Showcase Specialist Contract Position Announcement 

2027 Exhibits at NCTC in Thief River Falls and Fournet in Crookston  

Deadline to apply is August 15, 2026

Dates of tasks within this contract are September 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027

Anticipated budget for contract of $7,000 - $10,000

NWMAC is looking for interested people to apply to be considered for our showcase specialist position in calendar year 2027. To show interest, please submit a letter of interest by August 15, 2026, that includes some ideas of what you would coordinate as exhibits.  Submit your qualifications if you have not been hired for this position before.  If you have been hired for this contract position before, state the years you worked for us and what you enjoyed about doing this work for NWMAC.  

Currently, there is a $7,800 board approved budget for this contract position, which is calculated at $1,200 per showcase that has fewer participants and $1,400 for larger group showcases. Applicants can request more or less based on their proposal, which clearly states your budget and reasoning for your requested amount for this work. Note: maximum budget for the year for this contract position and work activities is $12,000.  Place a value on your estimated time spent on these tasks and your proposed $ rate, noting that we pay qualified specialists a rate of $25.00 - $32.00.  Note: all expenses are paid for by the contract worker so anticipate your mileage, professional printing costs, packaging, reception refreshments, and minor costs associated with exhibit coordination.  

Please direct your questions to Mara Hanel, Executive Director at 218-745-8886 ext 1. If she does not answer when you call, make sure you leave a detailed message that includes your name, email, and phone number.   

Work Activities Include:

• Six gallery exhibits: complete tasks from September 1, 2026 until December 31, 2027   

  • Coordinate 3 showcases in the Fournet atrium in Crookston in 2027

    • Winter exhibit is Jan - April; Summer exhibit is May - August; Fall exhibit is Sep - Dec; exhibits should be on display for a minimum of three months

    • One exhibit will feature a solo (or small group) professional artist, one exhibit can feature a call for entries on a theme, one exhibit can feature students or traditional art  

  • Coordinate 3 showcases in the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls in 2027

    • Winter exhibit is Jan - mid April; Summer exhibit is mid May - August; Fall exhibit is Sep - Nov; exhibits should be on display for three months

    • One exhibit will feature a solo (or small group) professional artist, one exhibit can feature a call for entries on a theme, one exhibit can feature public art or a specific group of arts organizations

  • Work activity tasks for each exhibit

    • Prior to exhibit installation

      • Finalize exhibit details three months prior to your art drop off date and communicate with NWMAC staff details.

      • Provide contract information to our Promotions Specialist and Executive Director on the artists exhibiting.   

      • Communicate often with artist(s) to make the exhibit a success including getting their initial engagement and then their label information. 

      • Professionally create and pay for and install all artwork labels and professional posters for each exhibit. Work should reflect the professionalism and standards of past exhibits.    

      • Proof flyers and media communication pieces for any call for entries showcases that our NWMAC Promotions Specialist creates

      • Communicate all important dates and times with artists in showcases about art drop off, receptions, and art pick up and cc NWMAC staff. Communicate early and often to create a professional organized atmosphere for those exhibiting.  

    • Install showcase 

      • Install exhibit pieces, posters, and labels. 

      • Take overall promotional pictures and videos of exhibit and upload them to the google folder then email to NWMAC staff that they are in the folder.  

      • Take pictures that are needed for our NWMAC Promotions Specialist to create the virtual exhibit.

      • Submit an invoice for payment of half the amount budgeted for the exhibit, after exhibit installation. 

    • During showcase   

      • Assist NWMAC Promotions Specialist with Artist Spotlights. These are live interviews within an online platform called StreamYard that are recorded and provided to the public on our website. Anticipate one session that is one hour per exhibit. Up to three sessions for group exhibits.  

      • Email participants the link to the virtual exhibit online once completed by the Promotions Specialist.

      • Proof reception announcement/promotional materials created by Promotions Specialist then send it by email to all artists encouraging them to promote attendance. 

      • Provide solo or featured artists with the NWMAC exhibit expense reimbursement form to reimburse their mileage and small exhibit expenses like framing. Up to $500.00 available. 

