Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts September 2023 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, and two feature stories: one about the Watford City High School Mural Project and one about Togolese Artist Hamzat Koriko.

Waford City High School students and community members collaborated on the making of six murals at the school. The intent was to establish a sense of pride for anyone walking the halls, including students, staff, and the community at large.

By Rhea Beto

Hamzat Koriko's dedication to playwriting, Togolese drumming, and storytelling has enriched his life and woven a tapestry of unity and cultural exchange within the vibrant artistic landscape of North Dakota.

A first-person account by contributing editor Hamzat Koriko, Ph.D.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts August 2023 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, and two feature stories: one about a world renowned double-reed band called the New York Kammermusiker and one about Native artist Shawna Fricke.

In 1969, ND native Ilonna Pederson founded a professional double-reed ensemble called the New York Kammermusiker (NYK), a non-profit organization seeking to expose new audiences to the instruments and music from the Renaissance era. While the group has performed in dozens of countries across five continents, there is one place they keep coming back to – North Dakota.

By Rhea Beto

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) has awarded $90,096 in the Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program for Fiscal Year 24, which begins July 1, 2023 and ends June 30, 2024.

ND artist Shawna Fricke, Piaute/Taos Pueblo, believes it’s important to buy art from inspired Natives and not “Native inspired” art. “We are out there trying to make our statement and establish our identity. A Native artist’s work is deeply personal to them, and they want to make sure it matters.”  

By Contributing Editor Alicia Hegland-Thorpe

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts July 2023 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, and a feature story about a Sewist who was chosen as the Artist in Residence at Turtle River State Park.

Sewist Cynthia McGuire Thiel was “shocked and thrilled” when she was chosen to be the Artist in Residence at Turtle River State Park, July 14-23, 2023. 

By Rhea Beto

The Region 4 Selection Committee for Arts Across the Prairie: Placemaking in Rural North Dakota announces large-scale sculptor and designer, James Peterson as the artist for their project titled – “Endless Sky - Dynamic Layers."

​​​​​​NDCA has awarded two artist fellowships, each in the amount of $5,000 to Kathleen Coudle King of Grand Forks and Aparupa Chatterjee of Fargo.

After an extended visit to Region 8 in June 2023, NDCA was pleased by the well-attended Dickinson community reception, the variety of arts projects happening across the region, and the overwhelming enthusiasm for the arts. 

By Rhea Beto and Kim Konikow

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts June 2023 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, and a feature story about the thriving arts community in southwest North Dakota.

NDCA and three ND state organizations receive $1,014,728 from NEA 

NDCA announces board appointment of Linda Olson to Region 2 

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts May 2023 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, and a feature story explaining how the 𝘖𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥 exhibit came to be, along with a link to three pages of heartwarming reviews.

Produced by NDCA in association with the State Historical Society, 𝘖𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥: 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 & 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥, explores connections between cultural practices, regional landscapes, and tribal oral narratives. It’s the result of a 10-year project by State Folklorist Troyd Geist to photograph landscapes sacred to Native American tribal nations that share geography with ND and record Indigenous stories told by elders and knowledge keepers related to these significant and spiritually powerful places. 

By Troyd Geist and Rhea Beto

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts April 2023 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming GRANT DEADLINES, new OPPORTUNITIES, and a feature story describing the World Fest program in Minot and its positive impact on the community.

In 2020, the community of Minot, coordinated by Minot Area Council of the Arts (MACA), was chosen to be the North Dakota World Fest host from 2022 through 2025. MACA Operations and Special Projects Coordinator Chandell Lattin outlines the program and describes the positive impact on the community.

By Rhea C. Beto

NDCA announces Dr. Denise Lajimodiere as North Dakota's next Poet Laureate 

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts March 2023 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS and great OPPORTUNITIES, along with a feature story about our own Arts in Education Director Rebecca Engelman.

After 13 years of service for the state of North Dakota and over 36 years working with arts in education, NDCA Art in Education Director Rebecca Engelman has decided to retire. In her official notice she wrote, “I have enjoyed my time with ND Council on the Arts and am grateful for all the professional opportunities and support provided to me during these past years." 

By Rhea C. Beto

North Dakota Council on the Arts announces request for proposals for placemaking in Region 4.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts February 2023 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS and great OPPORTUNITIES, along with a link to a video explaining the Big House public art project.

NDCA announces board appointment of Christi Stonecipher to Region 7 

NDCA is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023 ND Governor’s Awards for the Arts with an awards ceremony set for Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts January 2023 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS and great OPPORTUNITIES, along with a link to the featured story called NDCA Year in Review, 2022.

Looking back on 2022, NDCA is extremely grateful for the support of its program partners, the NEA, Arts Midwest, its board of directors, Governor Burgum and his staff, fellow Agencies and especially the ND State Legislature, for the opportunity to support arts and cultural opportunities for the citizens of North Dakota. 

