Please also visit our calendar page for NWMAC trainings and workshops and the Events and What’s New pages for trainings and workshops offered by others.
Grant writing training sessions will be offered approximately two weeks before each grant deadline. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. Learn specifics about upcoming trainings on our website at the What’s New page or the Calendar. Or contact our office.
Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW and GUIDELINES or Download this information HERE
The Teaching Artist Roster Program is a multi-session training designed to support artists (visual, performing, writing, media, fine craft) in refining and developing skills for conducting collaborative, in-depth arts learning experiences in organizations, community settings and schools. A small cohort of artists will be selected to participate in this training, conducted by our Training Specialist Jane Anderson and guest peer coaches contracted by NWMAC. This training is valued at $1,000 and is 16 hours of education.
Artists who complete the program are listed on the NWMAC Teaching Artist Roster online in our NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org website under Artists in navigation. This roster will be used by area schools to select qualified artists in residencies in the years to come. Schools can and will apply for NWMAC grant funding to sponsor in your residency. Special designated funding exists for schools to sponsor artists on our Teaching Artist Roster.
Artists who complete the Teaching Artist Roster Program:
· Value themselves as artists and understand what they offer as teaching artists
· Expand the ways they apply their craft
· Understand the essential role arts play in a complete education
· Belong to a network of fellow teaching artists who serve as resources, mentors and peers
· Are ready to do personal reflection for continuous improvement
· Understand how the roles of artist and teacher intersect
· Are able to develop a residency plan
· Are familiar with the NWMAC Teaching Artist Grant application process
· Employ strategies that contribute to success as a teaching artist
WHO CAN APPLY
· 18 years of age or older
· Resident of Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, or Norman County for a minimum of six months prior to application will have priority. Artists who live within a close distance (60 miles) to our service area are eligible to participate.
· Either a citizen or have attained permanent resident alien status
· Current and previous Board Members and Staff are eligible
· Applicants cannot have overdue final reports and must be in good standing
Panel members use the following statements when reviewing applicants and selecting participants:
· Applicant’s rationale for wanting to participate in the program has merit.
· Applicant’s work samples demonstrate skill and ability.
· Applicant’s bio shows professionalism and longevity in their discipline.
· Applicant shows a willingness to commit time and energy to program obligations.
· Applicant demonstrates an interest in expanding their skills as a teaching artist.
Teaching Artist Roster Program Application
Eligibility: Adult individuals residing in the Minnesota counties of Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau or within 60 miles of those counties.
Postmark Deadline to apply is Friday, March 6, 2026
Today’s Date:
Your Full Name:
Mailing Address:
Contact Phone:
Contact Email:
Each question can be answered in the space provide or on another piece of paper labeled with the question number.
1. You and your diversity: Talk a bit about yourself. Where did you live? Where did your ancestors come from? How do you identify that might be different than others? Do you represent an underserved group? Only mention areas that you are open and comfortable talking about within the training series with other participants. This will help us get to know you and notice your diversity.
2. Your Need for training: Explain your interest in participating in the Teaching Artist Roster Program. How many weeklong residences would you like to do in a year? Any interest in shorter residencies at fairs and festivals or within adult education? Talk about your excitement and level of interest in earning money through teaching others. Talk about your need for training and inclusion in the online list of trained artists in our program.
3. Your art practice and merit: Tell us about your art practice, your technique, genre, and medium. Write about the two work samples you have enclosed. Make sure you send NWMAC two work samples. Either two photographs of your original artwork, 10 pages of your writing, or a way for us to experience your music, dance, theatrical art, etc. Talk about your quality to show artistic merit and professionalism as a practicing artist.
4. Your envisioned lesson: Write about a class that you would teach students in your artform. Envision your lesson planand end result. What age level are the students? What length of time does it take to learn? What supplies are needed for success?
5. Your Teaching Experience
Place yourself on a scale from 0 (No experience) to 10 (teaching degree). Circle your level.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Write briefly about your formal and informal teaching experiences.
What personal skills or experience do you have that would contribute to your success as a teaching artist (volunteer experience, working with groups, etc.)? Talk about your cultural heritage and diverse identity inform your practice?
What are your strengths when teaching?
6. Your Commitment to Sessions: This TARP series of training will be held on the following dates, five online via Zoom and two in person. Check the boxes that you can attend. If you can’t check the box, write why you cannot make it that day. It is important to attend all seven sessions. The essential parts of the sessions will be recorded, and you are required to watch the recording prior to the next session.
Saturday, March 28 9 AM to Noon in person in Warren
Tuesday, March 31 6:30-8:30 PM via ZOOM
Thursday, April 2 6:30-8:30 PM via ZOOM
Tuesday, April 7 6:30-8:30 PM via ZOOM
Thursday, April 9 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Tuesday, April 14 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Saturday, April 18 9 AM to Noon in person in Warren
"I certify that the information provided here is true and correct to the best of my knowledge."
Your Signature: _________________________________________
Mail this form, your two work samples, and a list of your accomplishments, training and education in your artform; and any longer answers that did not fit in the available space. Your accomplishments list does not need to be long however you do need to show that you have been active and semi-professional in your artform in the last two years. Mail to NW MN Arts Council, 109 S Minnesota St, Warren, MN 56762.
We need a minimum of 6 and no more than 12 artists in the training cohort. Postmark deadline is Friday, March 6, 2026.
Tending the Creative Soul — On Hiatus
This program is on hiatus!
How have you been doing as an artist? What are you doing to stay healthy and creative? When was the last time you got together with other creatives in our region? We host a regular gathering of visual artists, dancers, fine crafters, musicians, photographers, actors, creative writers, film makers, fiber artists … all people who desire creativity in their lives are welcome and encouraged to network together as Minnesota’s Creative Northwest. This is a casual, non-judgmental time to check in, connect, and see how we can encourage one another. The monthly gatherings are the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 5 to 6 pm via Zoom led by Trey Everett. Join as you are able. Feel free to bring a beverage of your choice.
To participate you will need a computer with a working microphone, internet service, and the Zoom app. If interested, please email Trey at Treyeverettcreates@gmail.com to receive a Zoom invite via email.
To learn more visit the Tending the Creative Soul page on our website here.