      • Coordinate and attend the six artist receptions from start to finish within the gallery locations. Pay for and set out attractive refreshments for a small group of guests between 30-50 people. Coordinate live music. At NCTC, look for events within the music department or at their auditorium to select a reception date that can be successful in that building. 

      • Evaluate reception and exhibit overall by collecting statistics, interviews, and pictures.

    • Wrap up showcase

      • Coordinate art into three display showcases at NCTC switching over the three cases once during the year. Take pictures and provide information to NWMAC staff on new exhibits on display.    

      • Coordinate retrieval of art by artist(s) showcasing, including bubble wrapping art if needed.

      • Send out Survey Monkey survey to all participants after they pick up their artwork.

      • Submit a wrap up report in the format provided by NWMAC office by the due date assigned.

      • Submit an invoice for payment of the second half of the amount budgeted, after each exhibit is wrapped up completely.  

Proposals Accepted for Showcase Activities

We are accepting proposals for a contract for Showcase Activities. Due by June 22, 2026

Work Activities Include:

Fall exhibits

NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls and Exhibit at the Fournet Building in Crookston (2 exhibits, one in each location)

$2,600 budget total

·      Person of Color Exhibit at Fournet in Crookston $1,200 max.

·      NWMAC Gallery in Thief River Falls. Arts in Education or Folk Arts Exhibit $1,400 max.

Fournet Exhibit —Person of color exhibit in Crookston for three months in Fall 2026

• Coordinate the showcase in the Fournet atrium in Crookston, assist with artist spotlights. 

• Coordinate, attend and evaluate the reception collecting statistics, interviews, and pictures.

• Coordinate retrieval of art by artist(s) showcasing. 

• Submit a wrap up report by December 10 2026 in the format provided by our office

NWMAC Gallery Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls — Arts in Education or Folk Art Exhibit at for 3 months in Fall 2026

• Cordinate student/teacher or folk arts showcase in Thief River Falls at NCTC gallery from Sep/Oct/Nov 2026

• Coordinate, attend and evaluate a reception collecting statistics, interviews, and pictures.

• Move scaled down version of exhibit to display case 

• Coordinate retrieval of pieces by artists showcasing and artist in display case that is ending. 

• Send out survey monkey to all participants.

• Submit a wrap up report by December 10 2026 in the format provided by our office

Please include who will be in the showcases or if there will be a call for entries. Exhibit at the Fournet Building in Crookston will be a person of color artist and the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls will be Arts Education and/or Traditional Folk Arts based.

Please contact our director Mara Hanel for more information or to apply at director@nwartscouncil.org or 218-745-8886, ext 1.

$55,00040 hours FTEApplications due: May 8, 2024

Reports to Executive Director; supervises 1 part-time staff. Works collaboratively with the Director of Artist Programs, Development and Communications Manager, and Administrative Coordinator.

Work is performed on-site Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm in Minneapolis, with occasional evening and weekend events and off-site workshops.

Highpoint Center for Printmaking (HP) is dedicated to advancing the art of printmaking. They create pathways for artists, learners, and the public to increase their understanding and appreciation of printmaking through artistic and educational programs, a cooperative studio, a public gallery, and collaborative publishing opportunities.

They are seeking an Education Programs Manager to develop and manage all aspects of Highpoint’s education programs in alignment with their strategic plan and organizational values.

SUMMARY

The vision for Highpoint’s Education division is to remain integral to their neighborhood, city, and Midwest by leading accessible printmaking education that is responsive to the needs of learners and the broader arts-educational landscape. 

Ideal Candidate: The Education Programs Manager is an experienced and ambitious arts educator with a clear vision for designing innovative programs and curricula. They have a learning and teaching philosophy that guides their work and an understanding of learning pathways for a wide range of participants. They will define a pedagogical approach for Highpoint and work collaboratively with all team members to integrate and connect this approach across program areas. They foster a culture of welcome, embrace an expansive definition of printmaking, and believe in human-centered learning.

