Call for Artists

• Call for Artists! Apply to Exhibit at The Other Art Fair Chicago
• Applications Close August 16, 2026
• Venue: Artifact Events, Chicago
• Event Dates: December 17-20, 2026
• APPLY HERE: https://www.theotherartfair.com/artists-apply/

The Grand Center for Arts & Culture (GCAC) is a nonprofit community hub for arts and cultural experiences housed in the former Grand Hotel building. We provide the community with an art gallery, private artist studio spaces, an arts education area, and live performance spaces. Our mission is “to enrich community life through arts and cultural education and experiences; and support local artists by offering them opportunities to develop and demonstrate their artistry.” 

GCAC is pleased to announce our artist residency program for the calendar year 2027. We are inviting guest artists to apply for a residency with the opportunity to use our Cellar Press studios — letterpress, printmaking, and bookbinding — to create works of art or as an integral part of their artistic practice. Residencies last two–three weeks, and while artists are not required to live in New Ulm, they are expected to spend a significant amount of time in the studios gaining skills and producing work. 

Applications are open June 1 – August 14, 2026. 

qualifications 

The Grand will host up to eight residents during the 2027 calendar year, with priority given to early career artists. To be considered “early career,” artists must have been generating work in their medium for 2-10 years outside of a degree-granting program. Students, recent graduates, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply, as well. The selection committee may choose to award one residency to an out-of-state artist, however, our priority is supporting Minnesota artists.  

Please note that we cannot accommodate pets during artist residencies. A spouse, family member, or friend may visit for a short time during the course of the residency (maximum of three nights stay).  

Benefits 

• Materials Stipend 

• Grand Membership: a $100 value 

• All-hours access to Cellar Press during residency period 

• Free lodging at The Grand Apartment (food not included) 

• Stipend of $300 per week paid to individual artists 

• Storage space for supplies and consumables 

• Participation in the Artist Residency Gallery Show held annually 

• Profiles in GCAC print and online communications 

EXPECTATIONS 

Artists-in-Residence are expected to: 

• Be a current resident of Minnesota. 

• Have some technical skills in the medium they pursue (GCAC staff will introduce artists to the specifics of Cellar Press equipment and available materials, and artists will complete a virtual equipment training). 

• Immerse themselves in a new or continuing body of work. 

• Work independently in the GCAC Cellar Press studio. 

• Lead a public (virtual and/or in-person) community project. Examples include public demonstrations; teaching a class on printmaking or book arts; presenting an activity for public engagement at a farmer’s market or festival; a public art installation or performance; leading a workshop at one of our summer Kid’s Creativity Camps; designing and carving a series of linoleum blocks for The Grand’s use at events, demonstrations, etc. Feel free to propose an idea other than what is listed here! 

• Provide The Grand with at least two works produced during the residency for The Grand’s exclusive use. 

• Maintain a safe and clean working area. 

• Complete an exit interview upon the completion of the residency.  

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must be actively engaged in an artistic practice with an interest in book arts, letterpress, or printmaking. Artists are expected to spend significant time in the studios and produce works (either as a part of an exploration, a limited series, or a cohesive body of work), and have a willingness to demonstrate their practice through informal and/or formal presentation.  

Applicants must submit the following items in two documents, saved as either doc, docx, or pdf files: 

Document 1: 

• Artist resume (3 page maximum). 

• Artist statement or bio (approx. 300 words maximum). 

• Project proposal (approx. 500 words maximum). Applicants are required to submit a realistic proposal that demonstrates their vision and how they will utilize GCAC studios and equipment. 

• Community component proposal (approx. 300 words maximum). Applicants are required to describe their ideas for a community outreach component of their proposal which meets the expectations outlined above. 

• 2027 Availability. 

