EVENT LINK: https://galsguide.org/2025/11/09/call-for-submissions-2026/

FEE: Free to apply

Gal's Guide Anthology— Call for Submissions

Gal's Guide seeks poetry, fiction, and non fiction for its 5th Anthology. Gal's Guide was founded in Indiana but has recently moved to Moorhead, MN. Gal's Guide is a women's history focused non profit, however, for this years anthology they are looking for well told stories no matter the identity of the writer or the main character. 

There are many ways to rebel. Gal’s Guide is looking for fiction & non fiction about all of them.

This is the fifth annual Gal’s Guide Anthology. Previous themes have been Women’s History, Journey, Nourish, and Female Friendships.

Stories/poems/essays will be chosen by a jury made up of board members of Gal’s Guide and a judge from the literary world.

Stories/poems/essays picked for the anthology will be ones that best fit the theme of rebellion, follow the submission specs, and are turned in on or before the deadline.

Writers may submit as many pieces as they like; however, a maximum of three (3) pieces per author will be chosen by the judges for publication in the 2026 anthology.

There is no submission fee.

Deadline is 3/31/26
For more rules and prizes visit galsguide.org

EVENT LINK: https://www.dlstreetfaire.com/applications

FEE: Free to apply - see link for booth and vending fees

Call for Applicants

Street Faire at the Lakes

Friday & Saturday, May 29- 30, 2026

The 26th Annual Art & Craft Experience, Downtown Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Applications Open: December 1st 2025

Applications Close: May 28th 2026 (or until we have reached capacity)

The Historic Holmes Theatre is gearing up for the 26th annual Street Faire at the Lakes in beautiful Downtown Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, May 29-30th. HHT, as a part of the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center, has dedicated itself as a hub of arts to the area, and works to uplift and organize for the vibrant and thriving arts community in the region. With 130 artist booths, Street Faire at the Lakes is the first outdoor art show of the season in the Lakes Region and takes place on the beautiful Washington avenue in Detroit Lake’s downtown center. We see thousands of shoppers in We are looking for vendors who are ready to sell handmade/designed/crafted wares to visitors in the lakes area. Vendors are required to be present for the two full days of the faire. This is the earliest street faire in the region this year (happening before the Edina Art Fair the first weekend of June) and we always have a great turn out!

Jury Process:

All artist applicants, when filling out an application, must submit 4 digital images for jury process -- 3 images of work and 1 image of booth display. Artist images will be viewed anonymously and scored by a panel of jurors based on originality and craftsmanship. No scores or explanation of results will be given. Artists will be invoiced for booth payment upon acceptance.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• -December 1st 2025- Applications will open online.

• -February 2nd 2026- The first round of Jurying will be complete for anyone who applied from

• December 1st to January 30th and applicants will be notified of their status.

• March 2nd 2026-  The end of Early Bird pricing. The second round of Jurying will be completed for anyone who applied from January 31st to February 28th and applicants will be notified of their status.

• April 30, 2026 - Last day for full refund (cancellation request must be received in writing)

• May 1, 2026 - All certificates of insurance must be received.

• May 28, 2026- Food Vendor registration & set-up from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Artist registration & set up from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

• May 29, 2026 - Final registration & set up from 6:30 - 9:00 a.m. All artists/vendors must be ready by 9:30 a.m. Show opens at 10:00 a.m..

Booth Prices:

11 X 11 foot space: Early Bird $195 After March 1st $245

22 X 11 foot space: Early Bird $390 After March 1st $490

33 X 11 foot space: Early Bird $585 After March 1st $735

Corner Booth Request is an additional $60

EVENT LINK: https://northernplainsfestival.org

FEE: $10

🎬 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival

📅 April 17–18, 2026
📍 Fargo Theatre — Fargo, North Dakota

📅 Key Submission Dates

• Submission Period: Jan 1 – Mar 30, 2026

• Notification Date: April 1, 2026

• Festival Dates: April 17–18, 2026

The Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival invites Native American and Indigenous filmmakers to submit work for its inaugural festival, showcasing contemporary Indigenous cinema and centering Indigenous voices, perspectives, and lived experiences.

🎥 Eligibility

• Films must be directed, co-directed, or produced by a Native or Indigenous filmmaker

• Filmmakers from the Northern Plains, Midwest, and beyond encouraged to apply

• Emerging and established filmmakers welcome

🎞 Accepted Categories

• Narrative Features

• Documentary Features

• Narrative Shorts

• Documentary Shorts

• Experimental & Hybrid Works

🎯 Programming Focus

Films that:

• Present Indigenous stories with authenticity and care

• Reflect contemporary Native life, culture, and experience

• Explore a wide range of genres and storytelling approaches

• Contribute to dialogue within Indigenous communities and beyond

Selected filmmakers may be invited to participate in post-screening conversations and professional discussions.

