Northern Arts News
October 2020
Region 2 Arts Council
News & Updates

In an effort to best support your access to our staff, please note that our office schedule is currently on a staff rotation cycle. As always, please call ahead to ensure someone is available to meet with you. We strongly recommend contacting us to set up an appointment as we can only meet with one person at a time to ensure a healthy work and service area in our office at this time. Thank you for your understanding.

Staffed Office Hours
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Inside Watermark Art Center)

Holly (Grants Manager) - Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Laura (Executive Director) - Mondays & Fridays
Kathryn (Program Assistant) - Thursdays

Note: All staff are available by email during normal business hours 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Individual Staff Contacts:

Laura Seter: laura@r2arts.org
Holly Alcott: holly@r2arts.org
Kathryn Gonzalez: kathryn@r2arts.org

STAY CONNECTED WITH R2AC!

If you need additional support, have questions or need assistance – call us 218-751-5447 / 800-275-5447 or email staff@r2arts.org

Individual Artist Grant
Information Session
via Zoom

Thursday, October 15
6:30 p.m.
(Registration is required)

Individual Artist Grant applications are due by October 31, 2020 (11:45 pm)
Maximum Award: $1,500

The Region 2 Arts Council Individual Artist Grant is for artists seeking to fund proposals for specific artistic projects that will take place within the next 18 months. Eligible artists must be 18 years or older, in any stage of their artistic career, and reside in Beltrami, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, Clearwater, or Mahnomen County. Eligible proposals must be realistic, and be adaptive to restrictions that exist during this global pandemic.


All grant applications must be completed online.


Please note: Due to our need for Artist Relief Grant funds, our total Individual Artist Grant Funds available this year is $15,000. So that we can award the same number of grants as in past years, we have set the Individual Artist Grant maximum request amount at $1500.

There is no required cash match for equipment purchases this year.
UPCOMING GRANT DEADLINES
 
Visit our Grant Deadlines page to view a current schedule for upcoming grants during 2020-2021
R2AC Professional Development Opportunities for Artists & Arts/Culture Organizations
ARTS IN DIGITAL SPACES
SERIES



Region 2 Arts Council is excited to share that the Forum of Regional Arts Councils (FRACM) has contracted with Open Voices LLC to provide Minnesota artists and arts/culture organizations an opportunity to learn ways in which you can move your arts more dynamically into virtual spaces through this free virtual workshop series.



Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to build on your existing digital engagement, the Arts in Digital Spaces series will provide the tools you need to expand your delivery and program capacity online.

How it works: 
Parts 1 & 2 are open to all artists and arts organizations in Minnesota:

Part 1: Sign up Now!
Once registered for parts 1 & 2, you will receive a brief questionnaire to identify your needs (closes Oct. 16)

Part 2: Attend, listen and learn! 
Two webinars will be made available to registrants– These webinars will provide you with the key elements of digital engagement and can be viewed at any time. (late October early November dates planned)



Parts 3&4 for Minnesota Arts / Arts & Culture organizations:


Part 3: Dive Deeper on topics tailor-made for participating organizations. (Early December)
 
Part 4: Make your digital plan a reality through facilitated cohort discussions with other arts professionals.

Interested in a deeper dive with Open Voices LLC?
Arts/Culture organizations located within Beltrami, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Clearwater and Lake of the Woods Counties, contact Region 2 Arts Council if you are interested in applying for participation in parts 3&4!
218-751-5447 / 800-275-5447


WORK OF ART:
BUSINESS SKILLS FOR ARTISTS
WORKSHOP SERIES

Region 2 Arts Council, in collaboration with Springboard for the Arts and Lake Region Arts Council, is excited to announce a new series of Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists workshops.

Workshops will be available exclusively to artists and creative entrepreneurs in the Lakes Region Arts Council and Region 2 Arts Council service areas:  Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Wilkin, Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and Mahnomen counties.

Dates for Workshop Series
October 21 – April 7
Every two Wednesdays from 1:00 – 3:30pm 



Workshops will be held via Zoom and participation via computer is recommended, however, joining the workshop by phone is also an option if internet or computer access is a barrier. All workshops will include closed captioning services.

