EVENT LINK: https://ndmoa.com/summer-art-camp/

FEE: Free to apply

Summer Art Camp Instructor Proposals Now Open!

Open to Practicing Artists in All Media 

The North Dakota Museum of Art is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Summer Art Camp season. Practicing artists working in any media - painting, sculpture, fiber, design, printmaking, photography, and beyond - are invited to apply.

This is open to artists at all career stages.

Summer Art Camp is an exciting opportunity for kids to explore creativity and discover the many ways art can be made! As a practicing artist, your leadership and experience can inspire the next generation of creators. The North Dakota Museum of Art, our state’s official art museum, located in the beautiful city of Grand Forks, is the perfect place to make a meaningful impact.

Compensation and Support

• $1,150 instructor stipend

•  $250 supply budget for materials

•  On-site staff and helper support

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all sessions are filled.

Final decision for the 2026 Season will go out in February, 2026.

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.loringparkartfestival.com/2026-applications

FEE: $35.00 (Application Fee)

Loring Park Art Festival 2026 — Call for Applicants

Loring Part Art Festival was created by artists for artists.  We strive to create a pleasant and successful event for all our artists and visitors.  Artists frequently report the festival is one of their top three festivals of the year.  We are listed on Sunshine Artist Magazines top 100 Fine Art shows in the US.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• March 20, 2026 - Application deadline

• March 30, 2026 - Notifications

• April 20, 2026 - Accept/confirmation deadline

• July 25, 2026 - Festival, 10am-6pm

• July 26, 2026 - Festival, 10am-5pm

Call for Building Activation Projects
in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana

2026-2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab

Calling all rural builders, dreamers, and community shapers!

The 2026 – 2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab is gearing up, and the Call for Building Activation Projects in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana officially opens January 5, 2026!

If you’re eager to bring new life, connection, and creativity into a rural space, now’s the time to start imagining what’s possible. You can preview the application materials today!

The Activate Rural Learning Lab is a curated cohort program designed for teams of creative entrepreneurs, artists, community activators, elected leaders, and small business owners who want to cultivate vibrant third places in their communities.

Participants receive:

• Grant funding

• Monthly project check-ins

• Exchange visits & workshops

• Gatherings with peers across the region

• Dedicated staff support to help build systems for operations, activations, and long-term stewardship

• If you’re ready to bring a building to life and strengthen community in the process, we’d love to see what you’re dreaming up.

Timeline

• January 5, 2026: Online application form opens

• January 21, 2026: Virtual Informational Session (12-1pm)

• will be recorded and made available on our website

• February 20, 2026: Online Application forms due at 11:59 pm CST

• March 2026: Selection committee review applications

• April 6-10, 2026: Applicant notifications and 30 minute Zoom meetings with finalists

• May 2026: Public announcement of selected 10 cohort teams and projects

Visit here for a PDF Preview of the Application Materials -> link.publictransformation.org/ARPreview

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://www.powderhornartfair.com/exhibit

FEE: Varies—see link for fees

Powderhorn Art Fair

Apply today!

The 35th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair is a fine arts and crafts festival that will take place in Powderhorn Park on Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd. 
 
In 2025, our art show welcomed over 17,000 record-breaking attendees over the two-day event. There are several ways for artists, local vendors, and community partners to participate!

Please note:** All fees are non-refundable. All artists must be at least 18 years of age. 

For further information contact events@ppna.org

EVENT LINK: https://grandmaraisartcolony.org/events/arts-festival/artist-info/

FEE: $35.00 (Jury Fee - non refundable)

Call for Applicants—Grand Marais Arts Festival

Arts Festival Applications are Open!

The Grand Marais Arts Festival is a juried fine arts festival and a microcosm of the Midwest arts scene. The event is known for its high-quality exhibitors, scenic location on the North Shore of Lake Superior, strong art-buying crowd, and exceptional support amenities for festival artists.

* Application deadline: February 23, 2026

* Invitations Issued: March 16, 2026

* Festival dates: July 11 – 12, 2026

Quick Facts:

• Average attendance: 9,500+

• Average booth sales: $3,400

Amenities and Unique Features of the Grand Marais Arts Festival

• Artist Support | The Art Colony provides application support and a small number of photo shoots to develop your portfolio and strengthen your application

• Overnight Security | is provided both Friday and Saturday nights

• Exceptional Volunteers | provide short booth breaks and other support

• Community Support | Local businesses support the event and its promotion

• Exposure | Marketing campaigns for the Arts Festival annually reaches over 2 million people