Call for Artists: Living Lineage: Linen in Scandinavian Folk Art and Modern Innovation

Living Lineage: Linen in Scandinavian Folk Art and Modern Innovation is a collaborative project led by Three Rivers Fibershed (TRF) in partnership with The Weavers Guild of Minnesota (WGM). This project reanimates Scandinavian weaving traditions by commissioning Upper Midwest artists to create new work in linen, a material central to Scandinavian Folk life, while exploring cultural continuity and creative innovation, offering artists the opportunity to work with linen while sharing their process with the public.

Three artists will be selected based on their grounding in Scandinavian weaving traditions, cultural heritage connection, or demonstrated engagement with folk textile practices. The program is open to emerging, mid-career, and established artists of any medium. Mixed-media proposals are welcomed but projects must center linen/flax as primary material and be grounded in Scandinavian folk art tradtionswith selection emphasizing cultural relevance and the ability to share these traditions with the public. TRF will provide flax fiber (linen) to support their work.

The project will culminate in a public exhibition and opening celebration at WGM In December 2026, feature weaving demonstrations, Scandinavian food, and a panel discussion with folk and Scandinavian artists. Selected artists will be documentated through video and photo by Greener Pastures and displayed along side their artwork.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Artist Statement (maximum 500 words): Describe your artistic practice and relationship to textiles, including any connection to Scandinavian folk traditions or linen.
• Project Proposal (maximum 500 words): Describe the work you propose to create, including technique, scale, and conceptual approach.
• Work Samples: 5–10 images of recent or relevant work, with an accompanying image list (title, year, materials, dimensions).
• Resume or CV (maximum 2 pages) (optional)
• Geographical location: Located within 175 mile radius of Minneapolis, MN

Artists may be emerging, mid-career, or established. There is no fee to apply.

SELECTIONS WILL BE BASED ON:

• Artistic quality and craftsmanship
• Relevance to Scandinavian folk traditions or material lineage
• Strength and clarity of the proposed work
• Innovation of textile application
• Ability to complete work within the project timeline
• Interest in sharing process and tradition with public audience

COMMISSION AND SUPPORT:
Each selected artist will receive:

• Artist Stipend: $1,750 total
• Materials Support: U.S. grown flax fiber and professional spinning provided by TRF
• Exhibition Opportunity: Group exhibition at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in Open Book in Minneapolis, MN
• Documentation: Professional photography and video of work and process by Greener Pastures
• Shipping Support: Covered for artists outside the Twin Cities metro area

Artists retain ownership of their work unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

PROJECT TIMELINE

• Open Application Period: February 1-March 15, 2026
• Artist Notification: April 1, 2026
• Selected artist project outline due date: June 1, 2026
• Materials Preparation & Spinning: Summer 2026
• Artist Work Period: August–November 2026
• Final Works Due: November 15, 2026
• Exhibition & Opening Celebration: December 2026

We welcome applications from artists of all backgrounds and look forward to celebrating the living lineage of linen together! For questions, contact Lily Turner and Bethany Turnwall (programs@threeriversfibershed.org)