Arts News
Did you know that we offer free services in our office space?
Did you know that we offer free services in our office space? We have an audio recording room, a grant writing station, meeting rooms, a photography room, and an enhanced art gallery that you are free to use at no cost!
Nominate for Of the Year Awards — Applications Open
Want to Honor a Deserving Arts Advocate or Artist?
Nominations are Open for Of the Year Awards
Northwest Artist of the Year $500
Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year $500
Northwest Star Award for $5,000
Applications are open for nominations for the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Of the YearAwards. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Often people serve in both roles.
Our Arts Advocate of the Year award honors someone who is a voice and advocate for arts within the community, local school, or our region. Arts includes all disciplines. It comes with $500 and often goes to a local leader who lives in the area where the artist reception will be held. However, anyone is eligible to be nominated.
Our Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500 to use however they see fit.
Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once, as a lifetime achievement award. This award is for $5,000 and can be a wonderful gift to those who have chosen a hard career path related to artistic expression.
Our deadline for nominations is February 29. Please consider nominating someone who you view as a deserving candidate from our seven-county service area in northwestern Minnesota. Persons who believe their nominee would qualify for this award and have questions should contact the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council office at (218) 745-8886, ext 1 or email director@NWArtsCouncil.org for more information. The nomination form is on our website in the grant software. Login and click on Apply and follow the directions. For more information, visit this page on our website:
https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/nominations-for-of-the-year-awards
Or download this document to learn about the information needed for the nomination. Awards will be presented at the NW Art Exhibit reception at the Kittson County History Museum in Lake Bronson on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.
Start your nomination here.
Accessibility 101 for Arts and Culture Organizations
Accessibility 101 for Arts and Culture Organizations
Wednesday February 7, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Mark your calendars for this informative and interactive webinar, cohosted by the Minnesota State Arts Board and the National Endowment for the Arts Office of Accessibility.
This one-hour webinar is designed to help Minnesotan arts and cultural workers answer the question, "where do I start?" when creating inclusive, accessible spaces and programs for people with disabilities.
Attendees can expect to leave with a foundational understanding of
Requirements for accessibility when your organization receives a grant from the Arts Board or National Endowment for the Arts.
The importance of completing a self-evaluation or ADA checklist, and how to do it.
The many ways of providing inclusive and equitable access, beyond just physical / architectural.
The importance of appointing an access coordinator in your organization, and what they do.
This webinar is free, but registration is required.
BAAC Writers Group in Bagley on Jan 4 at 5:30 PM
Bring in the New Year
the Write Way!
The BAAC writers group will gather Thursday eve, Jan. 4th at 5:30 at the Bagley Library with a little extra twist. It’s a New Year after all!
At the Area Writer’s group led by Clearbrook’s Ann Marie Newman, they don’t always just write. Writing at these gatherings is sometimes just great fun and games. They do really write stuff, some come for the fun and to hear what others come up with.
On January 4, there will be word prompts but also the art on display will be used as prompts. It is “IIlustrated Life and Times: A Tallgrass Prairie Story” (Artist, Cindy Kolling). Ann Marie has led this kind of activity at other art exhibits. Written pieces can be put into a notebook and left there to be shared as part of the exhibit.
And there will be homemade soup. If you are interested, bring a pot of soup or a few extras like crackers or cookies.
All Writers and Friends: Gather! Bring in the New Year on Thursday, January 4th 5:30 p.m.at the Bagley Library for Homemade Soup and Wild Word Fun.
Submit your art for the NW Annual Art Exhibit Now
You are Invited to Apply for the Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
Submissions Accepted Through February 29, 2024
We are pleased to announce our latest “Call for Entries” for the 2024 Annual Art Exhibit.
The deadline to submit your artwork is February 29, 2024.
This year, the annual Art Exhibit will be in Lake Bronson at the Kittson County History Museum from March 27 to April 21. Artwork will be dropped off on Monday, March 25 in Lake Bronson.
Artists and creatives from our 7 county- service region are invited to enter into this art exhibit and will be competing for $2,300 in cash awards. Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Both adults and high school students are encouraged to enter. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by a qualified juror. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception at the Kittson County History Museum, 332 East Main Street, Lake Bronson on Sunday, April 21. Artists are welcome to have their work in the exhibit available for sale.
See https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/nwmnartsexhibit-apply for more information, including the exhibit entry rules and directions. If you would like the application mailed to you, please contact our office 218-745-8886, ext 1 or director@nwartscouncil.org. The application must be submitted no later than February 29, 2024.
Upcoming Deadlines for Arts Grant Funding
Arts Grants Funding Available!
Upcoming Deadlines for Project Grants, Artist Residency Grants
Free Grant Writing Workshop February 13 at 10 AM
Apply Now
Applications are open for Project Grants for nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, and other nonprofit organizations 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. Upcoming grants deadlines for these are February 29. 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 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.
We are offering a grant writing workshop online or in person to assist you with your application. You are welcome to come to our office in Warren for the workshop or to work on your grants. RSVPs are required for grant writing sessions – please email director@nwartscouncil.org.
The session will be held Tuesday, February 13 at 10:00 AM. You can also set up a time to work one-on-one with our director on the grant writing process.
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.
Also available on a first come-first served basis are 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.
To learn more about these grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886.
Join MCA in Fosston on January 10
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is traveling across the state and wants to meet up with you!
Join Mara Hanel, Executive Director of the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council hosting Sue Gens, Executive Director of Minnesota State Arts Board, Caroline Taiwo of the McKnight Foundation, and Sara Fossen, Executive Director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and our arts lobbyists as they travel the state. We are excited that they have agreed to visit our area . The weather looks good but if that changes then the tour will be canceled and not rescheduled until summer. All are welcome to the public discussion in the auditorium at 11 AM on January 10 in Fosston.
RSVP to Mara at 218-745-8886 ext 1.
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Aurora Center for the Arts
403 N Foss Ave, Fosston, MN 56542
December Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the December 2023 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/41muTCZ..
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
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