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Photo: ND State Penitentiary's Chainz 2 Changed Podcast Co-host Antonio Stridiron; photograph credit to Poppy Mills, NDDOT
Welcome to NDCA's E-News, ND Council on the Arts' monthly newsletter including statewide & national news, time-sensitive opportunities, and upcoming events.
This February 2026 edition highlights a transformative prison podcast, NDCA's annual grant programs, new awards including a $50,000 grant from the American Scandinavian Foundation, plus fresh funding opportunities and arts events happening across ND.
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 NDCA Holds Winter 2026 Board Meeting & Reception in Bismarck
NDCA Board and staff gathered in Bismarck at the end of January 2026 for two days of meaningful discussion and celebration. Key highlights included reviewing agency Gallup Poll insights, approving recent grants, and planning for both the October Arts Convening and NDCA’s 60th anniversary. The Board also explored the Strategic Plan and received an update on the Cultural Endowment Fund from ND Deputy Chief Investment Officer Eric Chin.
We extend our sincere thanks to D&N Cinematics for graciously hosting the community arts reception (pictured above) and to everyone who joined us—your presence made the event truly special!
 NDCA Awarded ASF Grant for Scandinavian Folk Arts Project
NDCA has been awarded a $50,000 Public Programs & Community Projects grant from the American Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) in New York City for its project “Building Community of Practice in Scandinavian Folk Arts.” The project runs January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026.
About the ASF Folk Arts and Cultural Traditions Grant Program
Introduced in 2017, this program nurtures the rich Nordic folk art traditions in the Upper Midwest (North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula) by:
- Deepening the skills of master artists
- Fostering long-term relationships among masters and apprentices
- Enhancing traditions’ visibility through public programs and community projects
Project Goals
This initiative gathers small, intergenerational groups of Nordic folk art learners around key master artists, creating vibrant pockets of tradition in areas where distance and sparse populations often threaten cultural continuity. By encouraging family and friend pairs to learn together, the project strengthens both artistic practice and community bonds, helping rare art forms take root in daily life. As learners deepen their skills, they become not just students but emerging carriers of tradition.
The project brings seven masters of Scandinavian arts together with intergenerational learners to weave these once-isolated traditions into hubs of a connected and collaborative network of Nordic folk art communities that can support, inspire, and sustain one another well into the future.
Master Artists & Specialties
- Karen Aakre (Underwood, MN) – Norwegian skinnfell
- Jed Anderson (Nome, ND) – Scandinavian-style knives
- Pieper Bloomquist (Grand Forks, ND) – Swedish dalmålning & bonadsmålning
- Anita Burbeck (Horace, ND) – Scandinavian/Finnish weaving
- Jeff Malm (Kulm, ND) – Swedish iron cemetery crosses
- Mary & Talon Stammen (Grand Forks, ND) and Lillian Stegman (Cavalier, ND) – Swedish brush & broomcorn broom making
- Joan Varty (Minot, ND) – Norwegian rosemaling
Participation
Most learners have already been identified, but North Dakota residents interested in these arts can still join. E-mail NDCA Folklorist Troyd Geist at tgeist@nd.gov for upcoming opportunities.
 2026 ND Poetry Out Loud State Competition on February 23
On Monday, February 23, eight high school students from various ND high schools will participate in the Poetry Out Loud (POL) State Finals at the ND Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. POL is a dynamic poetry recitation competition that can help students improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and grow their appreciation for poetry. |
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The contest will begin at 9:30am with two rounds of competition in the morning. Five participants will advance to the finals round which will begin at approximately 1:00pm. While final scores are tabulated, spectators will have special entertainment by Native American storyteller and culture bearer Prairie Rose Seminole. After which, the award ceremony will begin at approximately 2:00pm.Â
The school of the state champion will receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials. The champion at the state level will receive $200 and advance to the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Finals April 27-29 in Washington, DC where they will have a chance to compete for the grand prize of $20,000. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Limited NDCA FY26 Funds Available for Grantwriting Classes
NDCA is offering a limited amount of FY26 Professional Development funds to help artists and arts organizations register for one of ND Association of Nonprofit Organization’s upcoming grantwriting webinars. Just in time for NDCA's annual grant season, these sessions are designed to support both new and experienced applicants by providing practical tips for writing strong, competitive proposals. If you’re interested in applying for funding to attend, please e-mail Brenna Lahren to request access to the application.