By Rhea C. Beto

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts December 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS and great OPPORTUNITIES, along with a story featuring ND artist Nelda Schrupp and her award-winning metal noisemakers.

ND artist Nelda Schrupp has been letting her artwork lead the way since she discovered her talent during her college years. That is when she decided to create her own contemporary style of rattle, also known as a noisemaker, to give homage to her Native culture. Nelda’s noisemakers have gained national attention and are currently on display at prestigious museums across the country.

By Rhea C. Beto

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts November 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS and great OPPORTUNITIES, along with a story featuring three of the winning photographers of the 2022 ND Governor's Photo Contest.

The winners of the 19th Annual ND Governor’s Photo Contest were celebrated at a reception mid-October at the Morton Mandan Public Library. While they came from a wide range of generations and varying walks of life, the photographers shared many of the same characteristics: strong family connections, a love of nature and the determination to capture the moment.

By Rhea C. Beto

NDCA announces appointment of new Board Chair Dr. Shawn Oban 

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts October 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including upcoming EVENTS and great OPPORTUNITIES. Participate and celebrate Arts & Humanities month!

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) recently awarded $902,717 in ten different grant programs for fiscal year 2023. Grant programs include: Art for Life, Arts in Education Collaboration, Artist in Residence, Community Arts Access Tier 1 & Tier 2, Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship, Partner Letters of Agreements, Institutional Support, Individual Artist Fellowship, Professional Development, and Special Projects.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts September 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news. Learn how English Learners at Williston HS increased their vocabulary while painting, discover great opportunities, find out about online & in-person arts events happening throughout the state, and so much more!

In May of 2022, NDCA Rostered Teaching Artist Beth Olshansky conducted a 9-day Virtual Picturing Writing Residency initiated by Williston EL high school teacher LeAnne Tracey. Students used crayon resist watercolors to paint 2 pictures and then described them in 2 separate poems. 

By Rhea C. Beto

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts August 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news. You will find an article that explains how retired ND Museum of Art Founding Director Laurel Reuter leaves behind a sustainable future, along with a variety of opportunities available to artists and arts organizations across North Dakota! 

After dedicating fifty years of her life to the North Dakota Museum of Art, Founding Director 
Laurel Reuter was not about to walk away without helping members of the board and staff plan for the future. 

By Rhea C. Beto

The Selection Committee for Arts Across the Prairie: Placemaking in Rural North Dakota announces Crosby-native Thane Lund as the inaugural installation artist for Region 1 – “Love Where You Live."

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts July 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news. You will find an article about Minot Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Ellen Fenner's trip to a national Conference, along with a variety of opportunities available to artists and arts organizations across North Dakota! 

In June of 2022, Minot Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Ellen Fenner attended the League of American Orchestras 77th National Conference in Los Angeles, CA. When she returned, she laid out plans to implement many of the ideas and suggestions she had learned at the conference. The trip was funded in part by a Professional Development Grant from NDCA. 

By Rhea C. Beto

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) has awarded $55,997 in the Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program for Fiscal Year 23, which begins July 1, 2022 and ends June 30, 2023.

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) has awarded two artist fellowships, each in the amount of $5,000. The Individual Artist Fellowship recipients in Music are Efrain Amaya of Minot, and Michael Wittgraf of Grand Forks.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts June 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news. You will find an article about ND's ONLY trombone choir, along with a variety of opportunities available to artists and arts organizations across North Dakota! 

In the spring of 2022, University of North Dakota (UND) Teaching Assistant Professor, Author and Composer Dr. Chris Gable wrote an eight-part composition for the North Dakota Trombone Choir called Alarum Within. The project was meant to portray the negative impact on society caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

By Rhea C. Beto

NDCA and 4 ND state organizations receive $986,900 from NEA 

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts May 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, along with a variety of opportunities available to artists and arts organizations across North Dakota! 

After 42 years of service, Wayne Beyer is retiring from Director of Wahpeton Park and Rec. To explain the strong connection he experienced with the art world, Wayne wrote, "Parks and recreation is very diversified and art has been a great way to offer many unique opportunities."

North Dakota Council on the Arts announces request for proposals for placemaking in Region 1.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts April 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including an article about the history of Ukrainian culture in North Dakota and how community members are working to preserve the unique heritage in the state.

Around 10,000 Ukrainians immigrated to North Dakota between 1896 and 1899, according to a 1984 book by Francie Berg called “Ethnic Heritage in North Dakota.” The timing is significant because North Dakota had just become a state in 1889. Ergo, Ukrainian culture began intertwining with North Dakota heritage during the first few years of statehood.

