|
|
(Team NDCA) Back row L to R: Gail Schmidt, Rhea Beto, Jessica Christy, Brenna Lahren. Bottom/front row: Tobias Zikmund, Matthew Anderson, Troyd Geist, & Lisa McCallum.
Welcome to NDCA's E-News, ND Council on the Arts' monthly newsletter including statewide & national news, time-sensitive opportunities, and upcoming events.
This December 2025 edition celebrates the season and a landmark year for the arts in North Dakota, featuring exciting updates on our biennial Statewide Arts Convening, new funding and grant opportunities—including over $1M awarded to date in FY26—plus staff news, regional artist calls, and a vibrant lineup of events happening across the state.
|
|
 SAVE THE DATE: October 6–7, 2026 (Bismarck)
We’re thrilled to announce that our biennial Statewide Arts Convening will be held October 6–7, 2026 in Bismarck, ND!
This two-day gathering will bring together artists, arts organizations, cultural workers, and heritage advocates from across North Dakota. While contracts are still being finalized, we know this: everyone interested in arts, culture, and heritage is invited.
 |
|
Expect:
- Keynote speakers
- Peer-to-peer meetups
- Informational breakout sessions
- Shared meals and creative connection
|
Help Shape the Convening!
We’re in the early planning stages and want to hear from YOU. What topics should we explore? What challenges are you facing? What successes do you want to share?
Your ideas will help shape our breakout sessions.
ND Arts in Education Updates and Opportunities
Welcome Margreat Sam to NDCA's Rostered Teaching Artist list!
 |
|
Margreat Sam is a seasoned Bharatanatyam and Indian folk dance artist with over 25 years of teaching experience, including founding a dance and research center in India. Now based in Fargo-Moorhead and available statewide, she brings vibrant cultural arts to North Dakota classrooms through engaging residencies that blend storytelling, movement, and music. Her adaptable programs for grades 6–7 introduce students to classical and folk traditions of India, culminating in community performances that celebrate cultural diversity and creative expression. |
LAST, Last Call: Register for NDPOL!
North Dakota schools and educational institutions now have until December 15, 2025, to register for the 2025–26 Poetry Out Loud (POL) program -- a national arts education initiative that encourages high school students to engage with poetry through memorization and performance.
|
|
 |
The newly updated, national POL website features an expanded poetry anthology, lesson plans, teacher toolkits, and video resources to support educators and students throughout the competition.
The 2026 North Dakota POL State Finals will take place in Bismarck on February 23, and the state champion will represent North Dakota at the National Finals in Washington, D.C., April 27–29, 2026.
Don’t miss this opportunity -- register your school today and help your students find their voice through poetry!
 Call for Artists: Placemaking Opportunity in Region 3
NDCA has announced a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for artists or creative teams to lead the next installation in its groundbreaking Arts Across the Prairie initiative. This statewide placemaking program aims to create large-scale public art installations in each of North Dakota’s eight regions, celebrating local history, landscape, and cultural heritage.
 |
|
Region 3, which includes Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, and Towner counties, is now seeking visionary artists to design a site-specific work that reflects the spirit and identity of this rural area. The selected artist will collaborate with local stakeholders and community members to bring the project to life. |
This opportunity is open to artists of all disciplines with experience in public art and community engagement. The RFQ is the first phase of the selection process; finalists will be invited to submit full proposals in the second round.
Interested artists are encouraged to read the RFQ document for full details and application instructions, and register to attend the free information webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 3:00pm CT.
NDCA Thanks Lisa McCallum for her Contributions
After approximately 2 years with NDCA as Program Manager and Grants System Administrator, Lisa McCallum has decided to pursue new opportunities. Lisa showed a strong attention to detail, helping to proof media releases and update program guidelines while supporting four grant programs. We thank her for her service and wish her the best in the future. |
|
 |
 |
|
Moving forward, Brenna Lahren, NDCA's Special Projects Coordinator, will transition into the role of Program Manager. Brenna will now oversee the following grant programs: Community Arts Access, Professional Development, Special Projects, and Artist Growth and Development. For inquiries related to these programs, please reach out to Brenna directly. |
As we enter the new year, NDCA will evaluate agency staffing needs and develop a job description to support our evolving goals. Stay tuned for future announcements on our website.
