Art Shanty Projects is currently seeking winter enthusiasts and creative adventurers to design, construct and activate SHANTY PROJECTS for the 2027 program, which will take place on Bdé Umáŋ (Lake Harriet) from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, January 16 – February 7, 2027. (This call is for SHANTY ARTISTS. Please see the separate call for PERFORMANCES + ART ACTIONS)
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.
Shanty artists build physical installations that remain up throughout the month and are activated and facilitated by artists during all public hours. Artists get staff support and have access to formal and informal mentorship with fellow artists throughout the production process. There are extra 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 additional community engagement activities during their production process.
The stipend for new shanty projects is $2700, and for returning projects is $2200. Additional stipends are awarded for mentors ($300) and artists participating in the East Lake Community Events program ($800).
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. Please read the guidelines carefully before crafting your proposal, as we operate in an exhilarating and unconventional context! Proposals are evaluated on artistic merit, feasibility, and supporting materials by a panel of artists and arts professionals. Submit your application by 11:59pm CST on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
ARTIST PROPOSAL SUPPORT
Attend one or all of these events to learn more about the application process and Art Shanty experience:
SUMMER SNOWCIAL – drop-in style event
Wednesday, June 17, 6-8pm
Sociable CiderWerks, 1500 Fillmore Street NE, MPLS
FREE! Drinks available for purchase if desired
This is our annual summer event with live screenprinting, free sno-cones, and auction pick-ups (if you bid on and won an item). Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the open call and application process.
ARTIST FORUM – presentation, Q&A, casual discussion
Thursday, June 25, 6-8pm
Powderhorn Rec Center, 3400 15th Ave S, MPLS
FREE TO ATTEND!
RSVPs appreciated!
This is an info session led by staff members to review the application process and various ways to get involved as an artist or performer at Art Shanty Projects 2027! Presentation + Q&A + casual conversation. Many photos as examples will be shared.
DINE OUT GIVE BACK – drop-in style event
Monday, July 6, 6-8pm
The Lowbrow, 4244 Nicollet Ave S, MPLS
FREE (but plan to purchase something from the Lowbrow)
Grab a bite or a drink and sit down with shanty staff (or other artists, if they’re around!) to ask your last minute questions before submitting your application. 10% of proceeds from this evening will support Art Shanty Projects from 4-9pm. Staff will be on hand from 6-8pm.
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