NDCA's FY27 Annual Grant Programs Rolling Out This Month!
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NDCA is rolling out its Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027) grant programs on a staggered schedule this February. This gradual release gives our new program manager time to settle into the role and allows us to make important updates based on new NEA eligibility rules while meeting improved accessibility standards. Taking these steps now helps ensure the process is fair and smooth for everyone. |
Once they are open, our annual programs will be available to artists and organizations across North Dakota. These grants support projects in arts education, accessibility, folk arts, community arts, and arts-related activities and events of all sizes. Visit our Grants at a Glance webpage to learn more and start planning your projects.
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Due to changes in NEA funding, NDCA grants can only support individual artists through Professional Development, Artist Growth and Development, and the Apprenticeship Program. Because NDCA’s Special Projects grant is funded with federal dollars, starting in FY27 it will be open only to non-profit organizations.
Questions? We’re here to help.
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 Regional Arts Organization Highlights Chainz to Changed Podcast
What happens when creativity enters the prison system? Chainz 2 Changed, a podcast produced by residents of the North Dakota State Penitentiary, is proving that storytelling can be a powerful tool for wellness and transformation. Supported by NDCA, this project shows how the arts can reduce isolation, build community, and foster personal growth -- even behind bars.
Arts Midwest thought this story was so compelling, they featured it on their national platform. In their article, you’ll learn:
- How incarcerated individuals are using art to share their voices and experiences
- Why creative expression is linked to mental health and rehabilitation
- What makes this podcast a groundbreaking example of arts-driven change in ND
 
- Top two photos: Rendezvous Region Foundation (left); Grey Willow (right);
- Bottom two photos: Kori Art (left) and Frost Fire Summer Theatre (right)
Four North Dakota Organizations Awarded Arts Midwest Grants
Arts Midwest has announced its 2026–27 GIG Fund and Midwestern Walking Together grantees, with four North Dakota organizations receiving support to strengthen arts and cultural engagement.
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Grey Willow, Inc. of Fort Yates, located on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, will receive $50,000 through the Midwestern Walking Together program. This significant nonmatching grant will help preserve Standing Rock Sioux traditions, deepen community involvement, and support the organization’s long-term goals.
Three additional organizations received GIG Fund grants, which support creative public programs and arts access:
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Frost Fire Summer Theatre – $15,000 to enhance programming at Frost Fire Park in the scenic Pembina Gorge near Walhalla, ND.
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Rendezvous Region Foundation – $5,000 to support arts activities across the tri-county Rendezvous Region, a 120-mile corridor in northeastern North Dakota bordering Canada and Minnesota.
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Kori Art – $10,000 for arts and wellness initiatives. Based in the Grand Forks area, Kori Art serves a broad region with programs that connect creativity and well-being.
The Midwestern Walking Together program funds traditional artists, nonprofits, Tribal and local governments, and community organizations committed to sustaining folklife rooted in community. The GIG Fund supports organizations with budgets under $2 million, ensuring underserved audiences have access to high-quality arts experiences. Its Arts and Wellness category backs projects that integrate creativity with health and well-being.
These grants reflect Arts Midwest’s commitment to preserving cultural traditions and expanding access to the arts across North Dakota and the Midwest.
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Giving Hearts Day is your chance to share the love—donate, volunteer, or give goods to the arts organization you care about most and help creativity thrive in our state. |
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Local ongoing and newly announced . . .
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2026 Destination Development Grant (March 10)
The Destination Development Grant program provides financial support for the development or expansion of tourism experiences and attractions that contribute to ND’s economic growth and diversification.
