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POL 2025 finalists (left to right): 4th-DeLainis Kroh, Mandan H.S.; 2nd-Joanie McCormack, Wilton Public School; 1st-Leah Hochhalter, Valley City H.S.; 3rd-Sawyer Wilhelmi, Starkweather School; 5th-Aspen Geist, Wyndmere Public School; photo by Poppy Mills
Welcome to NDCA E-News, North Dakota Council on the Arts' monthly newsletter including statewide and national news, time-sensitive opportunities, and upcoming events.
This MARCH 2025 edition highlights the deadlines for NDCA's FY25 & 26 grant program applications, contains reflections from outgoing Fiscal Officer Robin Bosch, & much more!
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CONGRATULATIONS to the 2025 ND Poetry Out Loud (POL) school champions who competed at the ND POL State Finals on Monday, March 3. The top five finalists were named, with Leah Hochhalter of Valley City High School taking the top honors and advancing to compete at National Finals in Washington, DC, May 5-7. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the participants, along with those who attended the Open Mic night, hosted by Fred Edwards Jr., on March 2nd (photo collage below). |
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Deadline EXTENDED to March 17 - please respond & SHARE!
NDCA seeks your feedback as we begin the process of planning programs and services for the upcoming years. Not only do we want to hear directly from you – our arts partners – we also need to hear from any and all who may have interest in interacting with the arts in our state. The more voices we hear from, the stronger our planning can be. Every submission has the option to register to win one of four $50 Visa gift cards.
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NDCA welcomes Amanda Skinner of Williston to our board of directors, representing Region 1. She was recently appointed by Governor Armstrong. Amanda will serve through July 2027 filling a vacant position and then will have an opportunity to serve an additional five-year term. NDCA's Board consists of nine members - one from each of the state's 8 Regions, and one member-at-large, each of whom is appointed by the Governor for a five-year term. |
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NDCA’s annual grant season is in full swing with deadlines approaching quickly, the first being the Artist Growth and Development program which closes April 1st. Funding is available to artists and organizations for a variety of projects and opportunities, including arts in education, accessibility, folk arts, community arts, and arts-related activities and events of all sizes. Visit our Grants at a Glance webpage (link below) to learn more. |
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 *Some NDCA staff at Robin Bosch retirement party March 3 at ND State Capitol
Robin Bosch reflects on her years with the state
With her retirement set in April, Robin Bosch’s 27-year career in North Dakota state service, including 13 years at North Dakota Council on the Arts, has been shaped by a deep commitment to learning, collaboration, and the power of the arts. From her early days working in Governor Schafer’s office through a Job Service program to her pivotal role at NDCA, she has seen firsthand the transformative impact of public service and the arts. As she steps into retirement, Robin looks forward to embracing creativity, travel, and time to simply be present. She leaves NDCA with gratitude for the people she’s worked with and the mission they’ve shared—an inspiring and rewarding adventure she won’t soon forget.
Arts sector delivers five-fold return on investment
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Public investments in the arts deliver a high payoff and contribute to multiple policy goals. Many sectors offer a sizable economic footprint, however only the arts sector delivers a fivefold return on investment: boosting economic productivity, improving education outcomes, fostering civic cohesion, facilitating good health, and preserving our cherished heritage and traditions. No other industry offers all those outcomes alongside beauty and inspiration. |
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Local ongoing and newly announced . . .
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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - North Dakota artists, organizations, and educational institutions are strongly encouraged to apply for NDCA's FY25 and FY26 grant programs. Many programs have limited funding. Early submission is highly recommended!
Last FY25 Deadline: Â Special Projects - March 18 (up to $1,500 for project taking place between May 1 and June 30, 2025)
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Upcoming FY26 Program Deadlines (project dates - July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026):
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Arts Midwest Walking Together (March 19)
Walking Together is a national program that offers grants of $15,000–$50,000 to support folklife and traditional arts rooted in communities by investing in artists/practitioners and the community organizations that care for them.
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Medora Masterpiece Painting Contest (March 31)
Medora Masterpiece is a new annual contest that invites North Dakota residents or students aged 18 and above to showcase their artistic talents. Selected artists will have the opportunity to reproduce their artwork in Medora.Â
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Jazz Road Creative Residencies (April 2)
An artist-centric program of South Arts, it provides financial support for professional jazz artists from across the US in self-defined residency activities that advance their artistry, creative exploration, community engagement, and lifework in jazz. Funding for artists ranges from $5,000 to $40,000.
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For organizations, including new applicants:
For individual artists ONLY . . .
*Send new opportunities and request changes to current listings by emailing Rhea Beto: rbeto@nd.gov.
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NDCA Arts Activities, Events, and Workshops
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Springboard for the Arts: Artists Working in Community Workshop
- Thursday, March 27, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.Â
- Free 2-hour online workshop for North Dakota artists
- Learn how to reach out to community organizations and businesses to expand your artistic practice and income sources
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Email Tobias Zikmund <tzikmund@nd.gov> if you have questions
*Post or view YOUR upcoming arts events and exhibits on the ND Tourism website. For more information on how to post your event, visit the NDCA Calendar of Events web page.
Resources
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