Arts News
November Newsletter … What’s happening in the arts?
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the November 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/47VzqQP.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Free Artist Career Consultations offered by Springboard
Free Artist Career Consultations Offered by Springboard for the Arts!
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar
Minnesota arts & cultural organizations offering accessible programs and services are welcome to list events on the Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar. An account is required; register today or log in to submit events. New accounts need to be approved by the Minnesota Access Alliance board before you’ll be able to submit events. Please allow 48 hours for your registration to be approved.
The Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) provides this Accessible Arts & Culture Calendar for patrons who use accessibility accommodations. At the their website you’ll find listings of (in order):
* Captioning,
* ASL interpreting,
* Audio Description,
* Sensory-friendly accommodations, and
* Disability-related events.
Each listing links to more details on MNAA’s online calendar (https://calendar.mnaccess.org). Be sure to check the listing or venue to find out its COVID-19 protocol and if you need to make an advance reservation for the accessibility service.
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar is here: https://calendar.mnaccess.org
If you previously had an account to submit events to VSA Minnesota’s Accessible Art Activities Calendar, your credentials for that calendar are still valid here.
This calendar only lists events that provide explicit accommodations for people with disabilities. Information about the accessibility of the event location and provided accommodations is a requirement in order to be listed.
To submit events and register start at this page: https://calendar.mnaccess.org/calendar/submit/
If you know of other accessible events, please ask those venues to submit their events to the MNAA Calendar (and to MinnesotaPlaylist.com).
Anyone can get this monthly calendar: email mactfactor@icloud.com and/or info@mnaccess.org and indicate which list you want: the entire list or specifically ASL Interpreting, Captioning, Audio Description, Sensory Friendly accommodations or Disability-related topics.
Copyright and Trademark Zoom Workshop Nov 8 Free
Intellectual Property Basics: Copyright and Trademark Virtual Workshop Nov 8 Free
Copyrights and trademarks are crucial tools to protect your brand and creative work. But do you know the difference between the two, or how to register for one?
Join attorney Andrea Pelloquin for this free virtual workshop on
Saturday, November 8 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
This attorney from Springboard’s Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts (MnLA) program will cover intellectual property for visual and performing artists, focusing on copyright and trademark. Learn the difference between the two, how and why to register them, and how both can be used to protect your brand and your creative work.
This workshop is part of a series of virtual workshops being presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library.
Meet the Instructor
Instructor: Andrea Pelloquin (she/her)
Bio: Andrea Pelloquin has worked in the music business and education spaces for over twenty years, working for major print music publishers, retailers, and arts non-profits. She has recently launched a second career as an attorney, specializing in copyrights and trademarks for small businesses and education. Her goal is to make copyright and trademark law simple for the creator and allow them to use it to their advantage to build their business.In addition to running her own legal practice, she is also an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and volunteers with the Minnesota State Bar Association for the Mock Trial and Wills for Heroes program.
This virtual meeting is offered via Zoom on
Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Central
Minnesota Schools Invited to Participate in Poetry Out Loud Webinar is Wed, Oct 22 at 3 PM
Minnesota Schools Invited to Participate in Poetry Out Loud
Webinar to learn more is Wednesday, Oct 22 at 3 PM
Arts Enrichment Opportunity for High School Students
Poetry Out Loud is a national program that invites high school students to engage with poetry through memorization and performance. The program encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition. Students begin at the classroom, school, or local level, with winners advancing to regional and state competitions. State champions move on to the national finals, where more than $50,000 in awards and school or organizational stipends are distributed each year, including a $20,000 prize for the national champion.
Free curriculum materials are provided, including a poetry anthology, a comprehensive teacher’s guide, videos of student performances, lesson plans, and promotional and media resources.
Students develop public speaking skills, gain self-confidence, and deepen their understanding of literary history and contemporary life, while helping schools meet language arts education standards.
Poetry Out Loud is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the South Central Service Cooperative. It was created in 2005, and in its 20 year history has reached more than 4.5 million students and 85,000 teachers from 21,000 schools and organizations nationwide.
Interested in learning about how your school could participate in Poetry Out Loud? A program overview and Q & A webinar will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 3 PM
Apply Now for an Individual Artist Grant! November 15 Deadline
Apply Now for an
Individual Artist Grant
Submit Your Individual Artist Grant Application Now — Upcoming Deadline is November 15!
Applications are open for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500 and have a November 15 deadline. 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. Start your application now!
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals; $3,000 going to three individuals and $5,000 going to three individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota.
There is a grant writing workshop on Thursday, October 30 at 10:00 AM that is mainly for Individual Applicants.
Free Grant Writing Workshops are on zoom -- contact our office for a link. You can also come to our office in Warren and attend from our grant writing station.
This free grant writing session is offered to help you write your grant application or to answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend.
To learn more about 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, extension 1.
October Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the October 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3ICnn26.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Adult Acting & Theater Workshops by TRFACT
𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 (𝟏𝟖+)!
