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://www.reddoorgallerywahpeton.com/call-for-worksartists.html

FEE: Free & Open to the Public

CALL FOR ART: The Glory of the Season Exhibition

Call for Artists: Spring-Themed Exhibition
Hosted by Red Door Art Gallery

Artists residing in North Dakota, Minnesota, or South Dakota, or with a local connection to Wahpeton, ND or Breckenridge, MN, are invited to submit work for a spring-themed group exhibition. Eligible media include painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, mixed media, wood carving, and textiles. All submitted works must be for sale.

Exhibition Dates: March 23 – May 2, 2026
Submission Deadline: March 14, 2026
Artwork Arrival Deadline: March 21, 2026
Artists’ Reception: Thursday, April 16, 5:00–7:00 PM

Artists may submit 3–5 works (or up to 10 feet of wall space). Preference is given to work not previously exhibited at Red Door Art Gallery. Membership with the gallery is required.

To submit: Email images and descriptions to director@reddoorgallerywahpeton.com
More info: (701) 591-1010

EVENT LINK: minnesota.edu/artshow

FEE: Free

M State Invitational Art Show

Charles Beck Gallery, M State Fergus Falls Campus

Exhibition Dates:
March 26 – May 16, 2026

Artists are invited to participate in the annual M State Invitational Art Show, a longstanding campus and community tradition. Exhibited work will be on view during M State’s spring choir and band concerts, theatre production, Empty Bowls fundraiser, and commencement weekend.

Key Dates:
• Artwork Drop-Off: Friday, March 20, 1:00–5:30 PM
• Public Reception: Saturday, May 16, 1:00–3:00 PM (Legacy Hall)
• Artwork Pick-Up: Saturday, May 16, after 3:00 PM

Eligible Media:
Original paintings, drawings, sculpture, printmaking, jewelry, collage, pottery, photography, wood turning, and textiles. AI-generated and NFT works are not accepted. Artists may submit up to two entries.

More information and entry forms:
https://www.minnesota.edu/artshow

Questions:
Lori Charest, M State Ceramics Instructor
lori.charest@minnesota.edu | 218-736-1653

EVENT LINK: https://mcad.submittable.com/submit

FEE: Free to apply

2026 McKnight Fellowships for Visual Artists

Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM (CT)

The 2026 McKnight Visual Artist Fellowships, administered by Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), support mid-career visual artists living and working in Minnesota. An independent jury of arts professionals will award six fellowships.

The two-year fellowship runs June 1, 2026–May 31, 2028 and includes:

• $25,000 unrestricted fellowship funding (paid in two installments)

• $3,500 in professional development funds

• $500 for professional documentation of artwork

• Access to MCAD facilities and library, plus 50% off one Continuing Education course per semester

• Five studio visits with national and local arts professionals

• Participation in a 1–2 week artist residency through Artists Communities Alliance partners

• Eight hours of consulting and support from Springboard for the Arts

Applicants are encouraged to review the application guidelines carefully before applying.

Info Sessions & Support:
Information sessions and one-on-one meetings are available, including an application overview with Program Director Keisha Williams.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://mcad.submittable.com/submit

EVENT LINK: kulcher.org

FEE: Free to apply

CALL FOR ARTISTS | Windows to the Future

Submit mural designs for Windows to the Future, a community mural project at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center supporting restoration, new energy-efficient windows, and expansion.

Submit up to 2 designs

Requirements:

• 4 ft x 4 ft square

• Use provided 15-color palette

• Choose up to 6 colors

• Label selected colors on your design

• Theme: future • windows • sustainability • progress

Award: $100 per selected design

Deadline: March 15

Community painting events run Feb 21 – April 15 at the Cultural Center and across the community. Artist attendance welcome but not required.

Submit to: megan@kulcher.org

Follow updates + newsletter: kulcher.org

Funded in part by Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)

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.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org

FEE: Free

CALL FOR ART: Before We Were Happy

Adult Annual Regional Art Show

New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, New York Mills, MN

Exhibition: May 26 – July 4

Inspired by the 2026 Great American Think-Off question:

Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?

This exhibition explores nostalgia—was the past truly happier, or is that a myth shaped by privilege, exclusion, and selective memory?

We’re seeking visual work that:

• Questions idealized histories

• Challenges nostalgia as comfort or denial

• Explores who happiness was (or wasn’t) for

• Reimagines happiness as evolving, complex, or hard-won

All visual media welcome: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, installation & mixed media.

Submit:

Up to 2 works

Ready to display (framed)

Optional artist statement (250 words) + bio (100 words)

Include medium, size, year, and price (if for sale. Please note NYMRCC retains a standard 30% commission of all gallery sales)

Drop-off: May 19–21

24 N Main Ave, New York Mills, MN 56567

info@kulcher.org | 218-385-3339

Key Question:

Was happiness something we lost or something we were never all allowed to have?