Register for the whole series or for specific workshops relevant to your needs

If internet or computer access is a significant barrier to participation, contact Springboard for the Arts at (218) 998-4037 for support to participate in this opportunity

Full Workshop Schedule:
(All run 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
  • Career Planning - Wednesday, October 21, 2020
  • Time Management – Wednesday, November 4, 2020
  • Portfolio Kit  Wednesday, November 18, 2020
  • Marketing – Wednesday, December 2, 2020
  • Promotions – Wednesday, December 16, 2020
  • Pricing – Wednesday, January 13, 2021
  • Recordkeeping – Wednesday, January 27, 2021
  • Legal Considerations – Wednesday, February 10, 2021
  • Funding – Wednesday, February 24, 2021
  • Grantwriting – Wednesday, March 10, 2021
  • Business Plan Essentials – Wednesday, March 24, 2021
  • Engaging Customers and Selling Your Work – Wednesday, April 7, 2021



The NEW AND UPDATED TOOLKIT of the curriculum can be downloaded for free from Springboard for the Arts HERE

Funding for the series is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and support of the West Central Initiative Fund.
R2AC Board Member News


Next Board meeting is
October 19
Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Business Meeting ONLY

All current board meetings are held online via Zoom to ensure the health and safety of everyone. All Region 2 Arts Council board meeting are open to the public, in accordance with the guidelines of Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law. Please contact us for details if you would like to attend our meetings.

2020-2021
Region 2 Arts Council Board

Executive Committee Members
Chair: Gayle Gish - Mahnomen County
Vice Chair: CT Marhula - Lake of the Woods County
Treasurer: Shannon Lucas-Westrum - Beltrami County
Secretary: Rebecca Colebank - Clearwater County

Board Members
Pam Janssen - Clearwater County
Michael Schlemper - Beltrami County
vacant - Mahnomen County
vacant - Lake of the Woods
two vacancies - Hubbard County

Join the Board!
Become an Advocate for the Arts in your Community

We seek new Board Members-- two from Hubbard county, one from Mahnomen County, and one from Lake of the Woods county.

Terms begin fall 2020 and end in June, 2022. All meetings are currently conducted via Zoom.
Learn more about this opportunity HERE.


Please contact laura@r2arts.org if you have any questions or would like more information regarding this opportunity.

Anishinaabe Arts Initiative (AAI) Advisory Council

Region 2 Arts Council works alongside the AAI Advisory Council to promote and support the AAI program. The AAI Council is comprised of Native American artists and arts appreciators from the regions served by the AAI program, which includes the counties of Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, or Roseau. The AAI Council reviews all applications within the AAI program. They also offer support and guidance to improve and strengthen the needs of Anishinaabe artists served by Region 2 Arts Council.

AAI Council Members
Delana Smith (Red Lake Band) … Red Lake
Genny Lowry (Leech Lake Band) …Bemidji
Bernice Mitchell-Diver (Leech Lake Band) … Cass Lake
Debra Warren (White Earth Band) … Bemidji
Mary Ringhand (Red Lake Band) … Ponemah
David B. White (Fort Peck) … Ponemah
Larry Vanwert (Red Lake Band) … Redby
Kent Estey (White Earth Band) ... Naytahwaush
Paula Littlewolf (White Earth Band) ... Mahnomen





AAI Grant applications will become available in early December. Until then, review the application sample and get started with your planning today. Need assistance? Contact staff@r2arts.org.


The Anishinaabe Arts Initiative (AAI) program is made possible through support from Region 2 Arts Council and with funding from the McKnight Foundation.
With the cancelling of so many events and arts opportunities, we invite you to re-engage with area artists through this new series!

LISTEN - ENGAGE - DISCOVER




Meet this month's showcased artists below:
Contact and artist information for all artists is available on the ReZume Arts page

Wednesday, October 14
1:00 P.M.
Showcasing poets
Erin Lynn Marsh and Dr. Carol Ann Russell
Erin Marsh is a 2019-2020 R2AC Artist Fellow
Dr. Carol Ann Russell is a 2018-2019 R2AC Artist Fellow
Wednesday, October 28
1:00 P.M.
Showcasing artists
Gillian Bedford and Katie Lou Sandberg
Plein Air artist Gillian Bedford is a 2020 Individual Artist Grant Recipient
Contemporary Visual artist Katie Lou Sandberg is a 2018 Anishinaabe Arts Initiative (AAI) Grant Recipient
Did you miss any of our previous segments?

ReZume Arts is created alongside artists and hosted by Region 2 Arts Council to showcase the incredible range of artists we have within the Region 2 Arts Council service area.

Are you an artist residing within our Region 2 service area? We would love to showcase you!
Contact us so we can make that happen.

Region 2 Arts Council staff are available
Monday through Friday

Contact us via email, Facebook messenger, or phone.
Stop by our office between 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
We are currently rotating staff time and it is best to call ahead to confirm availability for that day
218-751-5447 / 800-275-5447

A Word from the
MN State Arts Board

In response to COVID-19, the Minnesota State Arts Board made broad changes to its grant programs this year. We offered two new, flexible programs that are intended to help creative individuals and organizations adapt and sustain their practices and activities during the pandemic and beyond. We welcome your thoughts about the grant programs the board offered this year. Please take a moment to respond to our Grant Program Survey.
Currently on Exhibit:
Monarch Butterflies
&
Painted Nature
 Through October 31


In conjunction with the exhibit “Patient Nature”, Watermark Art Center has on display “Monarch Butterflies” painted by area young artists. As the focus of an online acrylic painting class, participants completed their own Monarch masterpieces and then submitted their finished work to be highlighted in the exhibit. Work will be on display through October.