💵 Fees & Format

• Submission Fee: $10 (via FilmFreeway)

• Submission Format: Digital link or physical media

• Screening Format: DCP or high-quality digital file

🤝 Filmmaker Support

Selected films may receive:

• Screening fees or honoraria (as funding allows)

• Filmmaker Q&As and professional dialogue opportunities

• Promotion through festival marketing and press outreach

🔗 More info & submissions:
https://filmfreeway.com/NorthernPlainsindigenousFilmFestival
🌐 Festival website: https://northernplainsfestival.org/

EVENT LINK: https://www.heartlandarts.org/pages/sculpture-trail/sculpture-trail.php

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Submissions
Park Rapids Sculpture Trail | 2025–2026

The Park Rapids Arts and Culture Advisory Commission invites artists to submit work for the Park Rapids Sculpture Trail for the 2025–2026 season.

A suggested theme of Water has been identified for this cycle. Submissions are not required to reflect the theme, but works that do may receive priority consideration.

Important Dates

• Entry Deadline: Monday, March 23, 2026

• Notification of Selection & Alternates: April 1, 2026

• Installation Deadline: May 14, 2026

• Opening & Guided Walk: May 16, 2026

• Sculpture Removal Window:

  • May begin as early as April 19, 2027

  • Must be completed by May 12, 2027

Questions & Contact

Lu Ann Hurd-Lof
📧 Email: luann47@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 218-820-2716

EVENT LINK: https://www.artsidc.org/call-for-artists

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Art: Electrical Box Wraps in Alexandria, MN

We are transforming electrical boxes around Alexandria into works of art—and your design could be featured on the next one!

• Artist Compensation: $400 per selected artwork (up to 4 artworks may be displayed on a single box).

• Exhibition: Wrapped boxes will be displayed at sponsoring businesses throughout Alexandria.

• Submission Requirements: All design entries must be submitted with a completed artist application (form below).

• Artwork Eligibility: Artists may submit new original designs or propose the use of existing original work. Existing works must not currently be displayed within 30 miles of Alexandria.

• Selection Process: All submissions will be reviewed by the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Light and Power, and The Arts Initiative committee. Approved designs will be included in an online design catalog, from which sponsors will select the final artwork.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/think-off/the-great-american-think-off/

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Submissions / Contest / Live Debate

Great American Think-Off 2026:
Essay Contest + Live Debate

2026 Think-Off Question:
Is the pursuit of happiness making Americans unhappy?

The Great American Think-Off is a national philosophy contest and celebration of civil discourse, now in its 33rd year. Each year, people from across the country submit short essays responding to a timely question rooted in everyday life.

The 2026 question invites reflection and spirited debate on American culture, well-being, and what it truly means to live well today:

Is the pursuit of happiness making Americans unhappy?

Four essay finalists will be selected to travel to New York Mills, Minnesota for a weekend of community and conversation, culminating in a live debate for the title of America’s Greatest Thinker.

Key Dates

✅ Essay Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026
✅ Finalists Announced: May 1, 2026
✅ Live Think-Off Debate: Saturday, June 13, 2026 (second Saturday in June)

Essay Guidelines

• Length: Up to 750 words

• Take a clear position on the question

• Root your response in personal experience

• No fee to enter

Finalist Support / Prize

Each finalist receives:

• $500 cash prize

• Travel reimbursement, lodging, and meals

• Chance to compete in the live debate on June 13, 2026

How to Submit

Submit your essay by April 1, 2026:

• Online: think-off.org (submission page available via kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay)

• Email: info@kulcher.org

• Mail: NYMRCC, PO Box 246, New York Mills, MN 56567

More Info

Website: think-off.org
Phone: 218-385-3339

EVENT LINK: https://fargond.gov/city-government/departments/library/adults/northern-narratives-northern-focus

FEE: Free

Northern Narratives Writing Project (2026)

Submission Period: February 1 – March 31, 2026

Fargo Public Library invites adult and teen writers (ages 13+) to submit original work for the 10th annual Northern Narratives Writing Project, a community-based literary initiative celebrating local and regional voices. Selected submissions will be published and added to the library’s North Dakota Collection, preserving stories as a lasting community heirloom.

Submission Categories:
• Fiction (1,000–6,000 words)
• Nonfiction (1,000–6,000 words)
• Poetry (1,000 words or fewer per poem)

There is no fee to submit. All entries must be original, unpublished, and carefully edited. Submissions are accepted online only.

Questions:
NorthernNarratives@fargolibrary.org or 701-241-1412

More information and submission guidelines:
https://fargond.gov/city-government/departments/library/adults/northern-narratives-northern-focus

EVENT LINK: https://perpich.mn.gov/arts-high-school/literary-arts/the-goose/

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Submissions: The Goose

Literary Magazine by Minnesota Students

The Goose is a new literary magazine created by the 2024–2025 Lit Kids at Perpich Arts High School, dedicated to amplifying the voices of young writers across Minnesota. Open to students in grades 7–12, the magazine welcomes all forms of writing and perspectives, with the goal of connecting youth writers statewide and encouraging them to publish their work.

