Call for Artists: Artist-in-Residence

The Great Northern invites Minnesota-based artists to apply for itsArtist-in-Residence (AIR) Program, supporting the creation of new public artwork to be presented during the annual winter festival.

The AIR Program supports 1 artist each year in developing and presenting new work that engages Minnesota communities and reflects the experiences and cultures of the Twin Cities, with a focus on accessible work for the public. We invite artists to explore winter as something we actively shape, rather than simply endure.

Designed for artists ready to take a meaningful next step in their practice, the AIR program provides financial support, production resources, and mentorship. The residency culminates in a public presentation at The Great Northern Winter Festival, connecting artists with broad, diverse audiences across Minnesota.

What We’re Looking For
The 2026/27 residency cycle is open to visual artists, installation artists, public artists,
and musicians working across a range of media and scale;

• are designed for public presentation at scale — indoor or outdoor,
  sound-based or visual
•  incorporate community engagement (e.g., workshops, open studios, etc)
• offer a creative response to winter, place, and climate — engaging with the season’s ecological, cultural, or environmental dimensions in Minnesota

Selected Artists Receive:

• $12,500 artist stipend
• Full production support, including fabrication, permitting, staffing, and
  documentation
• Mentorship from a nationally recognized artist, along with studio visits and
  critiques
• Professional development and networking opportunities
• Support to lead at least one community engagement activity (e.g.,
  workshop, open studio, or public program)
• Public presentation of the final work during The Great Northern 2027 Winter
  Festival
• Media amplification through The Great Northern’s platform

Eligibility

• Open to artists currently residing in Minnesota
• Working in visual art, installation, public art, or music
• Artists must be available to participate fully in the residency from October 2026 through October 2027 and attend the opening of their work during or outside of these dates

Key Dates

• Call Opens: July 15, 2026
• Deadline to Apply: August 15, 2026
• Artist Selected: September 15, 2026
• Residency period: October 2026 – October 2027