|
|
Participants of an Accessible Arts Class provided by The Taube Museum of Art, Minot
Welcome to NDCA's E-News, ND Council on the Arts' monthly newsletter including statewide & national news, time-sensitive opportunities, and upcoming events.
This July 2026 edition announces UND's Constitution Day exhibit reception on the 18th floor of the Capitol, celebrates FY26 Accessibility Grant projects, highlights the opening of NDCA’s AIR grants and the call for new Rostered Artists, spotlights the three ND Parks Artists in Residence, shares that Tom Brosseau will host the October Convening Block Party, unveils the Murals Across North Dakota Google Map, and features a special Ukrainian goose egg gifted to Gov. Armstrong in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary.
|
|
 Tom Brosseau Set to Headline the Arts Convening Block Party
We’re excited to announce that North Dakota–born folksinger and songwriter Tom Brosseau will host the free outdoor Block Party on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 5–7 p.m., part of our biennial 2026 Statewide Arts Convening at the Bismarck Radisson. Known for his warm, soulful style - once praised by Bonnie Raitt as “a soulful cat” - Brosseau brings deep North Dakota roots, rich storytelling, and decades of musical collaboration to this community celebration.
Currently performing daily on the Wagon Stage in downtown Medora, he also hosts The Great American Folk Show on Prairie Public Radio, where he highlights musicians, poets, writers, café owners, curlers, and other creative voices from across the region.
At this year’s convening, Brosseau will not only perform but will also host a lineup of artists featured in the block party’s outdoor showcase. This free public event will include live music, food trucks, and family‑friendly arts activities. NDCA Staff and Board invite artists, arts organizations, and anyone who wants to join us in celebrating North Dakota’s creative spirit.
Registration for the 2026 Statewide Arts Convening opens soon, but we’re thrilled to share this announcement now - mark your calendars!
 All are Invited to a Special Reception Celebrating UND’s Constitution Day Project Exhibit at the Capitol
 |
|
Please join us on Monday, August 17 at 3:00 p.m. on the 18th floor of the Capitol for a special reception celebrating the University of North Dakota’s Constitution Day Project exhibit.
*The project was partially funded by UND CONNECT and carried out in partnership with the City of Grand Forks.
|
This showcase highlights UND’s innovative initiative promoting civic engagement and constitutional literacy. The project is overseen by Dr. Joonghwa Lee, Chair of the UND Department of Communication, who will be present to share insights into the work and its impact.
We are honored to welcome First Lady Armstrong, UND President Andrew Armacost, and Dr. Soojung Kim, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, along with several students who contributed to the project, including Anna Clark and Lauren Huso.
All are welcome to attend. Come and explore the exhibit, meet the individuals behind the project, and enjoy light refreshments as we celebrate this meaningful UND initiative.
 Murals Across North Dakota: Explore the Map & Keep Submitting!!
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to Murals Across North Dakota. With 44 mural submissions and counting, we’re thrilled to announce that our interactive Google Map of murals is now available on our website!
This map will continue to grow as new murals are submitted - and as time allows for updates - so if your community’s mural isn’t on the map yet, please send it our way. We want to make sure every North Dakota mural has a place in this statewide celebration of creativity.
Toward the end of summer, NDCA will form a panel of experienced community members to help select murals for a printed book commemorating our 60th anniversary in 2027. If you’d like your mural to be considered, please don’t wait — now is the perfect time to submit.
NDCA Opens FY27 Artist in Residence Grant; Teaching Artist Roster Applications Encouraged
 |
|
NDCA has opened its FY27 Artist in Residence (AIR) grant program, offering up to $3,000 for projects that bring professional artists into pre‑K–12 classrooms and youth programs statewide. Applications are due six weeks before the project start date.
*Funding is limited, and early submissions are recommended.
|
NDCA is also inviting teaching artists - including visual artists, writers, performers, musicians, and culture‑bearers - to apply to its Teaching Artist Roster, a resource schools and organizations are encouraged to use when planning AIR residencies. Roster membership lasts five years and helps connect artists with communities seeking meaningful, standards‑aligned arts experiences.
Organizations planning an Artist in Residence project can explore past NDCA-funded residencies through the Artist in Residence program page, which includes a statewide project map. Teaching artists interested in being considered for future residencies are encouraged to apply through NDCA’s Rostered Artist Application. Schools and organizations can view the current Rostered Artists list when selecting artists for upcoming projects.
|
|
  Northern Plains Dance's Sensory-Friendly Production of The Wizard of Oz, Spring 2026
NDCA's Accessibility Grant Program: Expanding Access to the Arts Across North Dakota
Launched in 2024-25, NDCA's annual Accessibility Grant program is helping reshape arts participation across the state. By offering up to $2,000 in funding, NDCA empowers both arts and non-arts organizations to remove barriers and make their programming and facilities more welcoming for all audiences and artists.
The FY26 Accessibility Grant recipients put those dollars to work, delivering creative solutions that expanded access and inclusion in communities statewide. Projects ranged from sensory-friendly performances by Northern Plains Dance to adaptive art classes at Bismarck Art & Galleries Association, digital accessibility upgrades at Empire Arts Center, ASL-interpreted theater events at F-M Community Theatre, and inclusive dance workshops led by North Dakota Ballet Company.
