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2026 ND POL State Finalists (left to right): 4th-Madison Vick, Bismarck H.S.; 2nd-Adalyn Picken, Wahpeton H.S.; 1st-Aspen Geist, Wyndmere Public School; 3rd-DeLainis Kroh, Mandan H.S.; 5th-Sawyer Wilhelmi, Starkweather; photo 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 March 2026 edition announces the opening of NDCA’s annual spring grant programs, the results of the 2026 ND POL state competition, a call for artists to apply for the 2026-27 Artist in Residence program with ND Parks and Recreation, and honors Women’s History Month with a feature story that celebrates Midwest women who’ve made music history --including North Dakota’s own Peggy Lee and Mary Osborne.
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 NDCA FY27 Grant Programs NOW OPEN & Accepting Applications
NDCA's annual grant programs are 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. Applications are now being accepted, with funding decisions dependent on panel review in May and approval by the NDCA Board at its June 2026 meeting. Visit our Grants at a Glance webpage to learn more and start your application.Â
 Back row (left to right) NDCA Staff/POL Coordinators Brenna Lahren and Matthew Anderson; school champions Brooklyn Botz (Valley City), Sawyer Wilhelmi (Starkweather), and Adalyn Picken (Wahpeton); NDCA Executive Director Jessica Christy; POL Master of Ceremonies Alicia Hegland-Thorpe;
Front row: school champions Joahnie McCormack (Legacy H.S.), DeLainis Kroh (Mandan), Madison Vick (Bismarck H.S.), and Aspen Geist (Wyndmere);
2026 North Dakota Poetry Out Loud State Competition Results
NDCA is delighted to share the results of this year’s ND Poetry Out Loud (POL) State Competition, a vibrant celebration of student artistry held at the ND Heritage Center & State Museum on February 23.
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Congratulations to Aspen Geist of Wyndmere Public School, the 2026 State Champion, who earned first place with exceptional performances and will advance to the National POL Finals in Washington, DC, April 27-29. We applaud all the remarkable student participants from across the state whose passion, preparation, and courage made this year’s POL season truly inspiring. |
This year’s state competition was made possible through the dedication of many hands and hearts. Thank you to our judges; emcee; event coordinators; keynote speaker Prairie Rose Seminole; DJ David Diebel; photographer Poppy Mills; POL teachers, participants, and families; and NDCA staff members who ensured the day ran beautifully. Together, they helped create an atmosphere where poetry could shine, showing once again how the literary arts enrich the lives, confidence, and futures of North Dakota’s young people.
Please join us in wishing Aspen the very best as she represents our state on the national stage next month.
 ND Parks / NDCA Seeking 2026-27 Artist in Residence Applicants
ND Parks & Recreation and NDCA invite artists of all disciplines to apply for the 2026 Artist in Residence Program. This unique opportunity places artists within the natural, cultural, historical, and recreational landscapes of North Dakota’s State Parks, offering uninterrupted creative time while enriching park visitors’ experiences through art.
Supported in part by a grant from NDCA, the program provides selected North Dakota artists with lodging or modern camping, promotional support, and a stipend of $1,750 for a 7‑day residency or $2,250 for a 10‑day residency.
Three residency locations and dates are available:
- Icelandic State Park (Cavalier): July 20–29, 2026
- Lake Metigoshe State Park (Bottineau): August 11–17, 2026
- Fort Stevenson State Park (Garrison): January 13–19, 2027
Resident artists will offer at least two public programs—such as workshops, lectures, demonstrations, or creative walks—and will donate an artwork created during the residency to the State Park system.
Applications are open to current ND residents working in any artistic discipline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are due by April 24, 2026 with notifications to the selected artists by May 22, 2026.
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More than 90% of U.S. medical schools now include courses in the medical humanities. Research shows that arts and humanities play a vital role in strengthening empathy, resilience, and communication skills among future health care professionals. |
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 *Photo of Peggy Lee provided by North Dakota Music Hall of Fame
Midwest Women Who’ve Made Music History, by Arts Midwest
Women have changed the course of rock ’n’ roll, jazz, and R&B for generations—and the Midwest has been home to some of the most innovative artists behind that evolution. While women remain underrepresented in the music industry, their presence is growing; in 2023, women made up 35 percent of artists on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end charts, the highest share in more than a decade. Against this backdrop, the Midwest’s musical history stands out, spanning icons from Aretha Franklin to Tracy Chapman and inspiring generations of fans in communities large and small.
