|
|
Teaching Artist Anna Paige running a Young Poets program in Kindred (FY26 AIR Project)
Welcome to NDCA's E-News, ND Council on the Arts' monthly newsletter including statewide & national news, time-sensitive opportunities, and upcoming events.
This August 2026 edition announces that registration is OPEN for our biennial Statewide Arts Convening (early bird ends Sept. 6), highlights the Aug. 17 Capitol reception celebrating the UND Constitution Day Project exhibit, summarizes impactful FY26 Artist in Residence projects, shares new Arts Across the Prairie updates, and - as always - celebrates Good News about ND artists and creative businesses.
|
|
 Connect, Create, Celebrate: Register for the 2026 Convening!
Artists, culture bearers, arts administrators, and creative partners across North Dakota and beyond are strongly encouraged to register for the 2026 Statewide Arts Convening, taking place October 6 & 7 at the Bismarck Radisson. This biennial gathering is one of NDCA’s most important opportunities to learn together, share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and build statewide momentum for the arts.
The convening begins with a pre‑conference session for Institutional Support Grantees starting at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 6, followed by general attendee check‑in at 12:00 PM. The 2-day event includes keynotes, breakout sessions, peer meetups, and shared meals. On Tuesday evening, all are invited to a FREE outdoor BLOCK PARTY hosted by musician Tom Brosseau, which features live music, food trucks, hands‑on arts activities, and a vibrant artist marketplace. The convening concludes with a celebratory luncheon starting at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, October 7.
Early bird registration is $50 through September 6, increasing to $75 on September 7. Registration includes full conference access including keynotes, breakout sessions, and peer meetups, along with all major hospitality elements such as Tuesday refreshments, Wednesday’s luncheon, a food‑truck ticket, and a goodie bag to take home. If cost is a barrier, NDCA strongly encourages constituents to reach out. We want every artist and arts organization that wishes to attend to be part of this statewide gathering.
Arts Across the Prairie:Â Regional Project Updates
 Arts Across the Prairie (AAP) is excited to announce the selected artist team for Region 3: “Heart of the Land, Spirit of Unity.” Turtle Mountain artists Shayna Grandbois and Derek Poitra have been chosen to create the region’s large-scale public artwork, a welcoming sculptural space designed to invite gathering, rest, and reflection.
Their proposal features two sweeping metal arches, carved with designs honoring the diverse cultures of north‑central North Dakota, paired with stone benches and inscribed pavers. The piece will be installed north of Warwick on Woodrutten Road, overlooking cropland, water, and the distant Devils Heart Butte.
Read the full press release for Region 3 to learn more about the artists and the project’s development.
 |
|
NDCA is also happy to share the newly selected Region 8 icon, designed by The Good Kids, representing the future artwork by Ryah Christensen and Sun McColgin. Inspired by hoodoo formations resembling a human and a bison, the icon reflects the rugged character of the landscape west of Medora, where the sculpture will be installed on US Forest Service land among prairie potholes and sweeping views. |
More updates on each region’s progress will continue throughout the year as AAP advances toward eight place-based artworks celebrating North Dakota’s landscapes, histories, and communities.
Ongoing NDCA Opportunities Worth Another Look!
 |
|
The UND Constitution Day exhibit on the 18th floor of the ND State Capitol continues throughout August, with a public reception on Aug. 17. It's a great chance to meet the project’s creators, visit with specials guests (like the First Lady!), hear the stories behind the portraits, and enjoy an inspiring afternoon at the Capitol. |
 |
|
Our interactive map showing Murals Across North Dakota keeps growing (88 and counting!). We strongly encourage everyone to keep sending in new murals for the online map and possible publication in a book celebrating NDCA's 60th Anniversary. Time is running out so don't wait - submit your murals TODAY! |
 |
|
Applications for the second round of our popular Community Arts Access grant are due September 20. This program offers up to $4,000 to support community‑based arts activities of all kinds. Because it’s a highly competitive opportunity, applicants are encouraged to start early and submit their strongest proposal. |
|
|
  Teaching Artist David Snyder conducting FY26 AIR program; Wyndmere Elementary
FY26 Artist in Residence Projects: Cultivating Creativity and Community Across ND
Featured on an interactive map on NDCA's website, North Dakota’s FY26 Artist in Residence program brought professional artists into classrooms and communities statewide, giving students hands-on opportunities in visual art, music, theatre, filmmaking, and poetry while strengthening creativity, confidence, and community connection.
From rural schools discovering new art forms to young filmmakers crafting original stories, these residencies showed how powerful learning can be when students are given meaningful ways to create and express themselves. As NDCA's Director of Learning & Partnerships Matthew B. Anderson noted, the AIR program reflects “some of North Dakota’s strongest values: supporting our neighbors, investing in young people, and ensuring that opportunity is not limited by geography."
