FEE: Free to apply

NOW OPEN: Nordic Folk Arts & Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest Competition

Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Nordic Folk Arts & Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest Competition. This annual program supports the preservation, practice, and public celebration of Nordic folk arts and cultural traditions throughout the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Fellowship Opportunities for Artists

Artist fellowships are designed to:

• Strengthen traditional artistic and cultural skills

• Support mentorships between master artists and apprentices

• Encourage the continuation of folk traditions across generations

• Increase public awareness of Nordic cultural heritage through visible and engaging projects

Grants for Public Programs & Community Projects

Nonprofit organizations may apply for support of:

• Community festivals and heritage celebrations

• Workshops, classes, and demonstrations

• Performances and cultural events

• Programs that preserve and share Nordic traditions with public audiences

Applicants for public program grants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.

About the American-Scandinavian Foundation

Founded to promote cultural exchange between the United States and the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—the American-Scandinavian Foundation supports fellowships, grants, cultural programming, publishing, and educational opportunities throughout the United States and abroad.

Through this program, ASF continues its commitment to preserving Nordic cultural traditions while fostering connections between communities in the Upper Midwest and the Nordic world.

Deadline: September 15, 2026

For more information, contact Sally Yerkovich, Director of Educational Exchange & Special Projects, at grants@amscan.org or (212) 847-9714.

Job Opportunity | Grants Assistant Position

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled | Lake Region Arts Council, Fergus Falls, MN

Lake Region Arts Council is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Grants Assistant to support grantmaking efforts throughout west central Minnesota. This part-time position offers 8 hours per week at $24 per hour and works closely with the Grants Manager to support monthly grant review panels, panelist communications, meeting preparation, record keeping, and program data tracking.

Ideal candidates will be organized, trustworthy, detail-oriented, comfortable with technology, and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. Previous office experience is preferred.

The position offers a flexible schedule, primarily during weekday business hours, with occasional evening meetings during grant review season (September–June). Training is provided. Work is primarily in-office, with remote arrangements considered.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Location:
Lake Region Arts Council
133 South Mill Street
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Information:
(218) 739-5780

Apply & View Full Job Description:
https://lrac4.org/lrac-board

FEE: Free to Apply

LRAC Artist Quick Start Grant Applications Open

Application Opens: June 25, 2026 | Lake Region Arts Council

The Artist Quick Start Grant provides $2,000 to support activities and projects that advance artistic achievement and career development. This opportunity is open to individual artists in all disciplines—including visual, literary, music, performance, and interdisciplinary arts—who live within LRAC's nine-county region and have never previously received artist funding through an LRAC grant program.

Whether you're pursuing a new creative project, attending professional development opportunities, or investing in your artistic practice, the Artist Quick Start Grant can help you take the next step in your career.

Application Opens: June 25, 2026

Deadlines: July 23, 2026

FEE: Free to Apply

Fall Project Grant for Organizations

Application Opens: July 20, 2026 | Deadline: August 27, 2026 | Lake Region Arts Council

The Fall Project Grant provides up to $4,500 to support arts programming by nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and educational institutions within LRAC's nine-county region.

Funding may be used for a variety of arts activities, including productions, exhibitions, touring artists, artist residencies, workshops, and other projects that engage communities through the arts.

A 20% cash or in-kind match is required.

Application Opens: July 20, 2026

Deadline: August 27, 2026