice System.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more about Shakespeare in American Communities, review eligibility requirements, and read the guidelines on Arts Midwest website.
Arts Midwest and NEA Big Read “Where We Live” Accepting Applications
Arts Midwest and the National Endowment for the Arts Accepting Applications for the NEA Big Read
About the NEA Big Read
An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read supports community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. The goal of this program is to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 each.
What: The NEA Big Read is a reading program that brings communities together around the central theme, "Where We Live," using one of 50 available NEA Big Read Books as inspiration.
When: The mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 10, with final applications due January 24, 2024 , and funded projects must occur between September 2024 and June 2025.
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.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more about the NEA Big Read review eligibility requirements, and read the guidelines on Arts Midwest website.
Showcase Specialist Trey Everett Receives Rural Arts Award
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett Receives the
National Association for Rural Mental Health’s
Peter G. Beeson Rural Arts Award
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is proud to announce that our staff person Trey Everett of Crookston recently received the Peter G. Beeson Rural Arts Award from the National Association for Rural Mental Health.
The 2023 award was presented to Trey Everett during their National Convention in Pittsburgh on September 20, 2023. Trey is a visual artist, pastor, teacher, and spiritual guide. He mostly works with pen and ink, which includes calligrams (images made with words), lectionary art, editorial cartoons, and commissions. He also creates murals, including an outdoor mural on a building wall in downtown Crookston titled "Unity and Diversity", and art related to cinema inside the Crookston Grand Theater. At the awards ceremony, Trey was recognized for his healing workshop with the residents of the Northwestern Apartments (NWA) transitional living facility in Crookston. Residents at NWA have mental health and often substance health challenges. Trey presented ideas of how art can be another therapeutic tool on the path of recovery. The workshop provided residents a way to touch on vulnerabilities and feelings sometimes not available in more traditional therapies. After an initial session residents spent a week with their art. Many created several art pieces. His work with people and the art he provokes are hopeful and healing, with a sense of wonder and humor, reflecting the best spirit of who we are and who we can be.
The National Association for Rural Mental Health established the Rural Arts Award in 2007 to honor the life-long contributions of Peter G. (Pete) Beeson to both rural mental health and the rural arts.
Congratulations, Trey and thank you for your positive impact on rural arts and mental health in our region!