Springboard for the Arts - Falls Community Arts Exchange

Associated Residency Program

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. 

Deadline
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
Companions
Pets are not allowed
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
Stage of Career
Mid-career
Established
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
Accessible Housing
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals provided)
Residents have access to private kitchen
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
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
Artist Stipend
4000
US Dollar (USD)
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
0
US Dollar (USD)
Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
1000
US Dollar (USD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

Travel and/or caregiving support stipend available (up to $1,000)

Application Fee
0
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application