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"58012" mural painted by local artist Lauren Starling, commissioned by Casselton Public Art Task Force, and partially supported by an NDCA Special Projects grant; summer 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 June 2026 edition offers highlights from NDCA’s Spring Board meeting/reception in Williston; announces FY27 grant approvals & new statewide awards, including the 2026–27 Governor’s Band & Choir, and the opening of FY27 Special Projects applications; features a mural story; and provides updates to the newly created Murals Across ND program.
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 NDCA Spring 2026 Board Meeting & Community Reception Recap
Thank you to everyone in Williston and the surrounding arts community who helped make our Spring 2026 Board meeting and Community Reception such a success! A huge shout‑out to NDCA Board member Amanda Skinner, The James Memorial Board President and resident teaching artist Jessica Newman, Meadowlark Arts Council President Rita Stewart, and the many community partners who welcomed NDCA Board and staff.
Over two energizing days, attendees enjoyed presentations, guided tours of culturally significant buildings and art exhibits, and plenty of delicious local food. Most importantly, the gathering created meaningful time to connect with artists, organizers, and community members who share a common goal: celebrating and strengthening the arts in North Dakota.
 Murals Across North Dakota: Thank You --- & keep them coming!
Thank you to everyone who has already submitted murals for Murals Across North Dakota! We’ve received more than 20 entries so far from communities across the state. Your creativity and local pride are helping us build something truly special.
Our project webpage is now live, and an interactive statewide mural map will be added soon. We’d love to include even more artwork from towns large and small, so please keep sending your mural photos and stories!
NDCA Advances FY27 Grants & Opens Special Projects Program
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The NDCA Board reviewed and approved the panel‑recommended FY27 grant applications during its Spring 2026 meeting. Grant managers are now updating materials and preparing award letters. Grantees will receive official email confirmation soon, with funds distributed starting in mid-July once awards are accepted and payment options selected. |
NDCA is also accepting applications for the FY27 Special Projects program, offering up to $1,500 for arts events across all disciplines; applications are due six weeks before projects start (for activities between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027). Early submission is encouraged!
More information about all NDCA grants is available on our Grants at a Glance webpage or by contacting the appropriate grant manager.
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 Casselton’s 58012 Mural Brings Color, Connection, and Community Pride
 Casselton’s downtown gained a bold new landmark in the summer of 2025 thanks in part to an NDCA FY26 Special Projects grant supporting a vibrant hand‑painted mural by Fargo artist Lauren Starling.
Work began July 4, and in just three weeks the once‑plain wall transformed into the eye‑catching “58012” mural, quickly becoming a focal point for residents and visitors alike. |
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Grant coordinator Char Gust noted that the mural became a community experience as much as a creative one. “Throughout the process, the artist connected with residents, sharing stories of community members stopping to chat and bringing her treats,” Gust wrote in her final report. The Casselton Public Art Task Force documented progress on Facebook, drawing more than 7,500 views and dozens of enthusiastic comments.
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The celebration on August 11 drew about 125 attendees, complete with a pop‑up coffee cart, local baked goods, and mural‑themed postcards and notecards. As Gust shared, “The 58012 mural enriched Casselton’s downtown by turning a plain wall into a bold, hand-painted landmark that celebrates local pride.” |
 Bismarck, ND - Gov. Kelly Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong have named the Mandan Middle School Band and the Bottineau High School Concert Choir as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2026–2027 school year.
 The Mandan Middle School Band (above) features about 110 eighth-grade students and is led by Sara Baumann, Brandon Bondley, Whitney Naas, and Stephanie Frank. The ensemble performs year-round at concerts, parades, and festivals, and its students participate widely in solo/ensemble events, jazz festivals, and the North Dakota Junior High All-State Band Festival.
 The Bottineau High School Concert Choir (above), directed by Jaque Marum, includes roughly 70 members who consistently earn top honors at regional and state competitions. Students frequently participate in UND Honor Festival and All-State Choir, and the choir is active in community service, performing at local care facilities, Memorial Day events with the AmVets, and annual 9/11 observances at the International Peace Garden.
Both groups were selected for their musical excellence, achievements, and strong community involvement, and may be invited to perform at official state events throughout the year.
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Pembina, ND - Frost Fire Summer Theatre has been awarded a $30,000 grant through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Shakespeare in American Communities program, administered by Arts Midwest. The award supports Frost Fire’s paid apprenticeship program, which provides hands‑on training and mentorship for early‑career theater professionals.
This grant is part of the 2026–27 national Shakespeare in American Communities funding cycle, which awarded more than $1 million to 41 organizations across the country. You can read the full announcement and complete list of grantees on the Arts Midwest website.
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Now through Labor Day, September 7, 2026, actively serving military members and their families have the opportunity to visit participating museums nationwide for FREE as part of the Blue Star Museums program. |
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of War and museums across America.
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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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2026 ND Governor's Photo Contest (Aug. 31)
The 2026 North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest is open, inviting North Dakotans to capture the beauty, character and spirit that make our state legendary. From the Badlands to hometown moments, share your perspective for a chance to win prizes and have your work featured across the state.
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For organizations, including new applicants:
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Native Performing Arts Live Production Grant ($30k, July 8)
This program supports Native-driven live performing events and performances. Eligible projects include original or re-adapted theatrical plays, music festivals, community performances, tours, and other live events—whether in person or virtual.
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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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Miscellaneous Opportunities:
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For Native and Indigenous Artists:
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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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Arts Across the Prairie - June Events (posted here soon!)
- Clay tile-making workshops
- Region 8 artist Ryah Christensen will return in late June 2026 for a second series of workshops focusing on the smaller communities of southwest ND
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Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability (LEAD) Conference
- August 11-14, Philadelphia, PA
- LEAD introduces cultural accessibility solutions to those new to the field, as well as provides ongoing learning, support, camaraderie, and inspiration for anyone working to change the status quo.
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ND artists and representatives of ND arts organizations are encouraged to apply for NDCA's Professional Development grant (up to $1,000) to help cover expenses! (Send in your application by about June 30.)
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ND State Historical Society Calendar of Events - Many arts events and activities are happening throughout the state in the next month. They include hands-on fiber arts gatherings like Fibers & Friends and World Wide Knit in Public Day in Bismarck; creative family programs such as Bubble Art, Papermaking, and Pinch Pots in Washburn and Medora; children’s craft activities including Farm Animals, Cheerful Rocks, Floam, and a Rockets/fireworks projects at sites in Bismarck and Strasburg. |
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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.
 Snippet of "Art" Events Happening in North Dakota:
Resources
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