Ready to explore the art of acting? Join TRFACT for a 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝟒-𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬! Whether you’re curious about the stage, want to brush up on your skills, or are ready to try your hand at directing, there’s a workshop for you!
Each session is led by experienced local theater artists and builds toward a deeper understanding of performance. Attend just one session or all four!
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏 – 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 · Oct 16 · 6:30–8:30 PM
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐 – 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 · Oct 18 · 9:00–11:00 AM
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟑 – 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 · Oct 23 · 6:30–8:30 PM
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟒 – 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 · Oct 25 · 9:00–11:00 AM
Northland College Theater
Registration is required — spots are limited! Reserve your seat today → tinyurl.com/trfactworkshops
Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 25
Free for adults 18+
Join one workshop or all four!
The Art of Making Music Workshop Series by In Progress
THE ART OF MAKING MUSIC
Workshop Series
First Session - September 27 & 28 /Studio 110 Crookston
Please join Studio 110 for the first Art of Music Workshop presented by In Progress artist Jeremy Gardner.
This hands-on workshop is your chance to:
- Learn how to write original songs
- Produce your own beats
- Record your music with professional guidance
Jeremy Gardner is a highly recognized performer in Minnesota with over 10 years of experience teaching and mentoring musicians. This workshop is the first in a three-part series of opportunities to learn, create, and grow as an artist—you won’t want to miss it!
Saturday & Sunday September 27 & 28 1-5 PM
October 11 & 12, October 25 & 26
Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street, Crookston MN 56716
Questions? Contact them at info@in-progress.org
To RSVP, click the link below:
Creative Minnesota’s Study on Arts Impact on Our Economy in NW Minnesota
Creative Minnesota’s Study on Arts Impact on Our Economy in NW Minnesota
Creative Minnesota’s research about the arts helps us understand the effects on quality of life and our economy. Learn about the impact of arts and culture in Minnesota and the economic activity it generates throughout the state.
Creative Minnesota 2025 is the 4th report about Minnesota's arts and creative field intended to improve our understanding about its importance to our quality of life and economy. Read this post for the results of the study for Northwest Minnesota
Are you a nonprofit arts and culture organization in NW Minnesota? Would you like to use an Arts Economic Impact Calculator to see the actual dollars YOUR organization drives?
Visit this page on our website: https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/economic-impact-calculator or the Americans for the Arts page at https://aep6.americansforthearts.org/calculator?partner_slug=the-northwest-regional-arts-council-431 to input your information and see your impact.
This calculator works best on a desktop computer and not on a mobile device.
See the statewide study at https://artsmn.org/assets/media/CreativeMN_Economic_Impact_Report_2025.pdf
Attention: NW Minnesota Schools Arts Equipment for Schools Grant Deadline is September 30
ARTS GRANT FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS
Deadline for Arts Equipment Grants for Schools is
September 30
Grant Writing Workshop is Sept 22 at 4 PM
Arts Equipment Grants. Did you know that schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for your visual art, performing art, media arts, or creative writing departments? Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. The competitive deadline is September 30, first come first served. Equipment that is used solely for the pursuit of arts like a kiln or theater lights, or a band instrument has a better chance of being funded.
Artist Residency Grants. Schools can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. 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 find teaching artists is COMPAS. To apply, schools fill out an application showing interest in funding, then requests are made with add-on forms within the on-line grant software for specific project funding requests.
Schools can initially apply for 2 residencies. Then, based on remaining funding, can request up to 4 residencies total. Each residency requires a 10% cash match.
Click the Grant Login button at the top right of our website www.nwartscouncil.org to start your application.
We are holding a free grant writing training session on Monday, September 22 at 4 PM to answer questions and help you with your application. Workshop is on zoom -- contact our office for a link. You can also come to our office in Warren and attend from our grant writing station. Want to work on your application before that? Reach out to our office with questions.
218-745-8886, ext 1, www.NWArtsCouncil.org
September Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the September 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/47qcZo2
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
McKnight Fellowships in Dance and Choreography Intent to Apply is Open until September 8
McKnight Fellowships in Dance and Choreography Intent to Apply is Open - September 8
McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and the McKnight Fellowships for Dancers provide awards to individual choreographers and dancers who are beyond early practice and who reside in Minnesota. The McKnight Fellowships are designed to enrich and strengthen our community by acknowledging the accomplishments of individual choreographers and dancers and providing for their artistic growth.
The McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and Dancers annually awards three $25,000 fellowships to Minnesota choreographers and three $25,000 fellowships 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 McKnight Foundation funds individual artist and culture bearer fellowships in 15 artistic disciplines. Support for individual artists has been a cornerstone of the McKnight Foundation’s Arts and Culture program since it began in 1982. The foundation recognizes that the arts cannot flourish or enhance community life without the ideas, energy, and drive of individual artists and that artists cannot make these contributions without unfettered creative time
The Intent to Apply application is open. Deadline is Monday, September 8 and will close at 11:59pm.
Submit the online Intent to Apply form.