Virtual galleries
Watermark has four galleries featuring rotating exhibits. Please enjoy our exhibits virtually or in-person!

Community Supported Art:
Info Session

October 14
1:00 p.m.
via Zoom

Join Springboard staff as they host an info session on the Winter 202 Community Supported Art call. Learn about how to apply, what makes a good proposal, and get your questions answered.

Register here
Ask Me Anything Series

October 15
5:30 p.m.
via Zoom

Join Springboard Artist Career Consultants (ACCs) Laura Youngbird and Dana Sikkila as they host a Q&A session to offer advice, assistance and encouragement in a variety of areas, for artists in all disciplines

Register here
Art Leap Alternative

Quick reminder that information about some of the artists, who had committed to participating in Art Leap this fall, is still posted on the Heartland Arts website along with their websites, Facebook pages or other contact information. We encourage you to visit the Heartland website and make time to “visit” the artists and support them.




Steering into the Skid:
a one-act play about memory loss

October 21
6:00 p.m.
&
November 10
2:00 p.m.
Online Event

Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area is sponsoring "Steering into the Skid," a one-act play about memory loss by Arnie Johnston and Deborah Ann Percy. Reservations are required as attendance is limited.

Through 12 short scenes, the play takes you on a one-year journey with Tim and Amanda in their car, bearing witness to the early progression of dementia. After the performance, there will be a facilitated discussion to learn more and increase awareness as well as provide valuable resources for you, your family or friends who are experiencing the effects of memory loss. Sponsors include the Minnesota Board on Aging, Minnesota State Arts Board, the Dementia Friendly Community Action Team and Heartland Arts.


Heartland Arts
Park Rapids MN
Instrumental Composition
&
Improv Group

October - May
Ages 13 - 18

8-wk blocks remaining:

Dec 1 - Jan 19
Feb 2 - Mar 23
Apr 6 - May 25



Headwaters Jam Band is an 8-week program dedicated to exploring instrumental improv and composition in a group setting. The program offers three additional 8-wk blocks throughout the remaining school year. Jam Band is designed for participants aged 13-18 with prior experience with their instrument. The group will be led by Cassidy Jay, a professional musician, composer and audio engineer with 20 years of experience playing in bands and writing songs. Participants will gather weekly to jam out and explore important aspects of song structure, song dynamics, song phrasing, band organization and the social dynamics of playing in a group.
 
Advance registration is required – limited spots available. Once registered participants will be contacted by the instructor to evaluate skill level, speak about instrument logistics, and discuss availability.


Headwaters Music & Arts
Bemidji MN
Glass on Glass
Mosaic Class

October 17
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


Join artist Jo McFarlin as she walks you through the steps to create a stunning mosaic using a variety of stained glass. Learn the glass cutting technique, which adhesives to use and how to finish your piece with grout. The finished mosaic is approximately 4” x 6” and includes a hanger.
Register at the Gallery of by calling 218 444 9813.
Masks required to attend.



Creative Cafe

October 20
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.


Creative Cafe is a hands-on adventure into the arts held every 3rd Tuesday of the month. This month features a special Halloween activity with Mary Morton. Create a witchy little gnome and take the gnome home. Masks are requested and required to help keep everyone safe. No need to register-just pop in anytime during the 2 hour cafe. Join the fun!




Bemidji MN
2020-2021 CONCERT SEASON:
"MASKED BUT NOT MUTED"


Riveting Rhythms
November 14 - 15

This concert features Igor Stravinsky's A Soldier's Tale and Dumbarton Oaks Concerto, and Aaron Copland's Quiet City, with BSO soloists

Concert tickets are currently available for both in-person and livestream options



Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
Bemidji MN
Connection Monday Art Classes
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
THE CLAY EXPERIENCE

October 19 & 24

10:30 am - 1:30 pm

Learn slab creations and hand building techniques with instructors Todd and Julie Spray.
CRAZY QUILTING

November 2, 9 & 16

Vickie Kolden will show you how to make your own Crazy Quilt. Choose to hand stitch, machine stitch or both to create your own masterpiece. Crazy Quilting was popular during the turn of the century and we would like to bring it back.
All Classes are held at CWLC - Gonvick
226 Elm Street

To register:
Call 218-776-2789 or email us


Did you know we have a Pottery and Mosaic Studio?