The Education Programs Manager will collaborate with the Executive Director to set the pedagogical direction for the organization. They will support a growing roster of contracted teaching artists by cultivating relationships, designing annual instructor training, and developing resources. They will nurture relationships with artists, K-12 educators and administrators, and community partners. They are an active community member and understand the Twin Cities arts ecosystem and contemporary art. They are a facilitator, a connector, and supporter who are always finding ways to bring others into the fold. Understanding program outcomes and evaluation methods is key for this role. 

TO APPLY

Please email jobs@highpointprintmaking.org with the following: 

A cover letter describing your related experience, education philosophy, familiarity with and interest in Highpoint Center for Printmaking

Your resume of professional and lived experiences.

The following will be requested from position finalists:

Two professional references upon notification of the interview

As a part of the interview process, you will be asked to prepare a presentation on your previous educational program experience.

All finalists will receive a background check

TIMELINE FOR APPLICANTS

Applications due May 8, 2024

June 3, 2024 Finalists Notified (references requested)

June 10 – 11, 2024 Interviews

Early to mid-July 2024 start date

For more information, visit https://www.highpointprintmaking.org/employment2024

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.

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

Position Title: Executive Director

Organization: Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust

Reports to: Board of Directors

Job Location: Ely, Minnesota (must become an area resident)

Status: 20-22 hours/week; up to 3⁄4 time in first year for training. Hourly exempt employee

Salary Range: Commensurate with qualifications

Benefits: Paid time off, 4 -9 paid Holidays each year. There are no relocation funds.

Background:

The Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust (Trust), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1989, dedicated to advancing the arts throughout the City of Ely with an endowment valued over $800,000 and two grant rounds per year. The Trust is seeking an Executive Director who will be responsible for managing and growing the grants program and endowment. The Executive Director will be the face of the organization, building on established relationships with City of Ely officials and staff, Ely Chamber of Commerce, artists, arts organizations and arts supporters.TheExecutiveDirectorreportstotheTrust’sBoardof Directors.

The mission of the Trust shall be for the enhancement, growth and improvement of: 1. The Ely Public Library

2. The arts and artisans of Ely and surrounding area, to include the performing arts, the visual arts and literature.

3. The creating and funding of scholarships, educational and artistic grants. 4. The cultural and aesthetic environment of the City of Ely and its surrounding area.

Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust PO Box 720 www.gardnertrust.org 218-365-2639

Ely, MN 55731

The Trust seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Executive Director to advance the mission of the organization as it enriches life in the Ely community.

The Executive Director will promote the best interests of the Trust and actively engage in the growth of its endowment and grant programs. In so doing, the Executive Director is expected to articulate the cultural, social and economic value of arts to the community and make that vision and purpose clear to supporters and the region’s arts and cultural enthusiasts. The Executive Director provides full oversight of the Trust’s operations including strategic planning, financial stability, community engagement, grant administration, marketing, and any public events.

The successful candidate will bring deep skills and experience with nonprofit organizations and demonstrated relationship savvy in building and growing collaborations with individuals and groups. He or she must be self-motivated, a problem solver, organized, adaptable, able to meet deadlines, manage simultaneous multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and work independently. The candidate will have strong written and verbal communications skills. Experience with arts organizations and public art is preferred. The Executive Director should be able to “hit the ground running.”

OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD A SMALL BUT VITAL ART MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART THAT HAS BEEN IMPACTFUL REGIONALLY AND NATIONALLY.

The North Dakota Museum of Art (NDMOA) seeks a director to succeed its founder, who built it over 50 years from an exhibit in a university hall into a widely recognized, influential art museum. Located on the campus of the University of North Dakota, it serves as the state art museum dedicated to bringing contemporary art to the city and to a rural population through exhibits and educational programs. The museum is supported by the state, generous donors, grants, and a dedicated foundation.

The new director will embrace the mission of engaging and challenging people of the northern Plains with contemporary art. They will lead a small staff accustomed to working as a team beyond their job descriptions to produce meaningful programming and contribute to the state’s cultural life. The new director, the board, and the staff will amplify the vision and translate it into new exhibitions, collections, and programs underpinned by a stable, sustainable financial base.