Belwin Conservancy is looking for artists to create interactive ecologically minded art with the public. The art should connect with the surrounding prairie and/or the Bison and is created in collaboration with the public at Belwin’s Annual Bison Festival on Saturday May 16, 2026. Applications of interest are due on March 22, 2026.
EVENT
Name: Belwin Bison Festival
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson Road, West Lakeland, MN
Welcome a herd of bison from NorthStar Bison to their summer home, Belwin’s restored 250 acre Bison Prairie in Afton, MN. This event celebrates the bison’s critical role in helping Belwin maintain and improve our restored prairie. Events scheduled for the day of the release include a 5k “Run with the Bison”, eco arts and science activities, live music, and food trucks.
SCHEDULE
9:00 – 9:30 am: Artist(s) arrives at festival grounds to set up materials for art project
10:00 am: Bison Festival opens with activities in tent and 5k “Run with the Bison”
12:30 pm: est. time for Bison Released into Bison Prairie (pause on activities in tent until release is over)
2:00 pm: end of Bison Festival
DESCRIPTION
Create art with the public on site. Create art with non-toxic materials (example: prairie grasses found at Belwin Conservancy). Educate the public about materials found on the prairie, how they function, and why they are important to the survival of all species. Art making and interaction with the public will take place outside. Artists are responsible for any coverage they and/or the art may need from the elements / weather (example: A small tent to provide coverage from the rain).
COMPENSATION
Each artist (or group) will be paid $350 total.
TIMELINE
Application Process: Go to https://forms.gle/KKrqFhh7nBMBApvg8 to submit samples of your work, a statement of interest, and provide contact information.
Submission Dates: February 1 – March 22nd 2026
Notification of Selected Artists: March 30th, 2026 (by email)
Event Date / Time: Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 10am – 2pm
Location: Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson Road, West Lakeland, MN
Questions:
Susan Haugh – susan.haugh@belwin.org
Amanda Hanlon – amanda.hanlon@belwin.org
Belwin Conservancy – 651-436-5189
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