Monthly Archives

February 2021

Grant Support Virtual Open Office:: the second Tuesday of the month

by SMAC February 26, 2021

written by SMAC

NEXT EVENT: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
SW MN Arts Council hosts grant support open office hours the second Tuesday of each month. While we continue to take COVID-19 precautions, these open office hours will be virtual via GoToMeeting, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. You can use this time with SW MN Arts Council staff to talk through project ideas or get help with finding the right grant program, filling out your application, preparing work samples or budgets, or completing your final report. Join the virtual meeting here: https://zoom.us/j/98280890625?pwd=L2FPaVdhWU9UeUozUDBxTEZYaG1ZQT09
Meeting ID: 982 8089 0625
Passcode: 433868

If joining by landline, find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acqvVqZ9F2

As always, feel free to call (800-622-5284) or email us ( info@swmnarts.org ) any time with your questions if this option doesn’t work for you.

February 26, 2021 0 comment

News Opportunities Press Releases Public Art Resources Visual

“Get to Know Granite Falls: Then & Now” Calls Artists

by SMAC February 24, 2021

written by SMAC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Get to Know Granite Falls: Then & Now” Calls Artists

Call Closes March 31, 2021

View pdf with more details by clicking here

GRANITE FALLS, MN – The Granite Area Arts Council (GAAC) and Granite Falls Economic Development Authority (EDA) are calling for visual artists to help the City transform the riverfront plaza, riverside parks and downtown with an outdoor art installment. The visual works of art will be installed on public benches that will last for years to come.

Artists may choose from six categories to inspire their work(s) of art. The GAAC and City Council will use a rubric to select fifteen works that will be digitally reproduced on vinyl wrap and adhered to lumber planks to create a functional bench with black wrought iron sides. The visual art works will serve as an interpretative exhibit of significant Granite Falls’ arts, heritage, culture and natural amenities.

Artwork may be created at 50-percent (12” high x 36” long) or 25-percent scale (6” high x 18” long) using watercolor, oil, acrylic, gouache, fresco, tempera, pastel encaustic, enamel, ink, charcoal, graphite, chalk, or pastel. For best results, any work should be matte finish.

View categories, compensation, jury details, and submission guidelines at granitefallseda.com

Artists with questions may contact Tamara Isfeld: tisfeld@isd2190.org; 320-894-0813.

Sketch submissions are due March 31, 2021. Artists are to submit the following:

Artist Bio – one page with contact information (email/phone)

Sketch(s) of visual work for “Get to Know Granite Falls: Then & Now”

Artist Statement up to 300 words, include category of Granite Falls interest

2-5 Work Samples with description (100-250 words) each

Email Submissions can be sent via email or via Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer to Granite Falls Economic Development Authority at linda.mathiasen@granitefalls.com. Submissions may be dropped off or mailed to Granite Area Arts Council, 807 Prentice Street, Granite Falls, MN 56241 or at Granite Falls City Hall, Attn: EDA, 641 Prentice Street, Granite Falls, MN 56241.

Selected artists will be notified by email/phone and by posting on the GAAC website, www.granitefallsarts.org, on Wednesday, April 21, by 10 p.m. Final works are due May 31.

Granite Falls Economic Development Authority (EDA) received a $7,000 grant from Southwest Minnesota Arts Council for a 2021 City Beautification Project: “Get to Know Granite Falls – Then & Now.” This activity is funded in part with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council made possible by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Linda Mathiasen, Executive Director

Granite Falls Economic Development Authority

641 Prentice Street, Granite Falls, MN 56241

linda.mathiasen@granitefalls.com

320-269-1878

February 24, 2021 0 comment

Classes Events News Opportunities Resources Visual Workshops

Online: Work of Art Workshops for Artists

by SMAC February 24, 2021

written by SMAC

These classes are available first come first serve. These classes are NOT recorded so you must be there to listen in.

Get the full details and register here:

https://springboardforthearts.org/work-of-art-workshops-umvrdc/

Work of Art+ Workshops – UMVRDC

These workshops are for Meander artists and artists/businesses living within the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission service area: Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift and Yellow Medicine counties. https://umvrdc.org/about-the-region/

Springboard for the Arts will be offering the following virtual workshops on Zoom. Participation via computer is recommended, however, joining the workshop by phone is also an option if internet or computer access is a barrier.