Document 2: 

• Six-eight image samples. Applicants are required to submit a minimum of six and a maximum of eight image samples. Images should be presented as a portfolio with the following information appearing along with the image: title, medium, size, and year completed. The maximum file size for the portfolio is 40 MB. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE/Details 

All materials must be submitted via application form on The Grand’s website by Friday, August 14^th, 2026, at 3 PM CST. 

Artists will be notified by late October 2026.  

The earliest residency may begin in January 2027 (residency dates to be negotiated with artists). 

GCAC STUDIOS AND EQUIPMENT 

The Cellar Press artist studio at The Grand is well equipped with both state-of-the-art and vintage presses and other letterpress tools, including: an SP-15 Vandercook press (non-motorized), a Vandercook 215 (motorized inking), a Vandercook 1 proofing press, Showcard Press, several small Platen presses, a 1938 Kluge, and a Takach 24’ by 36’ etching press. We have a large collection of vintage metal and wood type, as well as printing ink for use in the studio. Our bookbinding equipment includes a variety of hand tools for leather tooling, a board shear, Advance guillotine paper cutter, Ideal Kutrimmer, Kwikprint foil stamper, finishing press, nipping presses, and job backerSELECTION PROCESS 

Applications are reviewed, via blind evaluation, by a jury of GCAC staff and area artist professionals. Applicants are evaluated and selected based on the quality of the materials submitted, with the most weight given to the project proposal and work samples, and with special consideration given to early career artists. Artists with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply. We encourage artists that identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or artists with disabilities to apply. All artists will be notified in late October 2026.  

People’s Choice Art Competition with cash prizes

The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance (PRCA) in Morris, Minn., is looking for artists to compete in the Fall Into Art Festival art competition — with cash prizes — on Sept. 12, 2026, at East Side Park in Morris.

The theme for the art competition is “CELEBRATING THE PRAIRIE.” We are looking for original THREE-DIMENSIONAL artworks that include prairie motifs, such as nature, flora or fauna, history, or culture.

These could be sculptures in any medium; 3-D artworks in wood, metal, ceramic, fiber, found materials, glass, mosaic, concrete, mixed media; furniture; garden or yard art; planters, bird baths, rain barrel art, etc. Be creative and push the boundaries of three-dimensional art! All sizes are accepted. Artworks should have a minimum value of $100. All contest entries will be eligible for cash prizes and a free artist booth.

The Fall Into Art Festival is a fundraiser to benefit the PRCA, a local, volunteer arts organization celebrating its 23rd year. Contest entries will be considered donations to the PRCA and will be auctioned off in a live auction following the contest.

How to participate in the Fall Into Art Festival Art Contest

1. Create a 3-D artwork with a prairie motif to enter the contest. All works of art entered in the contest are eligible for $600 in cash prizes, to be awarded by audience voting on the day of the festival. People’s choice awards will be given for 1st ($300), 2nd ($200), and 3rd place ($100.00). All works of art entered in the contest will be considered donations to the PRCA (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and will be auctioned off in a live auction following the contest. Auction proceeds will benefit the PRCA.

2. Every artist who donates an artwork to the art contest also gets a FREE vendor space to display and /or sell their artwork during the festival.

3. Contest art must be original, have a prairie motif, and be viewable in three dimensions (contest does not include traditional photography, prints, or paintings). 3-D works may be any size and medium.

4. Register your artwork by September 7, by e-mailing prca@prairierenaissance.orgname, address, phone number, and the value of your artwork. It would be very helpful if you could include a photo of your contest piece. Also indicate if you would like to have a booth to display or sell your artwork.

5. Bring your artwork to Eastside Park, East 7 St., Morris, MN on Saturday, Sept. 12, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. This free outdoor art festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.and includes live music from two bands, food trucks and beverages, art vendors, and free art activities for the whole family.

PRCA is also looking for artists vendors to participate in the festival.

