 What an incredible two days!
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Statewide Arts Convening such a memorable success! We are grateful to our attendees, speakers, performers, staff, Board members, volunteers, community partners, and especially our sponsors for bringing together two inspiring days of learning, networking, artmaking, and celebration.
From engaging keynotes and breakout sessions to the outdoor block party featuring live music, cultural performances, food trucks, an artist marketplace, and arts activities for all ages, the convening showcased the best of North Dakota's creative community, with beautiful sunshine and temperatures in the 70s providing the perfect backdrop. Keynote recordings will be shared as they become available.
  We are already looking ahead to the next biennial convening in Fall 2028 and we need your help to make it even better. If you attended, please take a few minutes to complete the post-event survey and share your honest feedback so we can continue improving and growing this statewide gathering.
 October is OFFICIALLY Arts & Humanities Month in ND!
North Dakota officially kicked off Arts & Humanities Month with the signing of a proclamation by Governor Armstrong. Director Brenna Gerhardt of The Study (formerly Humanities ND) and NDCA Executive Director Jess Christy joined the Governor at the State Capitol to take a photo with the 2026 proclamation.
Governor Armstrong shared the following statement: “The arts and humanities are an essential part of what makes North Dakota the best place to live, work and raise a family. They help us understand our state’s rich history, celebrate our unique communities, inspire creativity in people of all ages, and strengthen the connections that bring us together. Investing in the arts and humanities is an investment in the people, culture and future of our state, and I’m proud to highlight their importance by proclaiming October as Arts & Humanities Month in North Dakota.”
Throughout October, North Dakotans are encouraged to support the arts by attending performances, visiting exhibits, purchasing local artwork, and taking part in hands-on creative activities. Whether you enjoy theater, dance, music, poetry, visual arts, or making something yourself, there are countless ways to celebrate the arts in your community this month.
 Celebrating Troyd Geist for 35 Years of Service as ND's Folklorist and 25 Years of Leadership with the Art for Life Program
Throughout his career, Troyd has helped preserve and promote the folk and traditional arts, heritage, and cultures that make North Dakota unique. He has championed the Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, helping ensure North Dakota's diverse living traditions continue to thrive by supporting master artists as they pass their skills, knowledge, and cultural heritage on to apprentices over an extended period of time.
A pioneer in the connection between arts, health, and aging, Troyd directed the original Art for Life pilot project and went on to develop a program that uses intensive art and artist interaction to improve the health and wellness of older adults. What began as a small initiative has grown into a statewide program recognized nationally for its impact on creative aging and community well-being.
In addition to his work with Art for Life, Troyd has authored books on folk arts and storytelling, produced recordings, curated major exhibits, and championed the traditions and stories of North Dakotans for more than three decades. His dedication has enriched lives, strengthened communities, and left a lasting legacy across the state.
Congratulations, Troyd, and thank you for your extraordinary service to the arts and people of North Dakota.
 Nominations OPEN for 2027 ND Governor's Awards for the Arts
The North Dakota Governor’s Awards for the Arts is a biennial program presented by the Governor’s Office and North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) to recognize organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts in the state.
The public is invited to nominate North Dakota artists and arts-related organizations for their good work in the field. The nomination window will be open through November 22, 2026.
Award Categories and Descriptions:
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Arts in Education Award: Recognizes outstanding contributions to arts learning that inspire creativity and cultivate connection.
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Arts Organization Award: Honors an organization whose work strengthens the arts, connects people, and expands participation across the state.
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Community Impact Award: Honors an individual, project, or group that uses the arts to deepen connections, respond to local needs, and strengthen community life.
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Cultural Heritage Award: Honors an individual whose knowledge, practice, and teaching are vital to the survival of cultural traditions and their communities in ND.
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Individual Achievement Award: Honors an individual whose sustained contributions have shaped and strengthened the arts in North Dakota.
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New Voices Award: Honors an individual early in their artistic or arts leadership career who is already making a meaningful contribution to North Dakota’s arts.
A committee will review the nominations and then final candidates will be submitted to the Governor for selection of the award winners. A special reception and award ceremony will be held during "Arts Day" at the North Dakota State Capitol on Thursday, February 11, 2027.
(REMINDER) - 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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