The program is designed to:
- Increase the number of visitor experiences
- Encourage extended stays &overnight visitsÂ
- Support workforce recruitment & retention
- Enhance the quality of life for ND residents
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Medora Musical Painting Contest (Apr. 10)
The winning artist will paint a live mural in Medora during the opening week of the Medora Musical. This year’s theme, “Musical Patriotism,” celebrates the Medora Musical’s iconic tribute to American pride through music, performance, and the stunning ND Badlands.
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For organizations, including new applicants:
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NEA Grants for Arts Projects (Feb. 12, July 9)
The National Endowment for the Arts is now accepting applications for its Grants for Arts Projects program, offering $10,000–$100,000 (up to $150,000 for Local Arts Agencies) with a required 1:1 match. Eligible U.S. nonprofits, government entities, and tribal groups across disciplines like arts education, music, theater, visual and media arts, and more can apply.
Funding supports projects beginning as soon as Jan. 1, 2027 (for the Feb. 12 deadline) or June 1, 2027 (for the July 9 deadline) and may cover up to two years of activity.
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Activate Rural Learning Lab (ARLL) (Feb. 20)
Do you have a bold idea to create a creative gathering space in your rural community? ARLL is now accepting applications for its next cohort in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Native nations in this region.
ARLL offers a 2-year learning experience for teams activating buildings as welcoming, creative third places in rural communities (pop. ~20,000 or less). Selected projects receive a $50,000 grant, technical assistance, peer networking, storytelling support, and travel to in-person gatherings.
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Grants Celebrating the Nation's 250th Birthday with Music from U.S. Miliary Bands (Feb. 23)
This NEA grant program recognizes the role military bands have played throughout American history, celebrating the nation’s spirit through a wide range of musical styles and genres. Eligible organizations are invited to apply for a grant ranging from $10,000 up to $20,000 each (no cost share required) for arts projects that feature performances and/or educational programming with a U.S. military band to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
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2026 Vilcek Foundation Grants (April 30)
Mission-driven nonprofit organizations that have a specific focus on supporting immigrants in the arts, sciences, education, or through the provision of social services are invited to apply. The ideal grant recipient creates outputs, provides services, or serves populations in an innovative way that sets them apart from other organizations.
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For individual artists ONLY . . .
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** Programs for Youth and High School Students
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*Send new opportunities and request changes to current listings by emailing Rhea Beto: rbeto@nd.gov.
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NDCA / Partner Arts Activities, Events, & Workshops
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ND Poetry Out Loud Championship - FREE and Open to the Public!
- Monday, February 23, 2026, at ND Heritage Center & State Museum (Bis)
- Eight ND high school students will recite poems from memory
- Competition starts after 9:30 a.m. CT
- The award ceremony will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. CT
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NDCA 2026 Art for Life Gathering (ONLY open to Art for Life Partners)
- Thursday, March 12, 2026; 12:00 (noon) - 4:30 p.m. (Jamestown)
- This year’s gathering will focus on NDCA's expanded partnership in animal-assisted creative engagement for health, wellness, & education.
- Program partners are welcome to attend. Email NDCA Folklorist Troyd Geist for more information.
- Learn more by viewing the tentative agenda.
NDCA-Sponsored Activities, Events, and Workshops
Southwest
- Rockin' in Reeder
- Sunday, Feb. 15; 2:00-8:00 p.m.
- Reeder Community Center (the old school house)
- Features music by:
- Bart Damjanovich
- Clyde Bauman/Mylo Hatzenbuhler
- Blue Stems
- Colleen Reinhardt
- Supported by NDCA Community Arts Access Grant
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South Central
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Northern Plains Dance presents Dance+
- Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Belle Mehus Auditorium, Bismarck
- A mid-winter contemporary dance concert
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Live Streaming (ONLY)
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ND State Historical Society Calendar of Events
Many arts events and activities, often featuring NDCA grantees, are happening at the ND Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. Highlights this February include workshops on oral histories, photo preservation, and Scandinavian embroidery, plus live music and concerts showcasing local talent.
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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
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