NDCA is now accepting AIR applications for the 2026–27 school year. The Artist in Residence program provides up to $3,000 for North Dakota pre‑K–12 students and teachers to work with professional artists during school, after-school, or summer programs. Submissions are due at least six weeks prior to the proposed activity start date, and because funding is limited, early submission is strongly encouraged.
  Arts for Vets Awarded NEA Creative Forces Grant!
Special CONGRATULATIONS to Arts for Vets in Grand Forks for being selected to receive a Creative Forces® Community Engagement grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with Mid‑America Arts Alliance.
This year, the NEA awarded 48 community-based grants, totaling $888,413, to support arts programs for military personnel, veterans, families, and caregivers nationwide. The Creative Forces initiative leverages the arts to foster connection, creative expression, and resilience among military‑connected individuals through non-clinical programming.
Arts for Vets will use their $25,000 grant to continue offering free, welcoming arts workshops and peer‑support experiences, helping local veterans and families build community and well-being through creativity.
 |
|
In 2026, North Dakota’s No. 4 overall ranking from U.S. News & World Report, with top‑tier scores in employment, fiscal stability, energy, infrastructure and opportunity, helps fuel a strong, resilient environment where arts and culture can thrive statewide. |
|
|
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:
Â
Â
**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.
|
 |
|
American Scandinavian Foundation Fellowships & Grants  (September 15)
Fellowships are available for artists/practitioners of traditional skills and grants for public programs and community projects. All programs encourage both the practice of folk arts and cultures and the presentation of these arts to public audiences.
|
For individual artists ONLY . . .
 |
|
Arts Midwest Culture Bearers Award (August 18)
Recipients receive an unrestricted, non‑matching $5,000 award to honor and carry forward the stories, teachings, and creative practices of their communities. These culture bearers help ensure cultural knowledge remains alive and accessible for future generations, and the 2026 award aims to recognize and support their ongoing work.
Eligible applicants must have at least 10 years of cultural practice within the Arts Midwest region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Native Nations and communities within this geography.
|
 |
|
Miscellaneous Opportunities:
|
 |
|
2026 Photo Contests - North Dakota and Beyond:
Â
|
*Send new opportunities and request changes to current listings by emailing Rhea Beto: rbeto@nd.gov.
|
|
NDCA / Partner Arts Activities, Events, & Workshops
-
Lillian Stegman Artist in Residence at Lake Metigoshe State Park
- Friday, Aug. 14
- 8:00pm - Nature Photography: Tips and tricks for nature photography; bring your own camera or use ours. Take home a print of your best shot. Held at the amphitheater
- Saturday, August 15
- 10:00am – Watercolor Painting: Guided watercolor session with Lillian Stegman at the Aspen Picnic Shelter. Supplies provided; all ages welcome.
- 1:00-3:00pm – Meet the Artist: Drop in at the Aspen Shelter to meet Lillian, see her process, and learn insights as she creates artwork.
- 7:30pm – Hike & Sketch: Meet at the amphitheater to pick up sketch materials. Enjoy a short hike with time to sketch and discuss plants and wildlife; wrap up back at the amphitheater.
-
All African Festival - North Dakota
- August 22-31
- Broadway Square, Fargo, ND & Hjemkomst Center, Moorhead
- Highlights
- Aug. 22 - Miss Africa ND
- Aug. 23 - Sport Festival
- Aug. 29 - Love & Unity Walk
- Aug. 30 - Festival Galore
|
|
 |
-
Governor's Workforce Summit
- September 23 at Bismarck State College; NECE Building
- Governor Kelly Armstrong will share his vision for a modernized workforce system during a special fireside chat, and attendees will be among the first to hear the Workforce Development Council’s new statewide recommendations ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.
- This year’s Summit explores the impact of AI, emerging technologies, and the future skills shaping North Dakota’s workforce - providing leaders with forward‑looking perspectives and actionable insights.
-
REGISTER TODAY - 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.
-
SAVE THE DATE - ND Tourism Marketing Summit
- October 15, 2026 at the NEW TR Presidential Library in Medora!
 |
|
ND State Historical Society Calendar of Events - Many arts & culture events and activities are happening throughout the state in the next month. They include events like Agfest, featuring hands-on crafts and live music by the Waddington Brothers at the Heritage Center in Bismarck, along with a variety of history‑themed tours, pop-up performances, storytime, and History Alive! monologue programs at the Chateau de Morès Interpretive Center in Medora. |
-
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.
 Snippet of Legendary Events in North Dakota:
Resources
Â
|
|
|
|
|
|
  
 
 
  
​