Clear Waters Life Center
Gonvick MN
Arts Midwest Web Logo
Grant Deadlines Extended

Our grantees and partner communities are facing unprecedented circumstances. We have extended the grant activity deadlines for the 2019-2020 cycles of Shakespeare in American CommunitiesNational Endowment for the Arts Big Read, and Arts Midwest Touring Fund until December 31, 2020 to support our communities not only as they navigate COVID-19, but also as they seek ways to come together, to reconnect, and to heal after this period of social distancing ends.



2021 Luce Indigenous Knowledge
Fellowship
Applications close October 22


Ten fellowships will be awarded with $50,000 each distributed to ten outstanding Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers engaged in meaningful work that benefits Indigenous people and communities in either reservation and/or urban settings. These fellowships support the work of Native knowledge holders and knowledge makers as they significantly advance their work and spark transformative change in their communities.


Community Innovation Grants
Open Year-Round
Up to $200,000

Community Innovation grants are meant to be transformation capital. They are an investment in an equitable future where every person has the opportunities and the support they need to thrive.

The Bush Foundation provides Community Innovation grants of $10,000 to $200,000. Grants under $20,000 are available from our intermediary partner organizations.

2021 ARTIST RESIDENCIES
Applications are now Open!
Deadline to apply: November 15

Type:  2021 Fellowship Residency
Eligibility: International
Categories: sculpture, land art, ceramics, contemporary craft, experimental sound/music, socially engaged art, multidisciplinary art, installation, and/or performance.
Location: Shafer, Minnesota 
When: Start Dates: April 7, 2021; June 16, 2021; September 8, 2021
Total Artists Selected: 8-10


Type:  Emerging Artist Residents
Eligibility: International
Categories: sculpture, land art, ceramics, contemporary craft, experimental sound/music, socially engaged art, multidisciplinary art, installation, and performance.
Location: Shafer, Minnesota 
When: April 7 – June 4, 2021; June 16 – Aug 20, 2021; Sept 8 – Nov 20, 2021
Total Emerging Artists Selected: 15


Artist Relief Grant
Cycle VII ends October 21

Artist Relief will distribute $5,000 grants to artists facing dire financial emergencies due to COVID-19. Each cycle funds at least 100 artists per week.
This program continues to be funded to support the great need at this time.



2021 Artist Grant Applications
are now Open!
Apply by October 28

Forecast grants support Minnesota-based individual early- and mid-career artists looking to advance their work in public art.
We seek to fund a diverse group of artists working in all career stages and ranges of public art practices and media and place particular emphasis on supporting and amplifying the artistic work of BIPOC and Native artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, womxn artists, immigrant artists, artists from rural communities, and artists with disabilities.



Artist Opportunities

This page offers information on artist opportunities for public art. Organized by region, it includes Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), grants, other calls for entry, as well as employment, fellowship, workshop, conference, and volunteer opportunities. Our best practice is to post Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for artists/artworks, rather than Requests for Proposals (RFPs).


Artists Respond:
Combating Social Isolation
Open Call!

This is a new, state-wide call for artists to help people in their communities connect with one another while staying safe and healthy. 

Rolling deadline for artists with creative ideas

$500 in project support
Projects with a focus on higher-risk groups, including but not limited to those in care facilities, elders living at home, new immigrant communities, families lacking access to broadband, and essential workers who may be self-isolating, will be prioritized for funding. Artists should already have a connection with or into the group – through yourself, someone in your family or close network, or other existing relationship.

Communtiy Supported Art
Call for Proposals
Applications open through October 16

HOW IT WORKS:
Selected artists will create or produce 50 pieces of artwork for each "share" in the program. This year, fifty shareholders will receive nine pieces of artwork from nine artists, shipped via the United States Postal Service. Shareholders will receive packages three times this winter. Each shipment will come in a custom-designed package, created specifically for the artwork.
Artists will receive a stipend of $1,000 for creating, executing or manufacturing their proposals.

This year, we are taking proposals for work in three separate categories:


COMFORT - Gifts
CARE - Projects
CRAFT - Artworks

Info session via Zoom:
Wednesday, October 14 - 1:00 p.m.




The NEW Work of Art Toolkit
is now available!


Call for Artists:
The Bemidji Anishinaabe Arts Expo, A Celebration of Indigenous Arts

4-Directions Development has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host a new art festival called, "The Bemidji Anishinaabe Arts Expo, A Celebration of Indigenous Arts."

The festival is scheduled to debut on July 9-10, 2021.

The committee consists of the core partners, art organizations, local artists and community members. They are actively searching for artists and community members to be a part of this project and serve on the committee. They are also looking for experienced artists to serve as mentors to new and upcoming artists.

The project will choose a group of 12 Native artists to receive training, technical assistance and access to financial support to prepare for participation with various art events to expand their market.

For more information, contact Rhiannon Barrett, NEA Lead Coordinator at (218) 210-0125 or rbarrett@4directionsrl.org.
Send submissions to: