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8.5.26 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke about the NWMAC’s current Call for Folk Art, what folk art is, and examples of art or items individuals or groups can submit for the exhibit. The submissions deadline for the Folk Art Exhibit is August 21 and it will be open from September 3 to the end of November at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Mara also shared info about NWMAC’s Active Artist Award. This is a reimbursable award for eligible art purchases up to $500. Artists are encouraged to reach out to Mara before they make the purchase to ensure that it is eligible for reimbursement. It’s a much simpler process than applying for a grant. Mara also highlighted the Emergency Relief Fund. August 15 is the next upcoming deadline. This funding uses a simple form as well. You can find the forms and information for the Active Artist Award and the Emergency Relief Fund at the top of our website under forms and also under resources. Finally, Mara spoke about NWMAC’s grant deadlines for arts projects, individual artists, artist residencies, and arts equipment. Find out more throughout our website, monthly e-newsletter, and social media (FB, Instagram, and more!).
7.1.26 Anna Pollock
Anna Pollock is the Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council and the current Forum of Regional Arts Councils board chair. She spoke about the regional arts councils, the Legacy Amendment, other funding sources, and the impact of the Emergency Relief Funds on her region (we are trying to promote this program ourselves now with $500 grants).
NWMAC's Emergency Relief Fund. The Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) provides short-term relief to individual artists facing housing, healthcare, income, transportation, legal, or property loss emergencies that impact their wellbeing or ability to work. This program offers one-time awards of $500. In general, payments for emergency assistance are considered gifts and are not taxable income. Individuals must be currently active in a creative practice and live in Region 1: (Minnesota counties of Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, or Roseau). The Artists Emergency Relief Fund Network is stewarded by Springboard for the Arts and supported by F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Jerome Foundation, McKnight Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.
The application process opened May 1, 2026. Application deadlines are June 15, August 15, October 15, and December 1 as funds allow. Read more and download the application here at our website.