A colorful mural of hands and a star quilt on a tall building, with people facing it at an event.
Falls Community Arts Exchange
Fergus Falls, MN, United States
Fergus Falls is a regional hub of arts and culture in West Central Minnesota, with a variety of organizations and spaces dedicated to visual arts, dance, performance, and artistic development. For the last 15 years, Springboard for the Arts’ rural headquarters in Fergus Falls has supported local artists in developing their careers, while building a national network of relationships and advocacy about the importance of the arts and artists in rural places. Springboard has brought together over 1,500 rural artists to Fergus Falls through programs like the Rural Regenerator Fellowship, the Rural Futures Summit, and more.
In partnership with organizations and businesses, the Falls Community Arts Exchange invites artists to Fergus Falls who are interested in growing their own practice in a supportive environment or completing a collaborative local project. Visiting artists reside in a beautiful one-bedroom apartment in downtown Fergus Falls, and have access to support from Springboard staff, connections to local artists and leaders, and more.
A coalition of local host partners play a key role in the Falls Exchange by sharing their own place-based processes and strategies with visiting artists, connecting artists to local community goals, and providing a supportive network for the artists to engage with local residents.
We’re delighted to partner with the Fergus Falls Public Library, Outstate Brewing, and Victor Lundeen Company for our 2026-27 Exchange.
Residency Program Information
Residency Structure
Embedded in an arts or cultural organization (including theater + gallery)
Residency Program Type
Studio-based (with housing)
Community-engaged
Residency Program Summary
Residency Length
4 weeks - 4 weeks
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
1
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Interdisciplinary Arts
Music
Printmaking
Social Practice
Visual Arts
Writing
Country of Residence
Only open to artists based in country the program is located
Family Friendly
Spouses/partners allowed for full stay (non-collaborators)
Children allowed for full stay
Childcare stipend provided
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to be in another context
Immersion in new culture and/context
Restricted funding
Access to studio space to create new work
Access to equipment, specialized facilities and/or technical support
Opportunities to develop relationships with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities to collaborate with local or regional artists/arts organizations
Opportunities for work with the local community
Application Information
Additional Eligibility Information
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Live in the United States.
- Live at least 50 miles distance from Fergus Falls, MN.
- Not be an employee or board member of Springboard for the Arts (note: independent contractors are eligible to apply).
- Not be an immediate family member of a Springboard staff or board member.
Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
3
Total Applicant Pool in Most Current Year
100
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details
Travel and/or caregiving support stipend available (up to $1,000)
Application Type
Open application
Accessibility
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Pre-orientation
Manual / handbook before arrival
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Captions for videos
Materials in large print
High contrast, clear way-finding and/or signage
Staff/volunteer reading information aloud
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Contact info for accessibility requests for event/programming
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
Additional Accessibility Information
Unfortunately our main residency apartment is not ADA accessible, however, we partner with the local historic Mill Hotel to provide ADA accessible accommodation when needed.
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Local arrangements coordinated by resident
Accessibility Contact Name
Molly Johnston
Accessibility Contact Email
molly@springboardforthearts.org
Housing & Accomodation
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Accessible Housing
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Housing for Companion And/or Caregivers
Case by case consideration
Accessible Communal Spaces
Additional Housing Information
Access to laundry on campus
WIFI available in housing
Air Conditioned Housing
Heat and Cool control managed by resident
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals provided)
Residents have access to private kitchen
Studio & Facilities
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Additional Studio Information
We work with artists on a case by case basis to determine workspace or studio needs. We have a variety of community partners who we collaborate with on providing space, including but not limited to, Kaddatz Galleries, the Creation Shop, A Center for the Arts, Fergus Falls School of Dance, and more.
Related
