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://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.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://springboardforthearts.org/programs/falls-arts-exchange/

FEE: Free to appy

Call for Artists: Falls Community Arts Exchange

2026–27

Artists are invited to apply for the Falls Community Arts Exchange, a place-based residency in Fergus Falls, MN, hosted by Springboard for the Arts. Selected artists will collaborate with local partners to create community-centered projects that build connection and shared meaning.

For the 2026–27 exchange season, artists will partner with Fergus Falls Public Library, Victor Lundeen’s Printing, or Outstate Brewing during a four-week exchange.

Benefits include:

• $4,000 stipend

• Lodging and workspace in downtown Fergus Falls

• Storytelling and documentation support

• Project mentorship from Springboard staff

Application deadline: March 30, 2026 (midnight CST)

2026 Falls Community Arts Exchange

Deadline: March 30, 2026

The Falls Community Arts Exchange invites artists to live and work in Fergus Falls, Minnesota while collaborating with local organizations to create meaningful, place-based community projects. Hosted by Springboard for the Arts, this program supports creative exchange and community connection through artist-led engagement.

Selected artists receive a $4,000 stipend, up to $1,000 in travel and caregiving support, and lodging with workspacein downtown Fergus Falls. Additional support includes project mentorship, documentation, and opportunities to connect with local artists and residents.

Artists will partner with one of the following host organizations:

• Outstate Brewing (July 27 – August 24, 2026): Seeking a musician to work with teens and young adults through songwriting, performance, or recording.

• Victor Lundeen’s Printing (October 19 – November 16, 2026): Seeking a writer, bookmaker, or print-focused artist to activate the historic print shop and bookstore.

• Fergus Falls Public Library (January 11 – February 8, 2027): Seeking an artist in any discipline to engage the community through creative programming and cultural exchange.

This program is made possible by the Floyd & Harriet Miller Endowment Fund through West Central Initiative and by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

FEE: Free to apply

Spillway Fellowship Program

Application Dates: March 2–31, 2026

Art of the Rural is accepting applications for the Spillway Fellowship Program, supporting early career artists and culture bearers from Minnesota and Native Nations in this geography. The fellowship welcomes applicants working across visual arts and socially engaged practice whose work explores the intersections of culture, land, and history.

Fellows will take part in local visits and relationship-building experiences that will culminate in a public presentation, event, or exhibition in Winona, Minnesota.

Applications are open through March 31, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review full guidelines, eligibility requirements, and the fellowship timeline before applying at artoftheRural.org/fellowship.

EVENT LINK: csbsju.edu/art/artist-residency

FEE: Free to apply

The Sister Dennis Frandrup Artist Residency

College of Saint Benedict in Saint Joseph, MN
& Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN

Residency Session: April 5–May 16, 2027
Applications due May 15, 2026

Applications are now open for the Sister Dennis Frandrup Artist Residency at CSB/SJU!
Spend six weeks in Minnesota (April 5–May 16, 2027) with studio access on both campuses, private lodging, and a modest stipend. The selected artist will also present a public talk and open studio event.

Residency Session: Six Weeks; April 5, 2027-May 15, 2027.

Application materials should include:

• A portfolio of 10 images compiled into a single PDF file

• An image list with titles, mediums, and dimensions

• A current CV

• An artist statement

• A proposal describing how the residency and dedicated studio time will support and advance your artistic practice

EVENT LINK: https://springboardforthearts.org/opportunity/micro-residency-art-water-space/

FEE: Free to apply

OPEN CALL: ART & WATER MICRO RESIDENCY

An intimate residency supporting artists working at the intersection of creativity, environment, and community.

The Art & Water Micro Residency offers artists short-term use of the Art & Water Space in downtown Stillwater to develop new work, explore creative ideas, or engage deeply with place. Residents receive a small stipend, administrative support, and access to a flexible studio environment suited to installation, research, material exploration, listening practices, choreography, or multidisciplinary experimentation.

