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Williston artist Marina Corrillo performing traditional Mexican dance (2024 Art for Life); Marina will be featured at our 2026 ND Statewide Arts Convening!
Welcome to NDCA's E-News, ND Council on the Arts' monthly newsletter including statewide & national news, time-sensitive opportunities, and upcoming events.
This September 2026 edition unveils our Statewide Arts Convening agenda, spotlights a CAA grantee from Grand Forks, and announces this year’s ND Hall of Fame Inductees, along with highlighting several timely NDCA reminders, fall happenings, and one small scheduling note about next month’s e‑news.
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 Connect, Create, Celebrate: JOIN US for the 2026 Convening!
Early Bird pricing has been extended through September 11, so there’s still time to register at the $50 rate before it increases to $75 on September 12. This two‑day gathering on October 6–7 at the Bismarck Radisson remains one of NDCA’s most important moments to come together, learn, celebrate creativity, and show unified support for the arts in North Dakota.
The draft agenda is now available, featuring North Dakota’s talented artists, tradition‑keepers, educators, and arts‑focused community members as keynote speakers and breakout leaders. Sessions span cultural dance, arts in education, public art partnerships, rural and tribal spotlights, hands‑on artmaking, and conversations about the power of creativity in youth and community well‑being. The convening also includes Tuesday’s FREE outdoor Block Party hosted by musician Tom Brosseau.Â
New: A few artist marketplace tables are still available for those who wish to sell their work during the Block Party. Space is first‑come, first‑served. Apply for the Artist Showcase.
If cost is a barrier, NDCA encourages constituents to reach out. We want every artist, arts worker, and organization represented in this statewide gathering.
Miscellaneous NDCA News and Announcements
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The 2025-26 UND Constitution Day exhibit reception on the 18th floor of the ND State Capitol was a big success. As part of the 2027 Project, Dr. Lee and his team plan to come to Bismarck in October to interview new Americans in the surrounding area. If you know a new American who might be interested in adding their story to the project, please send them our way <arts@nd.gov>! |
Poetry Out Loud® (POL), an arts education program of the National Endowment for the Arts, is returning for the 2026-2027 school year, inviting high school students from across the country to participate in this dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and teach about literary history and contemporary life. Visit NDCA's POL page to learn more. |
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NDCA's Fall 2026 Board Meeting will be held virtually on Monday, Sept. 14, 1-4:00 p.m. Discussion topics include event planning for the Arts Convening, Governor’s Awards for the Arts, and the 60th Anniversary; board member updates; budget reports; and grant program discussions and approvals. To request a link to join the meeting, please email <arts@nd.gov>. |
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 including but not limited to art festivals, exhibitions, performance series, touring performances or exhibits, and stand-alone single discipline or multidisciplinary arts projects of all forms. |
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Just a friendly note that our October E‑news will be a bit delayed and likely shorter than usual. We’ll be in full swing with the Statewide Arts Convening, which happens right before our normal send date! But don’t worry… all the real news will be at the convening anyway. Join us in Bismarck so you don’t miss a thing! |
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  FY26 CAA Grantee: All Grand Cities Children's Choir with student mentors, staff, and alumni; 2026 Spring Concert Performance; Grand Forks, ND
Grand Cities Children’s Choir – The 2026 Lullaby Project
The Grand Cities Children’s Choir successfully completed its 2026 Lullaby Project with support from NDCA’s Community Arts Access grant. According to Greg Nelson, grant funds helped “offset major program expenses including venue rental, printed music, and salaries for directors and staff,” ensuring the choir could continue offering free, high‑quality public concerts.
The project culminated in the April 11 Spring Concert at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center, where “more than 1,900 audience members attended the free concert performance, surpassing the Choir’s previous attendance record of 1,650 people.” The Choir’s 235 singers, supported by 30 student mentors, participated in thirteen rehearsals that strengthened musicianship, teamwork, and confidence.
A key goal of connecting with new audiences was achieved through collaboration with the Mixed Voices Community Choir, which “introduced audience members from both organizations to new artistic experiences while strengthening ties among local arts groups.” Nelson noted the project ultimately “exceeded expectations by reaching a larger audience than anticipated and further strengthening the Choir’s role as a valued community arts organization.”
The Lullaby Project provided meaningful educational and emotional benefits for youth while offering the greater Grand Forks community a large‑scale cultural event celebrating children’s artistry. NDCA’s support ensured accessible, community-centered programming that enriches both local culture and young musicians across the region.
*Quick reminder: Applications for Round 2 of NDCA’s Community Arts Access grant are due September 20.
  ND Music Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees
*Content adapted from the official ND Music Hall of Fame 2026 Inductee Press Release.
BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Music Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, honoring six individuals and groups whose talent, creativity and dedication have helped shape the musical story of North Dakota -- and, in many cases, influenced audiences around the world.
The 2026 class spans generations and genres, from legendary dance-hall entertainers and pioneering broadcasters to award-winning producers, composers and educators. Each honoree represents a different chapter in North Dakota's rich and remarkably far-reaching musical heritage.