Each initiative reflects the creativity and commitment of local nonprofits to making the arts accessible for all. Their projects not only opened doors for individuals with disabilities, but also underscored NDCA’s commitment to growing accessibility in the arts sector.
  Artists Named for 2026 ND State Parks Residency Program
On July 1, 2026, the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with North Dakota Council on the Arts, announced three artists selected for the 2026 Artist in Residency Program, which provides North Dakota artists with 7–10 day residencies in state parks and opportunities to lead public workshops.
The selected artists and their residency locations/dates are:
-
Nicole Gagner, Painter and Muralist from Bismarck
Icelandic State Park – July 20–29, 2026
-
Lillian Stegman, Art Educator and Painter from Cavalier
Lake Metigoshe State Park – August 11–17, 2026
-
Frederick Burke, Artisan Craftsman and Eco‑artist from Linton
Fort Stevenson State Park – January 13–19, 2027
The program continues its mission of connecting art, nature, and community engagement, with each artist presenting two public workshops during their residency. Additional event details will be available on each participating park’s Facebook page.
 L to R: Loretta Fazekas, UCI representative; Governor Armstrong; First Lady Kjersti Armstrong; UCI Vice President Teresa Kessel; and UCI Executive Director Kate Kessel
Ukrainian Cultural Institute Presents Patriotic Pysanka to Governor Armstrong
 |
|
The Ukrainian Cultural Institute (UCI) of Dickinson marked the nation’s 250th anniversary with a specially commissioned patriotic pysanka created by Jamestown artist Mary Waagen. UCI asked Waagen to design six goose‑egg pysanky featuring traditional Ukrainian symbolism combined with red, white, and blue elements in honor of the milestone.
One of the eggs was chosen for presentation to Governor Kelly Armstrong, and UCI representatives visited Bismarck on June 23, 2026, to share the commemorative piece with the Governor and First Lady.
By commissioning Waagen’s work, UCI underscored the connection between Ukrainian heritage and the broader American story. The presentation also offered a chance to highlight the beauty, meaning, and cultural significance of pysanka to state leadership.
|
 |
|
In 2022, small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, including businesses with no paid employees, were more prevalent in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector (98 percent) than across all sectors of the U.S. economy (94 percent). |
Data released by the National Arts Statistics and Evidence-based Reporting Center, the National Endowment for the Arts’ online hub for monitoring the U.S. arts ecosystem.
|
|
Local ongoing and newly announced . . .
 |
|
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!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOW OPEN:
**Applications due at least 6 weeks before event.
|
 |
|
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.
|
For organizations, including new applicants:
 |
|
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.
|
For individual artists ONLY . . .
 |
|
Miscellaneous Opportunities:
|
 |
|
For Native and Indigenous Artists:
|
 |
|
2026 Photo Contests - North Dakota and Beyond:
|
*Send new opportunities and request changes to current listings by emailing Rhea Beto: rbeto@nd.gov.
|
|
NDCA / Partner Arts Activities, Events, & Workshops
-
Bismarck Larks Art in the Park Night
- Sunday, July 26, starting at 5:05 p.m.
- NDCA is partnering with the Bismarck Larks to cross promote the Biennial Arts Convening.
- Join us to celebrate creativity in the ballpark, powered by H.A. Thompson & Sons. Along with good food and great baseball, enjoy a unique night filled with live artists, student showcases, interactive murals, chalk art, and colorful, hands‑on experiences throughout the game.
|
|
 |
-
SAVE THE DATE - Governor's Workforce Summit
- September 23, 2026 in Bismarck
-
SAVE THE DATE - ND Tourism Marketing Summit
- October 15, 2026 at the NEW TR Presidential Library in Medora!
-
SAVE THE DATE - NDCA's Biennial Statewide Arts Convening
- October 6-7, 2026 at the Radisson in Bismarck
- The 2-day event is designed to bring together artists, arts organizations, cultural workers, and heritage advocates from across North Dakota but everyone interested in arts, culture, and heritage is invited!
- Visit the NDCA Arts Convening webpage for updates as plans are finalized.
-
Capitol Shakespeare presents The Two Gentlemen of Verona
- July 22-26 starting at 7pm
- Outside Sidney J. Lee Auditorium at Bismarck State College
- Free and open to the public
- Bring your own seating (blankets or folding chairs)
- Parking is available at the BSC Armory
- Light concessions will be available
|
|
 |
-
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 section (above) of the e-news. *Only available when capacity allows.
- 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.
 |
|
ND State Historical Society Calendar of Events - Many arts events and activities are happening throughout the state in the next month. They include bonus programming at the ND Heritage Center in Bismarck, a fantasy roleplaying adventure at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center near Williston, the Liberty Bell Replica ringing and ‘Watermelon and Music’ celebration at the Former Governor’s Mansion in Bismarck, the ND 250 Road Trip exhibit at the Heritage Center, and folk music performances at Fort Buford near Williston |
 Snippet of Legendary Events in North Dakota:
Resources
|
|
|
|
|
