Artists and culture bearers help communities imagine, connect, and work together. Through storytelling, gathering, music, art, and cultural traditions, they help people feel seen, heard, and connected to one another — building the relationships and sense of belonging that are the foundation of a strong democracy.
Springboard for the Arts invites artists and culture bearers in West Central Minnesota to apply for Artists Respond: Roots of Democracy. This call is open to artists of all disciplines that are based in West Central Minnesota (Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Wilkin, and the White Earth Nation).
This program supports creative community projects that help people participate in civic life, build connection across differences, and strengthen local communities.
Selected artists will receive $2,000 to lead a small community-based project between September 2026 and March 2027.
We are looking for projects that help communities:
Learn more about voting, local government, and civic participation
Celebrate the shared power and joy of participating in community life
Build relationships across differences and reduce isolation or polarization
Use creative approaches to care for neighbors, solve problems together, and strengthen community connection
Artists Respond is a Springboard program that supports small, community-rooted projects that respond to local issues and opportunities through creativity and culture.
Past Artists Respond projects have focused on social isolation, environmental stewardship, rural and urban solidarity, and economic justice.
Project Scope and Funding
Selected artists or artist teams will receive a flat grant of $2,000.
Funding can support:
Artist time
Materials and supplies
Event costs
Other essential project expenses
Projects should be modest in scale and completed during the program period: September 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Each project must have one Lead Artist who will communicate with Springboard and manage the grant funds. Collaboration with neighbors, community groups, and other artists is encouraged.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through SlideRoom and accepted until August 10, 2026.
Applicants may respond in writing, audio, or video format.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of artists and community members.
Funding for Artists Respond: Roots of Democracy was provided in part by West Central Initiative.
About the Program
What types of projects are you looking for?
Projects can take many forms, including:
Community Gatherings
Story circles
Shared meals
Music or performance events
Conversations about local history, belonging, or community participation
Creative Information Sharing
Zines
Posters
Murals
Games or interactive activities about voting, civic participation, or local government
Projects that Build Connection
Events that encourage listening and empathy across differences
Creative activities that bring people together around shared community concerns
Documentation & Storytelling
Photography projects
Oral histories
Writing, film, or audio projects
Community archives that preserve important local stories
Who can apply?
This opportunity is open to artists of all disciplines, including:
Visual arts
Music
Performance
Storytelling
Traditional and cultural practices
Social practice and community-based art
Applicants must:
Be 18 years or older
Live or work in West Central Minnesota (Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Wilkin, and the White Earth Nation)
Be able to complete the project during the program timeline
Support for Selected Artists
Selected artists will receive:
A $2,000 grant
An in-person orientation session
Optional check-ins and support from Springboard staff during the project period
Artists will also be asked to:
Complete the project between September 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027
Submit a short reflection form and project documentation by April 13, 2027
Program Guidelines
Projects may not:
Support or oppose a political candidate or political party
Advocate for a ballot measure
Be primarily religious in nature
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on:
Community Connection & Relevance
The project responds to the needs, interests, opportunities, or challenges of a specific community.
The applicant demonstrates understanding of the people they hope to engage.
Relationship & Trust
The applicant has existing relationships, lived experience, cultural knowledge, or accountability that position them to carry out the project successfully.
The project includes meaningful community participation.
Alignment with Program Goals
The project uses creativity, culture, or artistic practice to:
encourage civic participation,
build connection and belonging,
strengthen relationships across differences,
and/or increase understanding of local democracy and community life.
Feasibility & Impact
The project is realistic within the timeline and funding.
The applicant has a clear plan for engaging participants and carrying out the work.
Application Questions
1. About You
Tell us about yourself and your creative practice. What do you make, facilitate, perform, teach, or share?
You may also share any experiences, identities, traditions, or community connections that influence your work.
2. Why This Matters
Why are you interested in the theme “Roots of Democracy” right now?
Share any experiences, observations, questions, or concerns about community life, civic participation, belonging, local decision-making, or democracy that are shaping your project idea.
3. Project Idea
What do you want to do?
Please describe:
What will happen
Who you hope to engage
Where the project will take place
How creativity, culture, or artistic practice will be part of the project
How the project will help people build connection, participate in community life, or strengthen local democracy
4. Community Relationships
What relationships, experiences, or connections do you have with the community you hope to engage?
How will community members help shape or participate in the project?
Timeline
Applications Due: Monday, August 10, 2026
Notification of Awards: Friday, August 21, 2026
Kick off and orientation meeting: Late August/Early September 2026
Project Period: September 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Final Reflection Due: Monday, April 13, 2027
Artist Payment Schedule
80% ($1,600) paid after signing a project agreement
20% ($400) paid after the final reflection is submitted
