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Governor & First Lady Armstrong posing for UND's Constitution Day Project, spring 2025
Welcome to NDCA's E-News, ND Council on the Arts' monthly newsletter including statewide & national news, time-sensitive opportunities, and upcoming events.
This May 2026 edition features a new Capitol exhibit spotlighting UND’s Constitution Day Project, updates on NDCA’s annual and ongoing grant programs, Arts Across the Prairie workshops, a new Grantee Spotlight section, an open call for ND Mural submissions, upcoming opportunities for artists and organizations statewide, and much more!
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 Call for North Dakota Mural Submissions
NDCA is gathering mural submissions for a special 60th‑anniversary publication, Murals Across North Dakota, as well as a new statewide digital mural map. We invite artists, organizations, and community members to share murals that help tell the story of creativity, identity, and placemaking across our state.
All verified submissions will be added to NDCA’s public interactive mural map, helping residents and visitors discover local public art and supporting cultural tourism in communities of all sizes. Selected murals will also be considered for inclusion in the 2027 printed publication.
If you know of a mural—historic or newly completed—please take a moment to submit it using the form below. Thank you!
 2026 Governor's Photo Contest Now OPEN!
The North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest returns for 2026 and North Dakota Council on the Arts is once again proud to help champion this long‑running program that uplifts the photographers and videographers who document the heart of our state. This year’s contest carries special significance as North Dakota marks America’s 250th anniversary and prepares to welcome visitors to the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library - inviting creators to capture the landscapes, communities, and everyday moments that continue to inspire us to “Be Legendary.”
Photographers and videographers may submit entries across six categories that reflect the many sides of North Dakota, including Outdoors, Events, Wildlife, Must-See Places, Skies, and the new vertical video category “Call It Home.” NDCA especially encourages arts organizations and event organizers to submit photos from performances, workshops, festivals, and community gatherings. These images play an important role in showcasing North Dakota’s cultural vibrancy and supporting statewide tourism.
Category winners receive $250, honorable mentions receive $75 and ND merchandise, and one standout artist will receive the Governor’s Choice Award with an additional $300 and a one‑year AAA membership. Winning imagery will also be featured in partner promotions and displayed at the North Dakota Capitol this November.
Photos and videos may be submitted via Instagram, Flickr, or the official entry form. Visit the Governor's Photo Contest website for full submission details.
  Region 8 (Southwest ND) Selected Artist Ryah Christensen Engages Communities Through Tile‑Making Workshops
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April 28–30, Region 8 artist Ryah Christensen (left) led a series of free tile workshops at NDSU, Dickinson State University, the Morton Mandan Public Library, and D&N Cinematics (Bismarck). During the workshops, Christensen guided community members in creating sgraffito tiles that reflect the stories of North Dakota and the people who live here. Sgraffito is a technique in which the slip layer of a tile is carved, scored, or impressed with tools to reveal an image. Christensen sourced the clay locally, noting the importance of using material from the same region where the final sculpture will be installed. All of the community‑made tiles will be combined into a sculptural mosaic that will be placed outside of Medora. |
 UND Constitution Day Project Photo Collection on Display at the North Dakota State Capitol
NDCA is showcasing a special collection of photos from a UND initiative called "Constitution Day Project" on the 18th (observatory) floor of the ND State Capitol through August 2026. The exhibit showcases portraits of new Americans who now call North Dakota home, each paired with a QR code that connects visitors to the participant’s video story. The project, led by UND Department of Communication faculty and students, highlights the diverse journeys to U.S. citizenship and celebrates the resilience, heritage, and cultural contributions of North Dakota’s newest community members. *This project was also funded by UND CONNECT and carried out in partnership with the City of Grand Forks.Â
 NDCA is also planning a public reception to celebrate the exhibit and the broader America 250 commemoration, with a Media Advisory to follow once details are confirmed. Read the full press release on NDCA's NEWS webpage.
 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Finals Update
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North Dakota’s state champion, Aspen Geist (pictured wearing red, holding a plaque) of Wyndmere Public School, represented our state wonderfully at the 2026 Poetry Out Loud National Semifinals in Washington, D.C. last month. Aspen was accompanied by her family and her teacher, Jennifer Manstrom (standing on left side of Aspen). While she did not advance to the finals, Aspen delivered strong, thoughtful recitations, and we applaud her for her dedication, poise, and outstanding performances on the national stage. |
This year’s national champion is Jayda Dawn of Indiana, followed by second‑place winner Damien Deen of South Dakota, and third‑place winner Jaden Conley of Illinois. The remaining finalists—from Alaska, Louisiana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—also earned recognition and support for their schools. |
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Congratulations again to Aspen for her outstanding performances, and thank you to all participants who helped make this year’s Poetry Out Loud program a celebration of creativity and community.
