Call for 2026 Shanty Artists
Location: MN — Twin Cities Metro
Type: Call for Submissions
Categories:
Any discipline
Deadline: 07/24/2025
No entry fee required
Open to artists statewide
Paid opportunity ($2500 for new projects; $2000 for returning projects)
Help create the ‘most iconic Minnesota art event!’
Art Shanty Projects is currently seeking winter enthusiasts and creative adventurers to design, construct and activate SHANTY PROJECTS for the 2026 program, which will take place on Bdé Umáŋ (Lake Harriet) from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, January 17 – February 8, 2026.
We invite poets, performers, music-makers, builders, dancers, scientists, writers, activists, athletes, movers, shakers, dreamers, outdoors-people, conversationalists, silent practitioners, craftspeople, storytellers, and creative people of ANY KIND to propose new and innovative ways to engage artistically with the public in the social context of a village on a frozen lake.
The stipend for new shanty projects is $2500, and for returning projects is $2000.
There are expanded opportunities available for shanty mentors (requirement: must be a seasoned shanty artist for this) and for artists living and working in the East Lake Cultural District who would like to lead community engagement activities. Artists are additionally compensated for these efforts.
Artists from anywhere are invited to apply, but we do not provide additional funds for travel or housing.
Full application details are on our website. Proposals are evaluated on artistic merit, feasibility, and supporting materials by a panel of artists and arts professionals. The deadline to apply is 11:59pm on Thursday, July 24.
Learn more and ask questions of staff & fellow applicants (many returning artists) at our Artist Forum at 6pm on July 9 at Avalon Theater / In the Heart of the Beast, 1500 E Lake Street MPLS.
(This call is for SHANTY ARTISTS. see the separate call for PERFORMANCES + ART ACTIONS)