SPRINGBOARD FOR THE ARTS
Artists Respond: Weathering Together
June 2025 – December 2025

RFQ: Artists Respond – Weathering Together (North Minneapolis)

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, August 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM CDT

Project Timeline: August – December 2025

Artist & Project Stipend: $1,200

Springboard for the Arts is seeking 20 artists who live or work in North Minneapolis to take part in a new initiative: Artists Respond: Weathering Together, powered by Hennepin County. This program invites artists to respond creatively to climate change and the ways it’s already showing up in our neighborhoods.

From extreme heat to flooding, poor air quality to food insecurity, we recognize that the impacts of climate change are not equal across communities. We also know that artists are essential in helping people understand what’s happening, take action, and care for one another.

Project Description

The program begins with a one-day, in-person training in late August (August 23 or 24, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM). Artists will gather to learn about:

– Climate preparedness

– Creative community organizing

– Narrative change

Following the training, each artist will receive $1,200 to create a small project that responds to the unique needs and strengths of their neighborhood.

Sample project ideas include:

– A block party featuring heat safety tips

– A story circle about land stewardship

– A sidewalk mural showing how to harvest rainwater

– A bilingual zine or garden ritual

– A music set performed at a community dinner

– Or something else entirely

This is not about polished proposals or perfect solutions. We’re looking for artists who are grounded in their neighborhoods and ready to build something small but meaningful in response to climate shifts.

Artists will receive support from Springboard staff and Environmental Initiative. After completing the project, each artist will be asked to submit:

– A photo of the project

– A short written reflection answering a few questions about what happened and what they learned

Eligibility & Considerations

Applicants must:

– Live, work, or have a deep connection to the North Minneapolis neighborhood

– Be working in any creative discipline, including but not limited to: Visual arts, Writing, Performance, Craft, Culinary, Digital media

What You’ll Receive

– A $1,200 stipend

– Staff support to develop and produce your project idea

Timeline

– August 2025: In-person intensive – Artists Working in Community, held August 23 & 24 (final dates TBC)

– September–November 2025: Project development and implementation

– December 2025: Project wrap-up and storytelling share-out

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted via Formstack. APPLY HERE!

Artists will be selected based on:

– Clarity of their creative practice

– Strength of their connection to community

– Responses to prompts about their practice and interest in the work

(No project proposal is required)

Questions or Access Needs?
Contact: sam@springboardforthearts.org

This program is powered by Hennepin County’s FORTIFY initiative
(Fostering Opportunities for Resilience through Transformative Investments for Future Years)