Work of Art+: e-Commerce Basics
Date: Tue, Mar 2, 6:30 – 9:00 PM CST
Learn how to maximize your online sales with Big Cartel, Etsy, Shopify, SquareSpace and other platforms. We will discuss how to accept payments, and package and ship your work.

Work of Art+: Website Skills for Artists
Date: Tue, Mar 16, 6:30 – 9:00 PM CST
Learn about user-friendly website organization and design, how to maximize your online presence, and the basics of DIY website building on hosting services like WordPress and Squarespace.

Recording: These workshops will not be recorded.
Captions: These workshops will be captioned using AI Live Transcription on Zoom.
Tuition: Free. If you have questions, please call 651-292-4381 or email info@springboardforthearts.org.

Registration:

Contact: Kristi Fernholz, Planning Director

W: 320.289.1981 x106 C: 320.226.5720
323 West Schlieman Ave. Appleton, MN 56208

RDC logo - square, with tagline Get Rural Circle - PNG

www.umvrdc.org | www.prairiewaters.com | www.mnrivervalley.com| www.artsmeander.com

February 24, 2021 0 comment

Events News Opportunities Resources Theatrical Interests

Call for artists from MN for New London Little Theatre’s Small Stages Artist Residency program

by SMAC February 23, 2021

written by SMAC

Call for artists from MN for New London Little Theatre’s Small Stages Artist Residency program

Click here for the pdf version of the Call for Artists

Application deadline for August 2021 residency: April 11, 2021

New London Little Theatre invites place-based performance artists who are residents or returning residents of the State of Minnesota to apply to New London’s inaugural Small Stages Artist Residency. This program is an opportunity for one performance artist to develop, expand, deepen or adapt their practice in place-based performance-making to interactive art experiences, or performance installations designed for small audiences of 1 to 12 people. They hope this program will create new approaches for how their citizens engage with each other and with shared spaces, especially in this time of isolation, divisiveness and uncertainty. Applications for this 4-week residency in August 2021 are due at 4:59 p.m. CST on Sunday, April 11, 2021.

Devised to safely provide art experiences at a time when gathering in large groups is unsafe due to COVID-19, Small Stages is an opportunity to create performances or art experiences designed for small audiences or audiences of 1. This uniquely impactful style of interaction hopes to break through insularity and isolation, overcome cultural and communication barriers and inspire new perspectives and open conversations. Thanks to support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the selected artist will receive a $4000 stipend and $3000 budget for production and engagement, documentation support, travel and groceries. Lodging and studio space will be provided.

Based at the New London Little Theatre, a 100-year-old art space and music hall, the Small Stages Artist Residency is an ideal fit for performance artists whose practice demonstrates exceptional cultural competency, an emphasis on process and the ability to build authentic, reciprocal relationships.

Little Theatre’s goal, in partnership with the New London Arts & Culture Alliance, is for connections made between the participating artist and the New London-Spicer community to outlast the residency period. They believe this engagement-driven program has the potential to serve as the first step in a longer-term process, led by the artist and the community, of creating meaningful and impactful placemaking experiences.

The application deadline for New London Little Theatre’s 2021 Small Stages Artist Residency program is 4:59 p.m. CST on Sunday, April 11, 2021. Complete application guidelines can be found at https://newlondonlittletheatre.org/small-stages. Eligible artists must submit their application materials to info@nlartsalliance.org. For more information contact Bethany Lacktorin at info@nlartsalliance.org.

The New London Little Theatre Small Stages Artist Residency was made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Creative Support for Organizations grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
And sponsored by: New London Arts Alliance

February 23, 2021 0 comment

Gallery News Opportunities Resources Visual

Hutchinson Center for the Arts Seeks Exhibition Proposals

by SMAC February 20, 2021

written by SMAC

Call for Exhibition Proposals for Hutchinson Center for the Arts (HCA) 2022 Visual Arts Exhibition Season.