NDCA’s Five Annual Grant Programs Enter Review Stage
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NDCA’s annual grant programs are now moving through the panel process. Panels made up of external reviewers with diverse backgrounds and expertise are evaluating applications for five key programs: Community Arts Access, Artist Growth & Development, Arts in Education Collaboration, Accessibility Grants, and the Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship program. Each panel will provide funding recommendations to NDCA’s Board of Directors, who will meet in early June to make final award decisions based on those recommendations and the availability of funds. |
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  *3rd Grade classrooms in Kindred, ND who participated in a poetry program
3rd Graders from Kindred Elementary Create a Booklet of Poems through Young Poets Program
A message from Anna Paige, instructor and co-founder, Young Poets
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"Congratulations to all the students who participated in the 2026 Young Poets program! This publication is the culmination of all their hard work and dedication to sharing their creativity.
Founded in 2012, Young Poets encourages students to express themselves through poetry. In collaboration with the Kindred Area Arts Partnership (KAAP) and North Dakota Council on the Arts, we were able to expand the program into North Dakota, with Kindred Elementary being our first school!
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The Young Poets program aims to make poetry fun and accessible while teaching creative writing and critical thinking skills. Students share their perspective through writing and reading their original works out loud. It’s been my honor to bring this program to Kindred."
For more information about Young Poets, email anna@penandpaige.com.
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Enderlin, ND – Area artist Danielle (Elle) Billing has received the 2026 Creative Capital Award, a major individual artist's award. The $10,000 unrestricted grant was awarded as part of Creative Capital’s “State of the Art” prize. Billing is the first recipient of any Creative Capital grant in North Dakota.Â
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Wyndmere, ND - The Poetry Foundation accepted Wyndmere teacher Jennifer Manstrom into its prestigious 2026 Summer Poetry Teachers Institute. Manstrom will join K–12 teachers and community college educators from across the United States for a free, five-day professional development experience in Chicago July 13–17, 2026, focused on teaching poetry with confidence, creativity, and purpose. |
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A recent study found that arts participants experience a nearly 4x increase in likelihood of civic and community engagement, relative to non-arts participants! The full report is available on the NEA’s website. |
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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 ongoing FY27 grant programs (project dates - July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027).
Many programs have limited funding. Early submission is highly recommended!
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**Applications due 6 weeks before event.
NOW OPEN:
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OPENING SOON:
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Patronicity-Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Contest (July 31)
Participating changemakers crowdfund for their projects at the same time, and one project will win the Challenge Grant–a bonus up to $5,000 in prize money to add to their project budget.
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For organizations, including new applicants:
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Rooted Pathways Grant for Native-Led Arts & Cultural Organizations (May 22)
Rooted Pathways is a one-year, $55,000 unrestricted grant supporting five small Native-led arts and cultural organizations, helping them strengthen capacity and advance community-rooted arts work. U.S.-based groups must focus on Native arts and culture, operate on budgets under $500,000, and have at least two years of history.
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Innovate ND Grant Program (May 31)
Innovate ND is now accepting applications from North Dakota entrepreneurs with scalable, high-growth business ideas. The program offers hands-on coaching through regional entrepreneur centers, along with up to $50,000 in reimbursable grant funding to help participants refine and validate their business concepts.
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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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2026 Photo Contests - North Dakota and Beyond:
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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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Community Chats Webinar with Jessica Christy: Art as Economic Development
- Thursday, May 14, 1:00-2:00 p.m. CST
- NDCA's own Executive Director Jess Christy will lead a discussion designed to spark valuable ideas & inspiration for integrating arts & culture into community development efforts - attracting visitors & strengthening local economies.
- Sponsored by the ND Office of Community Development and Rural ProsperityÂ
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NDCA Spring 2026 Board Meeting & Community Reception (Williston)
- Thursday, June 4, 2026
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Board Meeting at Williston State College, approx. 12:30-4:30 p.m.
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Community Reception 5:00-7:00 p.m. at James Memorial Art Center
- Visit with NDCA's Board and Staff; network with the community
- Ask questions, learn about opportunities
- Light appetizers, cash bar
- Friday, June 5, 2025
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Board Meeting at Williston State College, approx. 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
NDCA-Sponsored Activities, Events, and Workshops
North Central
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Levitt AMP Minot Music Series - Citizens Alley
- Thursday nights, starting June 4
- Featuring 10 free concerts consisting of local and touring artists with a mix of genres from hip hop and Afrobeat to bluegrass, indie rock, Celtic, and country.
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International Music Camp at the International Peace Gardens
- Week-long sessions happening throughout June & July, 2026
- Campers must be registered at least one week in advance
- Residential programs for middle / high school students in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts, featuring professional instructors
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Summer Fun Nights
- Wednesdays, June 3 & June 10; 6:00-8:00 p.m. at TJ's Relay Station, west of Cenex in Berthold
- Featuring live music, art, food, and craft vendors, pony rides
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Northeast
South Central
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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 are happening in Bismarck this May. They include celebrating Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day, on May 17 (Heritage Center); Little Kids, Big World programs such as Painted Puppies on May 23 and May 25 (Heritage Center); creating a Grass Head character on May 27 (Camp Hancock); and Painting with Flowers on May 28 (Former Governor’s Mansion). |
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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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