For more information or questions, contact Diane Trew at 320-314-2262, or email her at prca@prairierenaissance.org

PRCA 630 Atlantic Ave., Morris, MN 56267 320-585-5037 •prca@prairierenaissance.org

The Barn Theatre will be hosting the show Cinderella the Musical from June 4–21, and we are putting out a Call for Art to accompany the production. We welcome all forms of artwork—painting, drawing, collage, pottery, sculpture, and more—for display during the 2026 run of the show.

About the show:

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs and classic characters. Magic and dreams can really come true. Family friendly musical for all ages.

Exhibit Theme: Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

We are seeking artwork inspired by the theme “Bibbity Bobbity Boo” for a special exhibit held alongside a production of Cinderella. Artists are encouraged to explore themes of enchantment, dreams, change, wonder, fantasy, and the unexpected moments that transform ordinary life into something extraordinary

A note on exhibit fees:

To help sustain and grow our arts programming, the Willmar Area Arts Council is reintroducing a small entry fee for Barn Theatre exhibits, something we’ve done in the past. These fees, along with memberships and donations, go directly toward supporting low-cost and free arts programming in our community. As funding opportunities change, support from artists and community members truly makes these creative opportunities possible.

· Entry fee: $5 for non-members

· WAAC members: Free to enter

Artwork drop-off:

Please drop off artwork at the Barn Theatre during open hours (Wednesday–Friday, 10:00am–4:00pm).

The final drop-off deadline is Friday, May 29 at 4:00pm.

The Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee (CAEAC) is issuing a Call for Proposals for art exhibitions in the 3rd Floor Exhibit Gallery of the Minnesota State Capitol. This Call for Proposals applies to the 2028 calendar year; three exhibitions will be selected.

Application Overview

Applicants who apply for the 2028 Call for Proposal series will follow a 2-Step process: 

Step 1
Applicants respond to preliminary questions regarding their exhibit proposal; they are asked to provide sample images of their work.

The CAEAC will review all Step 1 applications and narrow the selection (based on the provided scoring criteria); applicants who move forward will be invited to participate in Step 2.

Step 2
Invited applicants are asked to provide additional details regarding their exhibit proposal, as well as images of all exhibit didactics.

Additional exhibit details may be requested by the CAEAC, or by administrative support as a part of the review process. The Minnesota Capitol Preservation Commission (CPC) will have final determination of recommended exhibitions; the final selection will be announced by January 2027.

Timeline

• May 1 – June 15, 2026: Applications accepted for the 2028 Call for Proposal series
• By Aug. 10, 2026: Select applicants are invited to apply for Step 2 in the 2028 Call for Proposal series
• Sept. 14, 2026: Step 2 applications are due for the 2028 Call for Proposal series
• By January 2027: Finalists are announced for the 2028 Call for Proposal series

Q&A Sessions

Please join a question and answer session to hear more about the opportunity to exhibit your art at the Capitol. There will be two identical information sessions facilitated by the committee’s chair and vice chair, held virtually via Zoom. Bring your questions, or join to listen.

• Monday, June 1, 5:30-6:30pm: Zoom Link
• Friday, June 5, noon-1pm: Zoom Link

Requirements for Proposed Exhibitions

Exhibits must comply with (at least) one of the criteria outlined in Minnesota Statues 15B.36―that art exhibits should tell Minnesota stories and engage people to: 

1. reflect on Minnesota history;
2. understand Minnesota government;
3. recognize the contributions of Minnesota’s diverse peoples;
4. inspire citizen engagement; and
5. appreciate the varied landscapes of Minnesota. 

Proposals will be evaluated based on the depth by which the art addresses these requirements and the provided scoring criteria. 

Who May Apply

Applications may be accepted from individuals, organizations, or culture bearers. The applicants, or person coordinating the exhibit for an organization, must be 18 years of age (or older) to apply.

Scope

Proposed exhibitions may present in a variety of visual art mediums, primarily 2-dimensional with a limited capability for 3-dimensional works (or other forms) that can be reasonably and appropriately accommodated in the available spaces and are consistent with artistic themes laid out in Minnesota Statutes 15B.36. 