Seeking submissions for Solo, Duo, or Group Shows. Open to Minnesota artists from all career stages 18 and older.

BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and artists with disabilities* encouraged to apply.

* HCA’s venue is ADA compliant and we have resources to offer exhibition installation support.

All proposals should include the following information:

– Artist statement/bio/why and/or how you want to engage with the Hutchinson Center for the Arts audience (1 page maximum)

– Resumé

– Representative images (8-10 images) no larger than 2500 X 4200 or 300 dpi.

– Checklist to accompany images (title, date, medium, dimensions)

– E-mail address and link to website(if applicable)

Email submissions to director@hutchinsonarts.org with the subject line 2021 Exhibit Proposal.

Entry Deadline May 1, 2021.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Bergh at director@hutchinsonarts.org

February 20, 2021 0 comment

News Opportunities Resources

Granite Falls seeks artisans for their Maker’s Markets this summer

by SMAC February 19, 2021

written by SMAC

Granite Falls is seeking artisans for their Maker’s Market this summer. https://www.granitefallsarts.org/makers-market

If you’ve grown it, cooked it, preserved it, or made it, you can sell it!

Early registration ($10 per vendor) ends April 1. Registration after April 1st will be $15. Register at the link above for all Makers Markets you would like to secure a spot for. Registration funds will guarantee you a space at the Market and go towards marketing and set up.

The 2021 Granite Falls Maker’s Markets will be held on the first Thursday of each summer month, June through September, 4-7 PM. Enjoy live music, creative vendors and summer fun along the Minnesota River in downtown Granite Falls.

Music for the markets are funded by a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council -made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund and an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund.

February 19, 2021 0 comment

News Opportunities Public Art Resources Visual

Open Call for Artists: Creative Crosswalks in Granite Falls

by SMAC February 19, 2021

written by SMAC

Open Call for Artists:
Creative Crosswalks in Granite Falls

All submissions due at midnight March 31 (CST).

Click here for the pdf with more information.

Creative Crosswalks in Granite Falls invites all artists dwelling in or originating from the Minnesota River Valley to be part of a public art project to lift up local arts and storytelling, and encourage and celebrate community engagement in the City of Granite Falls. 18 crosswalks around the Granite Area schools and downtown will be repainted as street murals under the unified theme of “storytelling” in the spring of 2021, with the aim of increasing public safety by discouraging traffic speeding in these areas, encouraging visible pedestrian traffic and safety, offering enlivened paths that community members and visitors can delight in walking, and showcasing the extraordinarily rich and diverse tapestry of artists local to the region.
A reminder of the power of story and art in a time of hardship, this project will serve as a point of community pride and encourage thinking about simple public spaces as places to enjoy. The future is bright in rural Minnesota.
We look to artists to ignite our imaginations, awaken us to the beauty of our surroundings, and to lift up stories – big and small – to hear and remember as we move into the future together.

There is no fee to apply.

Project Outline
The crosswalks we are interested in including in this initiative fall into two groups: the crosswalks surrounding and connecting the local high, middle, and elementary schools; and the crosswalks down along main street. Possible crosswalks for painting are circled below.

The community-wide theme for all the crosswalks will be “storytelling.”

Artist Compensation and Support
We value the talent, time, and labor of all artists; and we deeply appreciate your interest in offering yours in support of our community. All materials will be paid for by the City of Granite Falls, and each artist will receive a $450 stipend as well as public City recognition for their work. Documentation of the process, as well as notification of all press releases, will be made available for the chosen artists to use in promoting their work.

Artist Eligibility
All artists dwelling in or originating from the Minnesota River Valley, at any stage of their career and specializing in any mediums, are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to those artists who have a past or present relationship to the Granite Falls area, Upper Sioux, and Lower Sioux. Artists are welcome to apply alone or as collaborators.
Artist / Design Selection

The project as a whole and design selections will be shepherded by local artist, teacher and Granite Area Arts Council President Tamara Isfeld, and Granite Falls City-Artist-in-Residence Dani Prados
Design selection will be based on:

