2026 CALL FOR PERFORMANCES + ART ACTIONS

Deadline for applications: 11:59pm CST – July 24, 2025

We encourage you to read the guidelines carefully.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Artist Forum! Follow this link to view the slides from the event (there are many helpful photo examples!), and to watch the recording (slides & audio).

HELP CREATE THE 'MOST ICONIC MINNESOTA ART EVENT'

Art Shanty Projects is currently seeking winter enthusiasts and creative adventurers to create performances and art actions for the 2026 Program. We invite music-makers, poets, builders, scientists, dancers, puppeteers, writers, dreamers, activists, outdoors-people, conversationalists, craftspeople, storytellers, etc. to propose new and innovative ways to engage artistically with the public in the social context of a village on a frozen lake (or winter ‘beach,’ as climate change may necessitate).

The 2026 On-Ice event will take place on Bdé Umáŋ (Lake Harriet) from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, January 17 – February 8, 2026.

We have an expansive notion of what constitutes a performance or art action, and have welcomed dance, creative sporting events, happenings, carnival games, music, roving dance, temporary sculpture, puppet shows, artful haircuts, advice booths, climate actions, and more.

*This call is for PERFORMANCES + ART ACTIONS only. The call for shanty artists is available HERE.

ABOUT ART SHANTY PROJECTS

Since 2004 Art Shanty Projects has created joyful winter art experiences for grown adults and kids of all ages. Inspired by pop-up ice fishing villages, we use the frozen lake as a public platform to create a temporary creative community, immersing participants in a colorful village filled with interactive installations and performances. With few regulations and no building codes – and against intense and unpredictable winter weather conditions – artists of all career stages and disciplines have the freedom and challenge to create wild and wonderful work that can’t be experienced anywhere else. Together, with tens of thousands of annual visitors, we celebrate, champion, and embrace the extreme winter sport of art making.

Art Shanty Projects is deeply committed to social, racial, gender, and economic justice. Our community of participants – artists, visitors, sponsors, staff, and board – includes BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), FTW (Femme, Trans, Women) and queer (LGBTQIA2S+) individuals, and people with disabilities. ASP is committed to building accessibility into the fabric of how we do art and what we expect from artists. We embrace the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in our commitment to assuring that all members of our community can participate as fully as possible in our arts events, programs, meetings, facilities and communications.

Please read our Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles!

LET'S BUILD A VILLAGE TOGETHER

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

Everyone is eligible, because we believe everyone is an artist! We are creating a community environment for co-learning, welcoming artists at all stages of their careers and pursuits in public art.

There are no application fees.

Projects that involve selling anything or the exchange of legal currency will not be accepted!

Artists are not expected to have experience with everything we ask about in this proposal, but should demonstrate an eagerness to engage and develop new skills and be open to new perspectives and ideas. Each year we have a balance of returning performers and newbies – and informal mentorship takes place.

COMPENSATION

We understand each project has unique needs.

Stipends for Performances + Art Actions are on a sliding scale up to $1000.

We ask artists to request an amount that makes sense for their project. We recommend considering the number of performances you plan to do, duration, size of your group, material costs, etc when determining your request.

Some suggested guidelines include:

$1000 – an activity that lasts an entire day, two half days, or shorter durations each weekend or each day. Larger groups or more ambitious projects, production-wise
$500 – an activity that lasts a half day, or for two shorter periods over a few days.
$250 – activities that are short or only happen only once; smaller groups or solo activities; low-tech/low-production projects

Art Shanty Projects does its best to support artists financially and logistically. In addition to the stipend, we provide direct production support throughout the process, as well as additional resources for discounted materials and resource sharing through our partner organizations whenever possible.

During the program ASP also supports artists by providing a shared warming shanty, a hot meal (we are able to accommodate almost all dietary considerations), snacks, hot beverages, hand and toe warmers, one parking space per project, and a cheerful and hardworking staff to support the smooth operation of the festival. We also have a medic onsite for any minor needs.

DETAILED TIMELINE:

—–2025—–

July 9, 6 – 7:30 pm: Artist Forum (in person, location TBD in S Mpls, stay tuned)

July 24: Deadline for proposal submissions (11:59pm CST)

August: Artists selected and notified

September 25: 6-8pm (UPDATED DATE): In-person meeting for all Shanty Artists and Performers at American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Mpls (SAVE THIS DATE in case your proposal is selected; this will be a mandatory meeting for at least one member of your team); Paperwork due at this time (contract, community agreement, leave no trace policy). In person attendance is prioritized to build community. A virtual option is available for out of town artists or people who are currently experiencing illness.

October: Project production meetings (in person prioritized, virtual option available); preliminary content forms due (so we can announce your projects!)

October 12, 4-6pm: Artist Study Hall (in person! Location TBD) – build community of peers, share tips, ask questions, get inspired

November 20, 6-8pm: Shanty Season Launch Party (optional fun!) In person, outdoors, at Lake Monster brewing patio

December: Final artist content due (images + project descriptions for website; accessibility notes)

—–2026—–

January 7, 6pm-8pm: All-artist check-in IN PERSON, location TBD in Mpls (mandatory for at least 1 member from each artist team). In person attendance is prioritized to build community. A virtual option is available for out of town artists or people who are currently experiencing illness.

January 17 – February 8: On-Ice Program, every Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm

February 3: Member Night on Ice – 6-8pm, in the village (optional)

February 5: alternate date for Member Night on Ice – 6-8pm, in the village (optional; only in case of bad weather on Feb 3)

February 21: Wrap Party (in person at Lake Monster Brewing, optional fun!)

FULL GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION QUESTIONS

DOWNLOAD the 2026 application guide for Performances + Art Actions before beginning your proposal.

STILL CURIOUS ABOUT SOMETHING?

Please visit our FAQs.

Review the Artist Forum slides from July 9 (lots of pictures!)

If we haven’t proactively answered your question, contact Erin Lavelle, Artistic Director: program@artshantyprojects.org

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