Falls Community Arts Exchange: Connecting Place, People, and Possibility

Artists play a key role in connecting communities and expanding possibilities. They’re often at the center of spaces and experiences that help us build new relationships and make meaning together.

In response to what’s possible when creative ideas are shared across geographies, we created the Falls Community Arts Exchange. This program invites artists to experience the vibrant community in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the location of Springboard’s rural headquarters, while partnering with local organizations to co-create meaningful, place-based community projects.

“We expected to like Fergus Falls, but we really did fall in love with it. We really became very connected to it over the course of a month, and I wasn’t expecting that.” – Nicole Rojas-Oltmanns, 2024 Exchange Artist

This Project Based Exchange invites artists to live and work in Fergus Falls for 4 weeks to complete a collaborative project with a local partner. Benefits for this Exchange include a $4000 stipend and travel/caregiving support, Lodging and workspace in a cozy, one-bedroom apartment above Springboard’s offices in downtown Fergus Falls, and documentation/project support from Springboard staff.

The 2024-25 exchange welcomed dancer Leila Awadallah (Minneapolis, MN), poet/writer Bella Dawson (Minneapolis, MN), sculptor Sonja Madsen (New London, MN), musician Elisha Marin (Albert Lea, MN), multidisciplinary artist Nicole Rojas-Oltmanns (Minneapolis, MN), and visual artist Casper Warren (Minneapolis, MN). The artists partnered with local organizations the Fergus Falls School of Dance, Kaddatz Galleries, The Creation Shop, Stella’s Restaurant, Otter Cove Children’s Museum, and SAGA Youth on a variety of community projects, including a zine club, dance workshops, music circles, and an interactive exhibit to educate young learners about the voting and elections process.

A few words from the artists about their experience:

“I feel I was given a small portal back in time to my upbringing in my small town. This time, I was the queer trans adult I so would’ve needed. In some way, I hope the past has been rectified.” -Casper Warren, 2025 Exchange Artist

“Every time I return to Fergus Falls and this area, I feel more and more connected to the land, the people, the shops, the special pace here. I am grateful to have a connection to you all and to keep growing it!” -Leila Awadallah, 2025 Exchange Artist

“I had a really positive experience in Fergus Falls. The community was welcoming, the creative energy was strong, and the support from Springboard was outstanding.” -Elisha Marin, 2025 Exchange Artist

Inside Fergus Falls

The Falls Community Arts Exchange offers two ways for artists to participate, depending on your goals, availability, and interest in collaboration:

Applications are open to artists nationwide, with priority given to Minnesota artists and artists that identify as BIPOC, Native, LGBTQIA, and Artists with Disabilities. Learn more about the Falls Community Arts Exchange.

Photography by Ne-Dah-Ness Greene, Brittanni Smith, and Bee Kakac, 2024-25.