- Design addresses a compelling subject; depicts a story worth telling
- Clarity of story being told (this does not mean we will favor realism over other styles of expression; merely that the story you are telling should come across in the way you intend)
- Relationship of the design / story to the area of Granite Falls
- Creativity of design
- Quality of style and composition / uniqueness of voice
- Confidence of the selection committee in the artist’s ability to execute the design
- Emerging artists, and artists less experienced in the medium of murals and street art, are encouraged to apply.
- Artists are welcome to submit more than one design (see submission guidelines below for details)
- We are hoping to engage local artists and student artists of diverse backgrounds with a range of styles and stories to tell

Materials & Maintenance

McMaster-Carr line-marking paint in aerosol cans are specially formulated to be bright, reflective, and asphalt-adherent, and will be the only paint allowed to be used *Do not be deterred if you have never worked with this paint before; or even aerosol paint before; artists will be given extra materials for testing prior to design finalization or street painting days. It’s fun to play with something new!
A combination of artist-made stencils and free-style painting can be used
Safety goggles & aerosol masks will be provided to all artists

Submission guidelines
Please review the following guidelines closely and direct any questions to Dani Prados at cair@publictransformation.org.

1. Fill out the submission form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0Y_xdq6NuJkFOkL-phehjA6QB3fVmCfrjfWZlSqU4PukQ3w/viewform?usp=sf_link

2. Submit the following on Dropbox (free accounts available):

1. Resume (PDF if possible, other file types are accepted but not preferred)
2. PDF with the following:

1. 1. Design Proposal: 250 – 1000 words on your concept for a crosswalk mural. Please include a corresponding sketch or mock-up, as per below. Artists are encouraged to submit as many separate crosswalk designs as they would like, up to 5. If you are submitting more than one design, each should have its own written proposal and corresponding sketch.
  2. Work Sample Descriptions: 100-250 words each, 2-5

1. Work samples, 2-5, any medium (see below for accepted file formats)
2. Any sketches, drafts of your crosswalk design, or additional materials. Photos of sketchbooks perfectly acceptable.

Proposal, resume and work samples should be submitted via Dropbox. Please submit all materials as individual documents in a Dropbox folder. (Note some people have had trouble accessing the free Dropbox level, it is called basic and can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/basic . If Dropbox is not an option for you please contact cair@publictransformation.org and other arrangements can be made.)

“Share” your folder with cair@publictransformation.org and include link to Dropbox folder in the online application form. Click here for instructions on how to share your folder.

Title all files with your name (last name first), the item, and no extraneous spaces or punctuation. For example: LastnameFirstnameResume.pdf, LastnameFirstnameWorksample1.jpg. Please format all as PDF, JPG, or PNG files. Due to their large size, please send audio/video samples as links if possible or contact cair@publictransformation.org for other submission options.

Design process

ARTIST CALL opens February 19, 2021.
Submissions close March 31, 2021.
Artist Selection and Student Artist selection announced April 8, 2021.
April 17th, a meeting is convened with all chosen local and student artists to discuss the theme and present their designs (each artist or team is given five minutes), for theme unity and cohesion and cross-pollinating inspiration between artists. The meeting will be held over zoom as necessary for Covid-safety.
Project Managers are available for artist consults and note sessions for artists and teams.
April 2021 test materials are distributed to artists and artist teams, along with notes on original design proposals from Project Managers.
May 3rd, Final Designs are Submitted for Approval to City Council.
May 4th, Final Designs are Submitted to County Council for final approval.
Any notes and adjustments presented for approval as necessary to City Council May 17, 2021.
Accounting for weather, the actual painting will occur over a 1-2 day period in late May (expected Sat/Sun May 29-30) 2021.
Pressure-washing by Granite Falls Public Works the day before.
Artists will have between 10am-6pm (to be approved by City Council) with the streets shut down for two consecutive days to accomplish their painting and allow for drying time.
June 2021: Celebrate our new Creative Crosswalks with a community event!

NOTE: All design & implementation processes will be done with appropriate Covid-safe procedural restrictions. Granite Falls does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or national origin.

We look forward to your submissions, and to the power of your imagination.

Gracias. Thank you. Pidamayaye.

Granite Falls is stepping up as a leader of community and civic engagement, art and artistry. Please keep an eye out for other upcoming artist and vendor calls, including:

OPEN NOW! 2021 Makers Market : https://www.granitefallsarts.org/makers-market
February 23rd: Visual Artist Call for Granite Bench Installation
March 4th: Student Artist Call: Creative Crosswalks

February 19, 2021 0 comment

News Opportunities Resources

COVID-19 Resource Roundup from Arts Midwest

by SMAC February 19, 2021

written by SMAC

February 2021
COVID-19
Resource Roundup

Resource guides for relief funding, new grant opportunities, and creative inspiration. It’s all in this month’s resource roundup.

Resources: 2021 COVID-19 Relief for Arts Organizations
Research: The Arts and Economic Recovery
Report: Buying Behavior and a Timeline to Return to Theaters
Data: Museum Visitors Expect Better Mask Enforcement
Grant: Arts Midwest GIG Fund

Click here to read the full roundup!

February 19, 2021 0 comment

Literary Interests News Opportunities Resources

Do you know someone who should be Minnesota’s Next Poet Laureate? Could it be you?

by SMAC February 18, 2021

written by SMAC

The process to name Minnesota’s next Poet Laureate is underway. The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), along with Minnesota’s Center for the Book, is launching the process to solicit nominations and make recommendations to the Governor for Minnesota’s next Poet Laureate. Deadline for submission of nominations is March 7, 2021. More details at mnhum.org/get-involved/participate/minnesota-poet-laureate/.

MHC is responsible for soliciting nominations for the Poet Laureate appointment and making recommendations to the Governor. After receiving recommendations from MHC, the Governor will appoint a state Poet Laureate and conduct appropriate ceremonies to honor the person appointed. The person appointed as Poet Laureate continues to serve in this position until the Governor appoints another person.

Additionally, MHC seeks a diverse group of individuals familiar with poetry and enthusiastic about the role of Minnesota’s Poet Laureate to participate in an independent Review Panel. The role of the Review Panel is to assess all nominations received and make recommendations for Minnesota’s next Poet Laureate. The process to assemble a Review Panel will start early next week.

Contact: Casey DeMarais | Director of Strategic Partnerships

Minnesota Humanities Center | 987 Ivy Avenue East | Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106

PH 651-772-4278 | 866-268-7293, ext. 278

casey@mnhum.org | www.mnhum.org

February 18, 2021 0 comment

Grant Opportunities News Opportunities Resources

Springboard for the Arts Announces Artists Respond: Equitable Rural Futures

by SMAC February 17, 2021

written by SMAC

Announcing Artists Respond: Equitable Rural Futures

Springboard for the Arts, with support from the Blandin Foundation, is excited to announce Artists Respond: Equitable Rural Futures, a new funding opportunity for artists and creatives in small towns and rural places in Minnesota.

The murder of George Floyd and other Black lives at the hands of police, increased polarization across geographies and ideologies, and the rise in emboldened white supremacist groups, has led to necessary conversations and action that advance equity and racial justice in rural communities.

To support the creative work that is essential to this movement, Springboard invites artists and creatives in rural places and small towns in Minnesota to propose projects that center BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or People of Color), Native, and LGBTQIA+ experiences and perspectives in rural and tribal communities, create safe and supportive spaces for connection, confront truth about historic harms, bring non-dominant stories into light, and/or address racism, homophobia and/or transphobia. Whether using music and dance, food, craft and traditional art, public art, fashion and design, the mail or local media, we know rural artists can play an important role in helping their communities imagine and build a more just and equitable future for all.

Culture bearers, makers, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, performers and other creatives in rural and tribal communities of 25,000 people or less in Minnesota are invited to apply for project support of up to $2500, with priority given to BIPOC, Native and/or LGBTQIA+ led proposals. Application deadline is Friday, April 2 at 11:59pm.

Find out more about the call, see the application, and register for a March 5 info session at their website: https://springboardforthearts.org/artists-respond-equitable-rural-futures/

Artist Respond Equitable Rural Futures. $2500 Grants for Artist Projects, 42/21 deadline. Springboardforthearts.org/artists-respond-equitable-rural-futures/. Springboard for the arts.

February 17, 2021 0 comment

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