By sharing diverse literary pieces, The Goose celebrates the creativity, insight, and lived experiences of Minnesota’s youth—and invites any student with something to say to submit.

📅 Submission Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
📖 Publication: Early May (online)
📍 Hosted by: Perpich Arts High School
📧 Questions: thegoose@pcae.k12.mn.us
🔗 Learn more & submit: https://perpich.mn.gov/arts-high-school/literary-arts/the-goose/

EVENT LINK: https://mplsartsandculture.org/call-for-artists-i94-22nd-avenue-south-bicycle-and-pedestrian-bridge

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Artists:
I-94/22nd Avenue South Bridge
Public Art Project

Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs

Deadline: April 6, 2026 (5 PM CST)

The City of Minneapolis is seeking an experienced artist or artist team to design and create public artwork for the I-94/22nd Avenue South bicycle and pedestrian bridge, connecting the Seward and West Bank neighborhoods near Augsburg University.

Artists will collaborate with project partners and the community to develop work that reflects the site’s cultural diversity and themes of connection—linking past, present, and future, as well as people, places, and ideas.

Opportunities include (but are not limited to): railing design, concrete surface patterns, etched or sandblasted elements, inset artwork (tile, panel, or medallion), and adjacent sculptures.

Important Dates:

• Optional info session (virtual): March 19 at 3 PM CST

• Intent to apply deadline: April 1 at 4 PM CST

• Application deadline: April 6 at 5 PM CST

Artists are encouraged to attend the informational session and review full guidelines before applying.

The optional informational meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, March 19 at 3 p.m. CST. A video of this meeting will be posted on Friday, March 20. on the City’s website.

- Virtual Information session: March 19 at 3 p.m. C.S.T

- Complete the Intent to apply form: April 1, 4 p.m. C.S.T

- Application deadline: April 6, 5 p.m. C.S.T

To receive meeting link, email: witt.siasoco@minneapolismn.gov

EVENT LINK: https://www.mnstatefair.org/get-involved/entertainers/#arts-afair

FEE: Free to apply

Minnesota State Fair – Arts A’Fair Performer Proposals

Minnesota performing artists and performing arts organizations are invited to submit proposals for the 2026 Minnesota State Fair Arts A’Fair program, which features short pop-up performances throughout the fairgrounds. Selected artists will showcase their work and engage with audiences as part of this celebration of Minnesota’s vibrant performing arts community.

Proposal deadline: April 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM.

More information and submission details are available through the Minnesota State Fair Arts A’Fair program.

EVENT LINK: https://detroitlakesmn.govoffice3.com/vertical/Sites/%7BF991A069-E23D-412C-8132-49318B273050%7D/uploads/Art_on_a_Stick_2026.pdf

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Artists: Art on a Stick 2026!

The Detroit Lakes Arts & Culture Commission, in partnership with Project 412, is seeking artists for the second installment of the Art on a Stick Project. Selected designs will be printed on vinyl wraps and installed on the large “popsicle”-style posts located in four city parks around Detroit Lakes.

This rotating public art project brings fresh creativity to our parks each year—and your artwork could be part of the next installation!

*** Applications are due: May 1, 2026.

Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and help bring more art into our community spaces.

EVENT LINK: https://lrac4.org/call-for-artists

FEE: Free to apply

LRAC Call for Art: Annual Guest Juror Exhibition

The Lake Region Arts Council is thrilled to announce the Annual Guest Juror Exhibition, a juried exhibition celebrating the depth, diversity, and creativity of artists working across west central Minnesota in our nine-county region. 

Call Opens: Monday, March 30, 2026

Application Deadline: Monday, April 27, 2026

This exhibition is open to artists working in any medium and any theme.

Eligibility:

Artists living in the following Minnesota counties are eligible to apply:

Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin.

Exhibition Details:

• Exhibition Dates: July 13 – September 15, 2026

• Closing Reception & Artist Celebration:

• Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM

• Artist Notifications: June 1, 2026

Meet the Guest Juror: Anne Meyer

Anne Meyer is a multidisciplinary artist based in St. Joseph, Minnesota, whose practice bridges studio work, public art, and deep community engagement. A graduate of the University of Minnesota–Morris with a B.A. in Studio Art, she completed an apprenticeship at Saint John’s Pottery under master ceramicist Richard Bresnahan, grounding her work in craft, collaboration, and place-based inquiry.

Meyer has led numerous public art projects across Minnesota, including large-scale murals, outdoor sculpture commissions, and the founding of a community art center and community choir—often inviting community members to participate directly in the creative process. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and she brings decades of experience as an educator, artist-in-residence, and collaborator. As Guest Juror for the 2026 LRAC Annual Guest Juror Exhibition, Meyer offers a thoughtful, inclusive perspective rooted in artistic excellence, mentorship, and the transformative power of community-centered art.

Questions?

Contact Naomi RaMona Schliesman, Gallery Curator:

gallerycurator4@gmail.com

We encourage artists to apply and to share this opportunity widely within the creative community.