The 2026 inductees are:
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Greg Nelson - A Grammy‑winning composer and producer whose work, including the global standard “People Need the Lord,” shaped contemporary Christian music.
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Shadoe Stevens - A Jamestown native whose iconic broadcasting career, which stemmed from childhood radio to hosting American Top 40, made his voice one of the most recognizable in American media.
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The Tibor Brothers - A family band rooted in North Dakota’s country‑western tradition that grew from local barn dances to national stages across decades of performance.
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Dr. Tom Porter - A Mandan-born composer, conductor, and educator whose sacred and choral works, along with decades of teaching, have influenced generations of North Dakota musicians.
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Johnny Holm - A high‑energy showman known as the “Facilitator of Fun,” whose band has defined multigenerational live‑music culture across the Upper Midwest for over fifty years.
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Michael D. Clute - A pioneering digital‑recording producer and engineer whose Grammy‑winning Nashville career helped shape the sound of modern country music.
The six honorees will be formally inducted during the 2026 North Dakota Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Bismarck State College's ATC Theater.
The public is invited to attend and help celebrate the lives, careers and lasting legacies of the Class of 2026. Additional ceremony and ticket information are available through the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame website.
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Dolly Parton is an honorary citizen of Minot. During her only ND concert appearance on July 30, 1978, city officials went backstage at the Minot Auditorium to present her with a custom plaque officially adopting her into the community before she played for a packed crowd. |
Decades later, her connection to the state deepened as local United Way chapters and community foundations partnered with her Imagination Library program to mail free books to thousands of North Dakota children. Although she only visited the Peace Garden State that one time, her legendary impact will forever be felt in North Dakota.Â
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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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NOW OPEN:
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**Applications due at least 6 weeks before event.
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2027 Season Community Supported Art (CSA) Call for Applications (September 28)
The Arts Partnership invites performing artists, musicians, visual artists, writers and artisans to apply for the 2027 CSA program. Performing arts organizations are also welcome to apply but should know that there is limited space in which to perform, which may mean considering a smaller representation of your group.Â
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Creative Community Solutions Grant (September 30)
Creative Community Solutions is a grant program designed to support ND communities and organizations working to solve real problems in new and innovative ways. The program invests in ideas that have the potential to be developed, tested, and expanded across communities. Applicants are encouraged to identify the problem they are working to solve, describe their proposed solution, and explain how their idea could create opportunity and make North Dakota better for everyone.
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For North Dakota educators . . .
This flexible, cross‑disciplinary opportunity supports teachers in any subject area, such as art, social studies, English/language arts, history, science, agriculture, journalism, or photography, as they guide students in exploring their communities through documentary photography and oral history. Selected educators receive Smithsonian curriculum, virtual professional learning, and a $1,700 stipend, with an estimated 18‑hour commitment during the fall semester.
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FREE, three-day virtual arts integration residencies for K–8 classrooms
Focus 5 is partnering with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to offer FREE, three-day virtual arts integration residencies that connect visual art with classroom learning and give students the opportunity to learn directly with a teaching artist—all virtually, so schools can participate regardless of location.
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For individual artists ONLY . . .
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Miscellaneous Opportunities:
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Access/VSA Creative Careers Programs for Artists with Disabilities (Nov. 19):
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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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National Arts in Education Week
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NDCA Virtual Fall Board Meeting
- Monday, September 14, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
- E-mail <arts@nd.gov> to receive a link to join the meeting.
- Topics include: event planning for the Arts Convening, Governor’s Awards for the Arts, and the 60th Anniversary; board member updates; budget reports; and grant program discussions and approvals.
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National Endowment for the Arts 2026 Jazz Masters Tribute Concert
- Tuesday, September 15
- The 2026 Jazz Masters are Rhonda Hamilton, Carmen Lundy, Airto Moreira, and Patrice Rushen
- Concert will be available through a live webcast and radio broadcasts at 10:00 p.m. CDT with a recording made available to watch on-demand afterwards
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- Explores the extraordinary relationship between Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn, two of the twentieth century’s most influential literary voices.
- Attendees are welcome to attend any or all events in person, with a livestream option and recordings available for registered attendees.
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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.
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Minot Symphony Orchestra American Road Trip
- Saturday, September 26, 7:00 p.m.
- Ann Nicole Nelson Hall at MSU
- Experience the sweeping sounds of John Williams and Aaron Copland, along with the breathtaking artistry of guest violinist Nai-Yuan Hu performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.Â
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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.
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ND Travel Industry Marketing Summit
- Thursday, October 15, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. MDT at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Medora
- There is no cost to this Summit, but registration is still required.
- Connect with colleagues and learn about the 2027 media plan & upcoming marketing opportunities.
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ND State Historical Society Calendar of Events - Many arts & culture events and activities are happening throughout the state in the next month. They include, among others, "Create a braided rag rug coaster" Sept.12 at Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center (Williston), "Worldwide Spin in Public Day" activities Sept. 19 at Chateau de Morès State Historic Site (Medora), and "Make Your Own Red River Oxcart" at Pembina State Museum Oct. 17. |
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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 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.
Resources
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