By Rhea C. Beto

Beginning April 4, 2022, the federal government is transitioning from the use of the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS), generated by Dun & Bradstreet, to a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the SAM.gov system. The SAM UEI is required of state, regional, and local agencies and all their organizational subgrantees. 

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts March 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including the story behind the Grue Church Project - how a small community plans to save a 130-year-old church building and turn it into a cultural center.

In the small community of Buxton, ND stands a 130-year-old church that was scheduled to be destroyed in 2020. A group of passionate people in the community decided to not only save the building, but restore, re-purpose and reimagine ways to use the facility to celebrate its heritage and continue the cultural folk traditions it was founded upon.

By Rhea C. Beto

NDCA is pleased to announce Mya Tena of Bismarck High School, as the 2022 State Champion and first place winner of the North Dakota State Poetry Out Loud (POL) contest. For more details, read the full ND POL 2022 Championship Press Release.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts February 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including a feature story about Walker Bruns and his journey to create spearfish decoys.

Walker Bruns began his fishing tackle business called Bruns Tackle while he was in the 8th Grade. He was assigned a school project to create a mock business including a product, pricing, and a full business plan. Six years later, his business is thriving, he is a graduate from North Dakota State University with a degree in Business Administration, a minor in Entrepreneurship, and has a whole new skill set of creating spearfish decoys thanks to the NDCA Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program.

By Rhea C. Beto

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts January 2022 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including a feature story about the Densmore Repatriation Project.

Project underway revisits century-old recordings made at Standing Rock

Before singing, Red Weasel bowed his head in prayer, “Wakan'tanka, hear me.  This day I am to tell your word.  But without sin I shall speak. The tribe shall Live.  Behold me for I am humble.  From above watch me.  You are always the truth, listen to me, my friends and relatives, sitting here, and I shall be at peace.  May our voices be heard at the future goal you have prepared for us.”    

From Teton Sioux Music & Culture by Frances Densmore (1918)

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts December 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including a feature story about the Lake Region Arts Festival.

Through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) has awarded $187,730 to individual artists and $508,120 to non-profit arts organizations in North Dakota. In addition, through a regional partnership with Arts Midwest, an additional $117,515 has been designated to ND arts organizations, also funded through partnership agreements with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Discover the collaboration and inspiration that lead to the overwhelming success of the first ever Lake Region Arts Festival in Devils Lake, ND. 

By Rhea C. Beto

NDCA announces new Board appointment 

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) announces the addition of Amy Tichy of Tower City, to its board of directors, representing Region 6. She was recently appointed by Governor Burgum to serve on NDCA’s board, effective December 2021.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts November 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news, including a special tribute to NDCA staff member and Folklorist, Troyd Geist who we celebrated for his 30 years of service to the arts in North Dakota!

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts October 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news!

Through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) has awarded $214,750 to individual artists and $127,580 to arts organizations in North Dakota through Round 1 of the funding process. In addition, through a regional partnership with Arts Midwest, an additional $117,515 has been designated to ND arts organizations, also funded through partnership agreements with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts September 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news!

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) recently awarded $947,479 in ten different grant programs for fiscal year 2022. Grant programs include: Art for Life, Arts in Education Collaboration, Artist in Residence, Community Arts Access Tier 1 & Tier 2, Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship, Partner Letters of Agreements, Institutional Support, Individual Artist Fellowship, Professional Development, and Special Projects.

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts August 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news!

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts July 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news!

NDCA announces American Rescue Plan funding is now available to artists and arts organizations in North Dakota

NDCA announces new Board appointment

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts June 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news!

NDCA announces Individual Artist Fellowship recipients

NDCA announces Board of Directors meeting in Minot

North Dakota Council on the Arts to receive $790,700 Partnership Award from the National Endowment for the Arts

Uniting North Dakota’s eight regions, NDCA launches Arts Across the Prairie: Placemaking in Rural North Dakota, a first-of-its-kind, statewide public art program

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts May 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news!

First phase of American Rescue Plan funding from the National Endowment includes $749,600 for North Dakota

NDCA announces North Dakota artist’s works on exhibit at the Capitol

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts April 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news!

Council on the Arts and Department of Transportation team up on Arts Across the Prairie

NDCA secures new funding for Creative Aging

North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA) recently secured new funding from a national grant program to advance creative aging programs for older adults in North Dakota.

The Tiny Press Kit Project is made possible by a grant provided by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in partnership with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy to the North Dakota Council on the Arts. The project is also supported by the NDSU School of Design, Architecture, and Art.

NDCA announces online grants applications are open and deadlines approaching

NDCA announces winners of the 2021 Poetry Out Loud State Finals

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts March 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news!

NDCA announces new Board appointment

Prairie Arts February 2021

NDCA announces Board of Directors meeting

Please join us for the 2021 Governor’s Awards for the Arts Online Ceremony!

