2026 open calls announced

2026 OPEN CALLS
COMING SOON - STAY TUNED! Save the date for the Artist Forum: July 9, 6pm IN PERSON in S MPLS
The deadline for the 2026 open calls is Thursday, July 24 at 11:59pm
It's time to start dreaming about shanty season...
Art Shanty Projects is currently seeking winter enthusiasts and creative adventurers to propose shanties, performances and art actions for the 2026 Program which will take place on Bdé Umáŋ (Lake Harriet) from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, January 17 – February 8, 2026.
ARTIST FORUM - JULY 9 AT 6PM

in person at Avalon Theater / In the Heart of the Beast
1500 E Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
We’ll cover the application basics AND share more about some exciting new developments this year:
- We have NEW APPLICATION GUIDES (including one for architect applicants)!
- We’re expanding our MENTORSHIP PROGRAM!
- We have a NEW OPPORTUNITY for artists in the EAST LAKE CULTURAL DISTRICT!
TELL US YOUR WILD, WEIRD, SHANTASTIC IDEAS FOR THIS WINTER!
2026 CALL FOR SHANTY ARTISTS
Shanty artists build physical installations that remain throughout the month and are activated during all public festival hours. Shanties this year can be the classic interior version or can be an entirely exterior experience.
2026 CALL FOR PERFORMANCES + ART ACTIONS
These artists make projects for shorter durations (an hour, a day, a few days, etc). They may or may not have physical structures. Our definition of ‘performance’ and ‘art action’ is broad.
Deadline for all applications: 11:59pm CST – Thursday, July 24, 2025



Photos on this page: Ryan Stopera