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

EVENT LINK: https://springboardforthearts.org/programs/leslye-orr-fund-for-artists-with-disabilities/

FEE: Free to apply

The Leslye Orr Fund for Artists with Disabilities

The Leslye Orr Fund provides non-competitive direct support for artists with disabilities in Minnesota to create work and invest in their careers. Inspired by Leslye Orr’s advocacy for “the possibilities of disabilities,” this fund fosters artistry, inclusivity, and community joy. 

4 Minnesota-based artists will be selected through a randomized drawing process of eligible applicants

• Each artist will receive a $2500 unrestricted grant in recognition of their work

• This opportunity is open to artists of all disciplines that self-identify as an individual with disabilities.

Deadline: Apply by Sunday, April 6, 2026

EVENT LINK: https://filmnorth.org/filmmaker-support/mcknight/

FEE: Free to apply

McKnight Media Artist Fellowships – Applications Open

FilmNorth, in collaboration with the McKnight Foundation, is accepting applications for the McKnight Media Artist Fellowships. Four Minnesota-based media artists working beyond the emerging stage will each receive a $25,000 unrestricted fellowship. This is not a project-specific grant.

Eligible disciplines include film, television and streaming (writers and directors), podcast and radio, interactive and virtual reality, gaming, web-based media, and other emerging media forms.

Application Opens: February 2
Deadline: March 23, 5 PM
Recipients Announced: June 29

Learn more and apply:
https://filmnorth.org/filmmaker-support/mcknight/

EVENT LINK: https://perpich.mn.gov/arts-high-school/literary-arts/the-goose/

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Submissions: The Goose

Literary Magazine by Minnesota Students

The Goose is a new literary magazine created by the 2024–2025 Lit Kids at Perpich Arts High School, dedicated to amplifying the voices of young writers across Minnesota. Open to students in grades 7–12, the magazine welcomes all forms of writing and perspectives, with the goal of connecting youth writers statewide and encouraging them to publish their work.

By sharing diverse literary pieces, The Goose celebrates the creativity, insight, and lived experiences of Minnesota’s youth—and invites any student with something to say to submit.

📅 Submission Deadline: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
📖 Publication: Early May (online)
📍 Hosted by: Perpich Arts High School
📧 Questions: thegoose@pcae.k12.mn.us
🔗 Learn more & submit: https://perpich.mn.gov/arts-high-school/literary-arts/the-goose/

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: https://springboardforthearts.org/stories/recovery-resources-for-artists-and-culture-bearers/

FEE: Free to apply

Artist Resources & Relief: Minnesota

In response to ongoing community disruption and its impacts on artists and creative workers across Minnesota, this evolving resource list brings together emergency relief funds, creative business recovery support, calls for artist-led community projects, mutual aid networks, toolkits, and legal resources.

Compiled by Springboard for the Arts in collaboration with arts organizations and community partners statewide, these resources are intended to support artists through immediate challenges and longer-term healing, recovery, and connection. Offerings include emergency and small business relief, opportunities for community-based creative action, mutual aid and solidarity networks, training resources, and practical toolkits.

This list will continue to be updated as new resources become available.

EVENT LINK: https://forecastpublicart.org/creative-power-civic-purpose/

FEE: Free— Registration required

Creative Power, Civic Purpose:
How Artists Strengthen Democracy

Six-Part Virtual Series | 2026

Creative Power, Civic Purpose is a six-part virtual series exploring how artists and culture bearers strengthen civic health, deepen democratic participation, and help renew the civic fabric of communities nationwide. Grounded in civic health frameworks and national conversations around democratic renewal, the series combines field-framing dialogue with practical learning for artists, cultural leaders, civic partners, funders, and community practitioners.

Across six sessions, speakers and facilitators examine the role of arts and culture in civic infrastructure, public understanding of systems, belonging and trust, artist–government collaboration, and funding creative civic work. Registration provides access to all sessions, including calendar holds, Zoom links, updates, and recordings.

Dates & Times (all sessions):
Thursdays, 12:00–1:30 PM (CT)

• Feb 26, 2026

• Mar 26, 2026

• May 28, 2026

• June 25, 2026

• Sept 24, 2026

• Oct 29, 2026

Format: Virtual
Registration: Single registration covers the full series; individual sessions also available

EVENT LINK: metrotransit.org/artist-roster-form

FEE: Free to apply

CALL FOR ARTISTS
Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council

Artists Wanted!

Muralists, illustrators, graphic designers, typographers, photographers—and more—are invited to join one of the largest public art programs in the Upper Midwest. Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council are expanding their roster of pre-qualified artists for paid public art projects across the transit system, from station walls to bus and train exteriors.

The artist roster is the primary resource project managers and planners use to find artists. Signing up is free at metrotransit.org/artist-roster-form

EVENT LINK: https://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/arts-experiences.htm

FEE: Free to apply

Minnesota State Arts Board Grant
FY 2027 Arts Experiences

Grant Opportunity for Individuals and Organizations

Application materials are now available for the Arts Experiences grant program. This pilot program supports individuals and organizations in providing meaningful arts experiences for Minnesotans within their communities. Funds may be used for a variety of arts projects such as creating and/or presenting concerts, plays, tours, exhibitions, arts festivals, public art, or other kinds of activities that provide Minnesotans opportunities to engage in arts activities that are instilled into community or public life.

Applications must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on May 1, 2026.

Details, including full program guidelines, more details on who is eligible to apply, and resources for applicants can be found on the Arts Experiences program page. https://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/arts-experiences.htm

A free, virtual information session will be offered on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m

EVENT LINK: https://www.mnstatefair.org/get-involved/entertainers/#arts-afair

FEE: Free to apply

Minnesota State Fair – Arts A’Fair Performer Proposals

Minnesota performing artists and performing arts organizations are invited to submit proposals for the 2026 Minnesota State Fair Arts A’Fair program, which features short pop-up performances throughout the fairgrounds. Selected artists will showcase their work and engage with audiences as part of this celebration of Minnesota’s vibrant performing arts community.

Proposal deadline: April 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM.

More information and submission details are available through the Minnesota State Fair Arts A’Fair program.

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.