NDCA announces Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship online grant application now open

Check out NDCA's Prairie Arts January 2021 newsletter for the latest in statewide and national arts-related news!

*Please note the correct spelling for Governor's Art Award recipient is Melissa Gordon.

NDCA announces six stellar recipients of the 2021 Governor’s Awards for the Arts

*Please note this is the correct spelling of the following names: Dr. Jo Ann Miller; and David "WhiteThunder" Trottier.

NDCA announces North Dakota artist’s works on exhibit at the Capitol

NDCA awards $751,790 in additional CARES Act funds to help support arts organizations statewide

Happy Holidays from NDCA staff and board

Prairie Arts December 2020

North Dakota arts and culture organizations receive $110,000 to support COVID-19 recovery

NDCA to receive $800,000 in CARES funds to help support arts organizations statewide

2021 North Dakota Governor's Awards for the Arts Call for Nominations

Prairie Arts November 2020

NDCA announces North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest winner's works will exhibit at the Heritage Center and State Museum

NDCA's Prairie Arts October 2020, the latest in statewide and national

Governor Burgum proclaims October Arts & Humanities Month in North Dakota

North Dakota Council on the Arts announces Board of Directors meeting

Prairie Arts September 2020

NDCA recently awarded $830,907 in grants across the state

NDCA announces Statewide Arts Convening

Arts in Education Newsletter September 2020

Governor Burgum Proclaims Arts in Education Week 2020 in North Dakota

NDCA announces Accessibility in the Arts Online Convening

Three North Dakota arts and culture organizations receive $150,000 to support Covid-19 recovery

NDCA announces North Dakota music featured in The Kennedy Center’s “Arts Across America” live performance series

NDCA announces $1.5 million in funding available to art and cultural organizations through Arts Midwest's Unites States Regional Arts Resilience Fund

Prairie Arts August 2020

NDCA announces two new Board appointments

NDCA awards $55,000 to North Dakota artists

Updated list of recipients as of 12/28/2020

NDCA awards $371,659 to North Dakota artists and arts organizations

* Updated awards list 3/15/2021

Praire Arts July 2020

NDCA announces North Dakota artist’s work on exhibit at the Capitol

Artists named for 2020-2021 Residency Program within the North Dakota State Parks

Prairie Arts June 2020

NDCA announces CARES Act Fund Guidelines and Applications

NDCA announces new board appointments

Native Artist Professional Development ‘Train the Trainer’ Program awarded $10,000 Community Innovation Grant

A comprehensive FAQ about the federal response to the coronavirus

NDCA announces Board of Directors meeting

NDCA addresses COVID-19

NDCA Director responds to COVID-19, extends grant deadlines, offers resources and more

NDCA announces Accessibility in the Arts Convening

NDCA announces winners of the 2020 Poetry Out Loud State Finals

NDCA announces grant applications now available

Council on the Arts announces appointment of new Board Chair

NDCA announces North Dakota artist's work on exhibit at the Capitol

Council on the Arts Board Chair announces resignation after 30 years of service

NDCA announces Governor's photo contest winners on exhibit at the Capitol

NDCA announces Board of Directors meeting

Governor Burgum proclaims October Arts & Humanities Month in North Dakota

NDCA announces the addition of Dr. Tami Jollie-Trottier to its board of directors

NDCA recently awarded $788,079 in grants across the state

NDCA announces new Board appointments

NDCA Announces Individual Artist Fellowship recipients

NDCA announces North Dakota artist’s work on exhibit at the Capitol

NDCA announces North Dakota artists work on exhibit at the Capitol

NDCA announces six amazing recipients of the 2019 Governor’s Awards for the Arts

ND State Parks Seeking Artist in Residency Program applicants

NDCA to host Statewide Arts Convening and Governor’s Awards for the Arts Ceremony

Two additional NDCA online grant applications now open

NDCA grant applications now available online

NDCA announces new exhibit space in the State Auditor’s office in the Capitol building

NDCA announces North Dakota artist’s works on exhibit at the Capitol

Prairie Arts, May 2020

Prairie Arts March 2020

Prairie Arts April 2020

Prairie Arts February 2020

Prairie Arts January 2020

Prairie Arts December 2019

Prairie Arts November 2019

Prairie Arts October 2019

Prairie Arts, September 2019

Prairie Arts August 2019

Prairie Arts July 2019

Prairie Arts June 2019

Prairie Arts May 2019

Prairie Arts April 2019

Prairie Arts March 2019

Prairie Arts February 2019

Prairie Arts January 2019

January 2019 AIE Newsletter

August 2019 AIE Newsletter

Help Us Help You - Updates from NDCA

NDCA announces Poetry Out Loud State Finals competition

January 2020 AIE Newsletter