Among these trailblazers are two influential North Dakota musicians. Jamestown native Peggy Lee defined an era with her unmistakable vocal style and songwriting talent, becoming one of the most enduring figures in American jazz and pop. From Minot, guitarist Mary Osborne emerged as a prodigy who broke into the male-dominated world of jazz performance, pushing boundaries for women instrumentalists nationwide. Their achievements helped shape not only the Midwest’s cultural identity but also the broader story of women’s contributions to American music.
Explore the full list of female musicians featured in this Arts Midwest article, published in March 2025.
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Local ongoing and newly announced . . .
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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - NDCA invites artists, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions across the state to apply for funding through its *Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) grant programs. With opportunities ranging from artist development to community arts initiatives, NDCA’s grants help sustain & expand North Dakota’s vibrant creative sector.
**Artists and organizations are encouraged to apply for more than one program based on needs and eligibility.Â
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Upcoming FY27 Program Deadlines (project dates - *July 1, 2026 to June 15, 2027):
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Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival Call (Mar. 30)
This inaugural event is calling for films by Native and Indigenous filmmakers—narrative, documentary, short, and experimental—directed, co-directed, or produced by Indigenous creators. The submission window closes on Mar 30, 2026, with a $10 application fee via FilmFreeway.
Accepted Categories:
- Narrative Features and Shorts
- Documentary Features and Shorts
- Experimental and Hybrid Works
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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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ND Parks/NDCA 2026 Artist in Residence (Apr. 24)
North Dakota artists of all disciplines are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Artist in Residence Program, a unique opportunity to create work while engaging visitors in hands‑on arts experiences within three State Parks. Selected artists receive a stipend, onsite lodging, and promotional support in exchange for providing public programs and donating an artwork created during their residency. To apply, click the link under the QR Code on the flyer.
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For organizations, including new applicants:
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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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NEA Grants for Arts Projects (July 9, 2026)
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 June 1, 2027 and may cover up to two years of activity.
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For individual artists ONLY . . .
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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
NDCA-Sponsored Activities, Events, and Workshops
North Central
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Minot Symphony Orchestra presents Ode to Joy
- Saturday, March 21, 7:00 p.m. at Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, MSU, Minot
- Experience Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and the world premiere of the new Minot Anthem; featuring the MSU Competition Winner
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Northeast
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Fargo Theatre's Roaring 20s Soiree
- Saturday, March 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Synclaire in Downtown Fargo
- Turn out in your cloche hats and flapper dresses, your spats and bowlers for our stylish 1920’s-themed event, featuring unique appetizers, cash bar, Champagne toast, Official Fargo Theatre popcorn, silent auction, vintage party games, photo booth, and more!
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Fargo Theatre's Centennial (100th) Birthday Celebration
- Sunday, March 15, 2:00 p.m. at the Fargo Theatre
- The event includes Classic Felix the Cat silent short film “Felix Revolts”, movie-themed performances by local artists, an exclusive premiere of their new documentary, red carpet photo op with 1920s style paparazzi, special guests, and more!
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UND Writers Conference and the Grand Forks Public Library are hosting a BOOK DISCUSSION
- Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (noon)
- GF Public Library: 2110 Library Circle, Grand Forks, ND
- FREE & OPEN to the public
-  A friendly chat about recent books by a few of this year's UND Writers Conference featured authors: George Saunders's new novel Vigil and Ananda Lima's recent short story collection Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil
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Teen Creative Writing Workshop (ages 13-18)
- Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026; 1:00 p.m. at the Fargo (Main) Public LibraryÂ
- FREE event with local author, writing instructor, and NDCA grantee Sarah Beck
- Learn storytelling basics such as plot and pacing, characters, worldbuilding, and point of view.
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South Central
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Dakota Stage presents Making God Laugh
- March 19-21 & 26-28 at 7:30 p.m.
- March 29 at 2:00 p.m.
- Dakota Stage, BismarckÂ
- A family comedy that takes place in four scenes, each ten years apart, set at various holidays. Three kids – a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former star football player – all return home to empty nesting parents experiencing their own changes.
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Dakota Stage presents Intro to Playwriting (FREE class by Brad Dokken)
- Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) at Dakota Stage
- Explore character, dialogue, conflict, and structure through simple, hands on exercises that help ideas move from scribbles in a notebook to scenes that breathe.
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Theo Art School Summer Camps
- May 18 - August 14, 2026
- 1810 Schafer St., BismarckÂ
- Week-long camps for children in preschool, grade school, and middle school.
- Camps provide an engaging exploration into the world of art and creativity through various multimedia activities.
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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. March events include crafting projects with beads, yarn, and pressed flowers; plus a free screening on March 16 of “Hazel’s Heart," a film based on the true story of Hazel Miner, a 16-year-old girl who fought to keep her two younger siblings alive during a devastating blizzard near Center, ND. |
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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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