Applicants who miss the Intent to Apply (ITA) deadline may still submit a final application. However, they encourage you to apply to the Intent to Apply as it is a very important step. After submitting your ITA application, you’ll receive deadline reminders and/or important updates about the application.
This also allows the Minnesota-based panel the opportunity to see your performances live. Only artists who have completed the Intent to Apply can submit performances to the calendar. Notify them of your upcoming performances using the dancer form or the choreographer form.
First-time applicants who miss the Intent to Apply deadline can contact them at McKnightFellowships@springboardforthearts.org for application assistance.
For more information about the dancer and the choreography application, please visit www.mcknightdancechoreo.org.
Aurora Center for the Arts Presents Up North LitFest
Aurora Center for the Arts Presents Up North Litfest September 25 and 26 in Fosston.
Upcoming Arts Grant Deadlines
Upcoming Deadlines for Arts Grants
School Arts Equipment Grant September 30
Arts Project Grant Oct 31
Individual Artist Grant November 15
Applications are now open for arts grants from the NWMAC
Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are July 31, October 31, February 28, and April 30. 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 this very important grant opportunity includes 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.
Schools in our 7-county region can apply for a grant for Arts Equipment. Supported by general allocation funds from the Minnesota state legislature, schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for their visual art, performing art, media arts, or creative writing departments. Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. The competitive deadline has recently changed to September 30, first come first served. Equipment that is used solely for the pursuit of arts like a kiln or theater lights, or a band instrument has a better chance of being funded.
Schools can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. 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.
To apply, schools fill out an application showing interest in funding, then requests are made with add-on forms within the on-line grant software for specific project funding requests. Schools can initially apply for two residencies. Then, based on remaining funding, can request up to four residencies total. Each residency requires a 10% cash match. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota.
Applications are open for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500 and have a November 15 deadline. 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.
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals; $3,000 going to three individuals and $5,000 going to three individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota.
Free Grant Writing Workshops are on zoom -- contact our office for a link. You can also come to our office in Warren and attend from our grant writing station.
Monday, September 22 at 4 PM mainly for School Applicants
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 4 PM mainly for Organization Applicants
Thursday, Oct 30 at 10 AM mainly for Individual Applicants
These free grant writing sessions are offered to help you write your grant application or to answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend.
To learn more about 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, extension 1.
Credible Writing Workshop with Candace Simar
Credible Writing Workshop with Candace Simar
Jackpine Writers’ Bloc Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9 AM to 12 Noon
Jack Pines Resort, 53014 State Highway 34, Osage (located 9 miles west of Park Rapids and 1 mile west of Osage])
Cost: $60
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CREDIBLE WRITING—What is it?
Everyone wants to share brilliant words with readers across the world. But what makes writing good? How does a writer find the words that will draw the reader into his world? This multi-genre class investigates the key elements of good writing by studying examples from published works and excerpts from this year’s Talking Stick. Join the fun and elevate your skills in creating credible writing. This year, the Talking Stick 34's first and second place winners are invited to participate in a panel discussion concerning their inspiration and writing process. Time will be allowed for questions from the audience. The panel will be the last 30 minutes of the workshop.
The workshop will run from 9 AM to 12 Noon. The Workshop cost includes lunch at noon.
Candace Simar lives in Pequot Lakes and began her writing career after attending a Jackpine Writers' Bloc workshop in 1999. Candace writes historical fiction set in Minnesota and North Dakota. Candace has been blessed with awards from Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Laura Awards in short fiction, Midwest Book Awards, Will Rogers Gold Medallion, and Western Fictioneers, as well as regional awards. She is a grateful recipient of Five Wings Grant funds. Learn more about her work at www.candacesimar.com.
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YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP. Please email Sharon Harris at sharrick1@wcta.net to sign up. Phone 218-732-3782 if questions. Be sure to include your name and mailing address, phone number, and email address. Make your $60 check out to Jackpine Writers' Bloc and mail it to: Sharon Harris, 13320 149th Ave, Menahga MN 56464.
This workshop will be limited to the first 35 participants and then put names on a waiting list.
August Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the August 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3HoqD0a
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
2025/2026 MCAD Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists
The 2025/26 MCAD–Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists application is now open. The Jerome Foundation defines early career as at least 2 years but not more than 10 years of creative generative experience not including any exhibition opportunities provided through a school or college program. Please see p.2 of the application guidelines for more information.
There are two pre-recorded information sessions on the application site. They also offer one-on-one meetings with applicants before submitting their application materials. They can provide feedback on work sample sections, editing artist statements, and organizing resumes, etc. Attached are the application guidelines. For Greater MN artists, the fellowship does cover mileage and lodging for fellow meetings, curator studio visits, and the exhibition installation so this is not a financial burden on the artists.
Here is a link to the application: https://mcad.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: Friday, September 12 at noon CT.
Contact info: gallery@mcad.edu
Keisha Williams, Program Director
Melanie Pankau, Fellowship Coordinator
July Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the July 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/3Ibwczq
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.