New for Spring/Summer 2026:
Each resident artist will culminate their time in the space with a public-facing gallery presentation or engagement during River Days of Action / Art Opener (June 5–7, 2026). This may take the form of an exhibition, installation, interactive experience, or other creative activation that invites community members into the artist’s process.

Residency Dates: May 9 – June 7, 2026
Length: 1–4 weeks, based on project needs
Who Should Apply: Artists from the Twin Cities metro and St. Croix River Valley; inquiries from Greater Minnesota and the Midwest welcomed.

As part of the residency, artists are required to host at least one public engagement activity—such as an open studio, workshop, performance, or facilitated conversation—making artistic inquiry accessible and participatory.

Rooted in A House Unbuilt’s values of whole-body listening and site-responsive creative practice, the Micro Residency supports artists whose work engages environment, ecology, movement, memory, or community storytelling.

Application Timeline (REVISED)
• Call for Applications: Deadline March 27
• Residency Period: May 9–June 7 2026
• Art Opener Exhibition Weekend: June 5–7, 2026

How to Apply
Please email the following materials to victoria@ahouseunbuilt.com.

• Resume or CV
• Short artist bio
• Portfolio or work samples (links preferred)
• 1–2 page proposal describing how you would use the residency period and your plans for the Art Opener gallery presentation

For questions, contact: victoria@ahouseunbuilt.com.

FEE: Free to apply

Artists Respond: Rooted and Rising

Springboard for the Arts

Just as the very first flowers push through the melting snow each spring and mark the transition from the heavy darkness of winter to the light and growth of a new season, our culture and creativity can help us root in strength, resilience, and renewal. 

Springboard for the Arts invites artists and culture bearers whose neighborhoods or communities have been impacted by harm, fear, and loss in the wake of Minnesota’s ICE occupation to apply for Artists Respond: Rooted and Rising. This program seeks to activate the local: neighbors, block clubs, apartment buildings, whisper networks, and local businesses, and asks artists to do what they do best – deepen relationships and networks, create safe spaces for reflection and healing, and gather community stories.

Artists Respond: Rooted and Rising provides Minnesota artists with $2500 to lead neighborhood-scale projects that take place over 2-4 months. The program aims to:

• Nurture long-term healing and solidarity, grounded in local expression and culture.

• Create opportunities and spaces for neighbors to reflect, grieve, and repair.

• Combat fear and isolation by providing opportunities for building connection and safety.

• Develop and share critical resources or information as it evolves (i.e. meals, finding legal assistance, etc).

• Document or archive important community stories and perspectives.

Applications will be accepted on rolling deadlines, and artist-projects selected every 2 weeks from March 12 – April 23, 2026. Key rolling deadlines are:

• Thursday, March 12, 2026

• Thursday, March 26, 2026

• Thursday, April 9, 2026

• Thursday, April 23, 2026

From December 2025 through February 2026, we supported more than 60 rapid-response, neighborhood-scale projects through Artists Respond: Safety in Neighbors. Building on that work, this new round invites artists to address the mid- and long-term needs that have emerged in recent months. 

Artists Respond is a Springboard program that supports artists to create modest, community-rooted projects that rapidly and intentionally respond to community issues and opportunities. Past rounds have focused on social isolation, equitable rural futures, environmental stewardship, rural-urban solidarity, and economic justice through guaranteed income.

EVENT LINK: https://lrac4.org/emergency-relief-program

FEE: Free to apply

Emergency Relief Fund Program

Lake Region Arts Council is offering Emergency Relief Funding for artists and creatives ages 18 and older living in the LRAC 9-county region: Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin counties.

This program provides one-time $500 awards to artists who have experienced a critical financial need since June 1, 2025 related to property damage due to natural disaster, healthcare, housing, equipment loss or damage, or legal emergencies. Eligible applicants will be selected through a randomized selection process.

Round 1 Deadline: Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 5 PM.

Applicants are encouraged to review the Emergency Relief Program Guidelines for eligibility and full details before applying.

This opportunity is part of the Artists Emergency Relief Fund Network, stewarded by Springboard for the Arts and supported in part by the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Jerome Foundation, McKnight Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.