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://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://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.