Lake Region Arts Council

12/06/2026

✍️ Calling all writers, poets, storytellers, and grassroots journalists in the Lake Region Arts Council service area!

A unique opportunity is now open through Upstream for creatives interested in exploring Minnesota’s natural places, environmental stewardship, and the stories that connect communities to the land and waters around them.

The Upstream Creative Writers/Grassroots Journalism Residency is a 9-month remote residency designed for writers who are passionate about place-based storytelling, environmental narratives, community connection, and creative exploration.

Selected participants will receive:
✨ $3,000 artist stipend
✨ Up to $500 in mileage reimbursement
✨ Minnesota State Parks Pass
✨ Mentorship and creative support
✨ Opportunities to publish and share work statewide

Eligible applicants must be Minnesota residents, age 18 or older, and reside within LRAC's region (Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, or Wilkin County).

📅 Applications are open now through July 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Learn more and apply: https://form.jotform.com/261462966442160

Questions? Contact Naomi RaMona Schliesman at [email protected] or call 320-288-5369.

We encourage writers and storytellers across our region to consider applying for this exciting opportunity to connect creativity, community, and Minnesota's natural landscapes.

11/06/2026

⏰ Two Weeks Left to Apply! 💛
Round 3 of LRAC’s Emergency Relief Fund closes on June 25, 2026.

Artists and creatives in LRAC’s 9-county region who have experienced a recent emergency may be eligible for a $500 stipend to help with expenses related to:

🏠 Housing
🩺 Healthcare
🛠 Equipment
⚖️ Legal needs

Apply Today!
https://lrac4.org/emergency-relief-program

✨ Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so there is no need to wait until the deadline to apply. Eligible applicants may receive funding as applications are processed.

To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have lived in LRAC’s region for at least 6 months
• Apply as an individual (not an organization or LLC)
• Have experienced an emergency within the past 12 months

📅 Application Deadline:
Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Questions?
📞 218-739-5780
📧 [email protected]

Please help spread the word to artists and creatives who may benefit from this opportunity.

The Artists Emergency Relief Fund Network is stewarded by Springboard for the Arts and supported in part by the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Jerome Foundation, McKnight Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

10/06/2026

Fergus Falls was honored to host the Forum of Regional Arts Councils of Minnesota (FRACMN) last week at Lake Region Arts Council 🎨✨

FRACMN is a statewide consortium of Minnesota’s 11 regional arts councils—working together to support artists and arts organizations in every corner of the state.

During the visit, guests from across Minnesota connected here at LRAC, visited local artists Jeff and Carl Zachmann in their studio, enjoyed a hands-on creative stop at Springboard for the Arts, and experienced the vibrant creative community we’re fortunate to have here.

We’re grateful to be part of Minnesota’s unique regional arts system and proud to help host conversations and connections that strengthen the arts across our state 💛

A heartfelt thank you to FRACMN members, partners, local artists, and everyone who helped make this gathering such a success!

09/06/2026

🖼️ Still on View at LRAC!

There’s still time to experience the BIPOC Artist Cohort FY26 Exhibition in the Main Gallery and the work of John Magnuson in the Office Gallery at the Lake Region Arts Council.

The BIPOC Artist Cohort Exhibition celebrates the ninth anniversary of LRAC’s BIPOC Artist Cohort Program and features artwork by Katie Lou Muzquiz, Cody Avalos, Lyssa Lovejoy, and Victoria McWane-Creek. Together, their work reflects creativity, growth, and the power of community through the arts.

📅 On view through June 25, 2026
📍 Lake Region Arts Council Galleries
🎟️ Free and open to the public
🕛 Gallery Hours: Monday - Thursday | 9 AM - 3 PM

Stop in and experience these inspiring exhibitions before they close!

oices, vision and community. Lake Region Arts Council is proud to p...

05/06/2026

Would you like to have input in the Arts Board’s grant making? If so, apply to be a grant program advisor today!

The Arts Board is seeking Minnesotans to serve as grant program advisors. Advisors review applications and help determine which will be funded. Advisors earn up to a $500 stipend.

Apply now: https://www.arts.state.mn.us/volunteer/panelists.htm

04/06/2026

⏳ Closing Soon: LRAC Emergency Relief Fund – Round 3 💛
There’s still time for artists and creatives in LRAC’s 9-county region to apply for a $500 Emergency Relief Fund stipend, but the deadline is approaching.

Support may assist with recent emergencies related to:

🏠 Housing
🩺 Healthcare
🛠 Equipment
⚖️ Legal needs

✨ Applications continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis through June 25, meaning eligible applicants may receive funding as applications are processed.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be 18 or older
• Have lived in LRAC’s region for at least 6 months
• Apply as an individual (not an organization or LLC)
• Have experienced an emergency within the past 12 months

📅 Deadline: Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Questions?
📞 218-739-5780
📧 [email protected]

Learn more and apply today.
https://lrac4.org/emergency-relief-program

Please help us spread the word to artists and creatives who may benefit from this opportunity.

The Artists Emergency Relief Fund Network is stewarded by Springboard for the Arts and supported in part by the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Jerome Foundation, McKnight Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

04/06/2026

🎨 Galleries Closed Today for a Private Event

Please note that the Lake Region Arts Council galleries will be closed today, Thursday, June 4, for a private event.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming visitors back next week during our regular hours.

Thank you for supporting the arts in our region!

03/06/2026

📸 Did you know you can also follow LRAC on Instagram?

From grantee spotlights and artist stories to program updates and creative inspiration, our Instagram is a great way to stay connected to the arts happening across west central Minnesota.

✨ Follow along to celebrate local creativity, discover opportunities, and see the impact of the arts throughout our region.

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/lakeregionartscouncil/

02/06/2026

🎨 Looking for a Meaningful Way to Make an Impact?

The arts help shape vibrant communities, spark connection, and create opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow, and belong. If you're looking for a way to give back and help strengthen the creative future of west central Minnesota, consider serving on the Lake Region Arts Council Board of Directors.

LRAC is currently seeking board members to represent:

📍 Becker County
📍 Otter Tail County
📍 Wilkin County

As a board member, you'll have the opportunity to:
✨ Support artists, arts organizations, and creative projects across the region
✨ Help guide funding decisions that make community arts experiences possible
✨ Advocate for the value of arts and culture in our communities
✨ Connect with others who share a passion for creativity, community, and service

No matter your background, if you believe the arts make our communities stronger, your perspective is valuable.

This is more than a volunteer position—it's an opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of our region and ensure that creativity continues to thrive for generations to come.

👉 Learn more and apply: https://lrac4.org/lrac-board

Know someone who would be a great voice for the arts? Share this opportunity and help us build a strong, representative board for the future.

01/06/2026

✨ Grantee Spotlight!
LRAC is proud to support opportunities like this two-day workshop that encourage creativity, lifelong learning, and artistic exploration in our region.

This activity is funded in part by a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council through the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Join Ruth Hanson at Landmark for a 2-day workshop featuring Independent Layering using collage, notanized graphic images, and hi-flow acrylic paint on Watercolor paper.
Space is limited, you must pre-register by June 18 and supply your choice of images to be "notanized" prior to workshop start.
Please call to RSVP, 218-548-5760.