|
|
 Top Left to bottom right: Artist in Residence - by David Snyder (Wyndmere Elementary); Community Arts Access - Red River Roots Bluegrass Festival (Colfax); Institutional Support (IS) - James Memorial Art Fest (Williston); IS - The Arts Center (Jamestown); Special Project - Capitol Shakespeare Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bismarck); Folk Apprenticeship - Deborah Gourneau Native storytelling (Belcourt); Art for Life - Benedictine Living Community (Garrison);
NDCA invests over $1M in *FY26 to enrich Arts, Education, and Community across ND
*As of December 1, 2025, North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) has awarded close to 200 grants – for a total of $1,051,570 in funding – through its FY26 grant programs, supporting eligible artists, schools, and organizations across the state. (NDCA's fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30 the following year.) These awards reflect NDCA’s ongoing commitment to enriching North Dakota’s cultural landscape through accessible, community-centered arts programming.
NDCA Executive Director Jessica Christy stated, “From rural school districts to regional arts centers, these grants are helping North Dakotans connect through creativity. We’re proud to support the artists and organizations who make our communities more vibrant and resilient.”
ND250 Commission Awards $48,199 in Grants
Community Projects Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
The ND250 Commission has awarded five community grants totaling $48,199 to support projects across North Dakota that celebrate and promote the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The ND250 Community Initiatives Grant Program helps organizations and local governments develop inclusive, engaging projects that honor North Dakota’s influential role in America’s story.
|
Organizations and agencies receiving grants:
-
City of Carrington – $8,249 to install a series of storyboards highlighting stories and facts about North Dakota along a community walking path
-
Dakota Pro Musica – $10,000 for a concert series celebrating American musical excellence and diversity
|
|
 |
-
Germans from Russia Heritage Collection (NDSU Libraries) – $9,950 to create a virtual tour of its permanent exhibit exploring the journey of German Russian immigrants to North Dakota
-
Pembina County Historical Society – $10,000 to design and construct a traditional colonial-style cider press for its community orchard
-
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation – $10,000 to develop 250th-themed student programming that teaches the ideals of the Declaration of Independence
 Minot’s Citizens Alley to Host Free Outdoor Concerts Thanks to Prestigious Levitt Music Series Grant
Local Motives of Minot, ND has been selected as one of 34 nonprofits nationwide to receive a Levitt Music Series grant, awarding up to $120,000 in matching funds to present 7–10 free outdoor concerts annually from 2026 to 2028.
The concerts will take place in Citizens Alley, a newly revitalized public space in downtown Minot. The Levitt AMP Minot Music Series aims to celebrate community pride, broaden access to live music, and activate the space as a vibrant gathering place.
Minot joins a diverse group of grant recipients ranging from small towns like Bath, Maine, to major cities like Austin and Miami. The series will showcase local and touring artists, foster connection, and help shape a more inclusive and lively downtown.
 L to R: George Strait, KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone
The Kennedy Center Announces 48th Class of Honorees George Strait, KISS, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, And Sylvester Stallone
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced the selection of five Honorees who will receive the 48th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements. Recipients honored at the annual national celebration of the arts in Washington, D.C. on December 7th included: country music icon George Strait, legendary rock band KISS (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley), Tony-award winning stage and screen star Michael Crawford, Grammy-winning disco pioneer Gloria Gaynor, blockbuster film powerhouse, and Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone.
The 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors is set to air on the CBS Television Network on Dec. 23 and stream on Paramount.
|
|
Local ongoing and newly announced . . .
 |
|
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - North Dakota artists, organizations, and educational institutions are strongly encouraged to apply - 6 weeks prior to planned activities - for NDCA's ongoing FY26 grant programs (project dates: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026).
*NDCA is currently NOT accepting applications for Special Projects or Professional Development. Please check back later in the fiscal year to see if the grants have been reopened.
NOW OPEN (until funds are exhausted):
-
**Artist in Residence (up to $3,000)
-
Tiered match requirements:
- Title 1 and/or 21st Century Schools: Up to 90% of the total project cost with a 10% cash match
- Non-Title 1/Non-21st Century Schools: Up to 70% of the total project cost with a 30% cash match
|
 |
|
ND250 Commission Community Initiative Grants
The ND250 Commission is offering Community Initiative Grants of up to $10,000 to support events and projects commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Grants will be awarded until funds are exhausted.
