In rural communities across Minnesota, cultural organizers are essential leaders. They are artists, culture bearers, city staff, business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators, activists and volunteers—people who use creativity and culture to help their communities navigate change, build relationships, and imagine new futures.
These cultural organizers are doing important work to strengthen civic engagement, belonging, and joy in their communities. But a lack of dedicated resources and opportunities for peer exchange—especially in small communities—can make this work feel isolating and difficult to sustain. That’s where the Heartland, Heartwork Network comes in!
Launching this winter 2026, the network will provide direct, ongoing support to rural cultural organizers across Minnesota through three interconnected opportunities, because when it comes to building a brighter future, the work is easier when we do it together:
→ The Field School offers virtual learning and peer exchange opportunities to explore methods for centering art and creativity in community work, drawing on our Heartland, Heartwork field guide. This four-part workshop series will take place January 15-February 5, 2027. Registration is now open, and welcomes rural-based leaders, artists and cultural organizers anywhere in the U.S. Learn more and register.
→ The Creative Action Accelerator provides direct investment and technical assistance to support artist-led projects and community-driven creative action in small communities across Minnesota. Applications open December 2, 2026, and are due February 1, 2027. Learn more.
→ The Connection Fund delivers funding to help rural cultural organizers connect with one another, exchange ideas, and learn from their peers across the state. Applications open January 15, 2027, with two deadlines: March 1 and August 30, 2027. Learn more.
This work is generously supported by the Blandin Foundation.
Help Artists Thrive Donate