Exhibitions will be installed on the walls of the 3rd Floor Exhibit Gallery (predominantly by picture rail); a limited number of display cases are available for accompanying 3-dimensional work. Gallery dimensions and elevations are published on the Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee’s website.

All selected exhibitions will include a catered reception, marketing materials (including labels), and promotion through event listings and social media.

Other Considerations

• Exhibitions must be available, as proposed and installation-ready, during the 2028 calendar year for this Call for Proposal series.
  
• The 3rd Floor Exhibit Gallery falls within the Minnesota State Capitol’s policy on solicitation whereas your art may not be for sale in the gallery. While you may not offer art for sale or solicit donations, you may leave a guest book or your contact information (business cards, “contact the artist” list, etc.).
  
• Exhibitors will bear the cost of transporting their work and will not be compensated for the use of the work; neither transportation or installation should cause harm or damage to the property. Department of Administration staff will install all artwork. The artist or curator can provide input in collaboration with the Minnesota Historical Society, which supports the CAEAC.
  
• The exhibition should be sufficiently sized to fit the 3rd Floor Exhibit Gallery space. As an example for scale of the gallery dimensions, for an exhibition that consists of framed works 24-inch in width, approximately 30 framed works can be comfortably accommodated. Various sizes and installation designs may be considered.

How to Apply

Complete this 2028 Call for Proposal Application form (username: capitol.art@mnhs.org, password: Minn?sota2028?). Within the application form, you will be asked to submit 5-10 representative images of the artwork that you propose to exhibit (.jpg format up to 10 MB in size). Each image should be labeled with your name (Last_First), and the image number. Example: Frida Kahlo’s images would be labeled: Kahlo_Frida_01, Kahlo_Frida_02, and so on. Hard copy forms and electronic (or hard copy) images may be submitted via mail, or delivered in-person to:

Minnesota History Center
attn: Lindsey Rulon-Miller
345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Evaluation of Proposed Exhibitions

Submissions will be reviewed by the Minnesota Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee in an open, public meeting and evaluated based on the 2028 Call for Proposals Scoring Guide. Artists/organizations that have submitted proposals will be able to observe, but not participate, in the review meeting. Based on the review, the committee will develop a list of exhibitions to recommend to the Minnesota Capitol Preservation Commission. The committee will work to develop a balanced list that addresses the five themes for artwork that are outlined in Minnesota Statutes; includes work from different disciplines, mediums, or genres; and includes a variety of artistic voices. The Minnesota Capitol Preservation Commission has the final say on which exhibitions are displayed in the Minnesota State Capitol.

To be considered for the 2028 Call for Proposal series, completed submissions (form and images) must be received by midnight on Monday, June 15, 2026.

Questions about the application process can be directed to Lindsey Rulon-Miller (Capitol & MNHS Sites Art Program Specialist, Minnesota Historical Society) at lindsey.rulon-miller@mnhs.org.

FAQ

Q. How does the application process work?
A. Applicants may apply between May 1 and June 15, 2026 for the 2028 Call for Proposal series. Select applicants will be invited to continue on to the second step in the process; they will be notified by Aug. 10, 2026. Finalists will be announced by January 2027.

Q. What are the deadlines?
A. Step 1 applications must be received by midnight on Monday, June 15, 2026. Select applicants will be invited to apply for Step 2; deadlines will be communicated to applicants who move forward in the process.

Q. Who decides which proposals are successful?
A. The Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee will review all applications and evaluate based on the 2028 Call for Proposal Scoring Guide. The Minnesota Capitol Preservation Commission has the final say on which exhibitions are displayed in the Minnesota State Capitol.

Q. Can I submit a proposal on behalf of an organization or another person?
A. Yes. The organization or individual whose art is being represented will need to provide consent in later steps in the application process.

Q. Can I sell work that is displayed in the 3rd Floor Exhibit Gallery?
A. No. The 3rd Floor Exhibit Gallery falls within the Minnesota State Capitol’s policy on solicitation whereas your art may not be for sale in the gallery. While you may not offer art for sale or solicit donations, you may leave a guest book or your contact information (business cards, “contact the artist” list, etc.).

Q. Who pays for costs related to installation, travel, supplies, frames, mounts, etc?
A. Exhibitors will bear the cost of transporting their work and will not be compensated for the use of the work; neither transportation or installation should cause harm or damage to the property. Department of Administration staff will install all artwork.

Q. What sources of funding are available to support my work, if my proposal is selected?
A. Applicants may apply for state or regional support (grants); please contact your regional arts council to learn more about financial support.

Q. What is the role of the Minnesota Historical Society?
A. The Minnesota Historical Society provides administrative support for the Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee; they are not a voting member of the committee.

Q. Who do I contact with questions about the proposal or program?
A. Lindsey Rulon-Miller, Capitol & MNHS Sites Art Program Specialist at lindsey.rulon-miller@mnhs.org

Q: How do I submit my images?
A. You will need to log into the 2028 Call for Proposal application form with username: capitol.art@mnhs.org, password: Minn?sota2028? to submit your images; image submission is available within the application form. Each image should be labeled with your name (Last_First), and the image number. Example: Frida Kahlo’s images would be labeled: Kahlo_Frida_01, Kahlo_Frida_02, and so on.

This program is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

As administrative support to the Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee, The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to partner with the broad diversity of artists that exhibit in this public art gallery.

The Minnesota State Fair is accepting proposals from Minnesota performing artists and performing arts organizations that would like to share their work with 2026 Minnesota State Fair audiences in short pop-up performances as part of the Arts A’Fair program. Proposals must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10. Visit https://www.mnstatefair.org/get-involved/entertainers/#arts-afair for more information and to find the link to the 2026 Request for Proposals form.

Contact Arts A’Fair Program Manager Dudley Voigt (dudleyvoigt@gmail.com) with any questions about the Arts A’Fair project.

In January 2026, the National Loon Center in Crosslake, Minnesota invites artists to submit proposals for a site-specific art installation in the entry vestibule of its upcoming state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to open in early 2027. This installation should reflect the Center’s mission to protect loon habitats and freshwater ecosystems, providing an immersive experience that educates and inspires visitors about the importance of loons and lake conservation. The chosen artist will receive a maximum budget of $250,000, and their work will become a permanent feature, welcoming guests into a space dedicated to conservation, education and community involvement. See the documents below for more information on schedules and how to apply

It is time to show off your skills, hobby, & talents at our fair! This fair is to showcase our local artisans, get creative minds in one setting to let them showcase their talents! Let’s enjoy an afternoon together, networking, “ooo & ahh”-ing, and enjoying local hobbyists on display!

*those attending, think of it as an art exhibit event!*

Hobbyists Wanted!

Looking for enthusiasts of:
Art of All Medium
Books/Reading/Writing
Building
Collecting
Cooking
Crafts
Gaming
Gardening
Informative Organizations
Learning/ Education
Music
Photography
Sewing/Threads
Sports/Athletics

Event Information:
Saturday, Feb. 28
2-4pm
$5.00/booth
Willmar Community Center

Each booth is one 6ft or 8ft table.
40 spots available.

What we would like to see at your table:
– Info about your hobby, brief description, cost information that goes into your hobby, supplies.
– Display items related to your hobby, and ability to demonstrate for public, if applicable.
– Items can be for sale if vendor chooses to, but must be only items related to registered hobby.

Interested in joining the event? Register here: https://willmarparksandrec.recdesk.com/…/Program/Detail…

Contact Britta @
320-262-5288 or bdiem@willmarmn.gov

**NOT A VENDOR SALE**

Calling for Art inspired by the legacy of MLK!!

Complete artwork and have form link found below filled out by JANUARY 16th, 2026.

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSed0vk1RnDm2s…/viewform