Grants are available to non-profit organizations, as well as city, county, or tribal governments, for projects related to the celebration of the past 250 years of North Dakota’s people, places, innovations, and achievements contributing to the nation’s story during America’s 250th anniversary.
|
 |
|
CALL for ART! “SHE the PEOPLE" (Jan. 31)
Submit your work for “SHE THE PEOPLE: We Hold These Truths…” — an art show celebrating International Women’s Day! The exhibit will be held in the Arts for Vets Gallery/Grand Forks Arts Center in March 2026.
Inspired by the spirit of our country’s founding documents and the ongoing pursuit of equality, this juried exhibition explores what freedom, justice, and representation mean through the eyes of women today. Artists are invited to reflect on themes of identity, autonomy, and truth — from personal stories of empowerment to collective struggles for rights still denied.
|
For organizations, including new applicants:
|
Creative Forces Community Grants (Jan. 15)
The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants program, a partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance, aims to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for military-connected populations through cost-sharing grants of $10,000 to $25,000 for emerging and advanced arts engagement projects. The program funds arts initiatives that encourage creativity, build social connections, improve resilience, and help smooth the transition to civilian life.
Grants are available to nonprofit organizations and state/local/tribal government entities that have at least three-years experience in presenting/producing arts-based projects and/or programming for military communities.
|
|
 |
|
NEA / Arts Midwest Big Read (Jan. 15, 2026)
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Arts Midwest are now accepting applications for the 2026–27 cycle of the NEA Big Read, a national program that offers matching grants of up to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs. This year’s NEA Big Read will center around the theme America250, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s semi-quincentennial.
A mandatory Intent to Apply is due Jan. 15, 2026, with final applications due Jan. 29. Funded programs will take place between Sept. 2026 and June 2027.
|
|
 |
|
Shakespeare in American Communities (Intent to Apply Due Jan. 29, 2026)
Three matching & non-matching grant opportunities ranging from $15,000-$30,000 for eligible nonprofit theater organizations:
• Schools Program: Supports Shakespeare-related performances and educational activities for middle and high school students.
• Juvenile Justice Program: Brings Shakespeare-related theater experiences to juvenile justice facilities.
• Apprenticeship Program: Provides paid apprenticeships for early-career theater professionals in administrative and technical roles. The programming that apprentices support does NOT have to be Shakespeare related.
|
|
 |
 |
|
2026 Levitt Foundation Grants (Jan. 30, 2026)
The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026! To be eligible for funding, festivals must take place outdoors in a public space, be free to attend, and feature programming with music and performance by professional musicians who are compensated.
|
For individual artists ONLY . . .
 |
|
** Programs for Artists with Disabilities . . .
|
*Send new opportunities and request changes to current listings by emailing Rhea Beto: rbeto@nd.gov.
|
|
NDCA / Partner Arts Activities, Events, & Workshops
-
Arts Across the Prairie Informational Webinar - Request for Qualifications Region 3
- Tuesday, January 6, 2026 starting at 3:00 p.m.
- To register, email arts@nd.gov by noon on Monday, January 5, 2026 to receive the Zoom link
- Join NDCA staff including Executive Director, Jessica Christy, along with various Region 3 stakeholders, to learn more about the Request for Qualifications for Arts Across the Prairie: Placemaking in Rural North Dakota in Region 3.
-
NDCA's Biennial Statewide Arts Convening
- October 6-7, 2026 in Bismarck
- More information coming soon
NDCA-Sponsored Activities, Events, and Workshops
North Central
Northeast
South Central
- University of Mary presents Ludus de Nativitate, A Medieval Christmas Pageant
- Thursday, Dec. 11, 7:00 p.m. at Heskett Hall, University of Mary, Bismarck
|
|
 |
Southeast
Live Streaming (ONLY)
-
Is your event partially funded by NDCA? Email information to Rhea Beto <rbeto@nd.gov> by the 1st of each month if you would like to be included in this new section (above) of the e-news.
- If your event is NOT sponsored by NDCA, you are invited to post the information on the ND Tourism website (example image below). For more information on how to post your event, visit the NDCA Calendar of Events web page.
Resources
|
|
|
|
|
