2027 CALL FOR SHANTY ARTISTS
Deadline for applications: 11:59pm CST – Thursday, July 9, 2026
Download the APPLICATION GUIDE for shanty artists – ASP2027 before beginning your proposal!
The deadline for the 2027 open calls has passed, proposals were due at 11:59pm on July 9. The information below is for reference only.
We encourage you to read the guidelines carefully and view the slides from the Artist Forum which was held on Thursday, June 25, 6pm at Powderhorn Rec Center.
View a sample shanty proposal from a past season here, for reference!
HELP CREATE THE 'MOST ICONIC MINNESOTA ART EVENT'
Art Shanty Projects is currently seeking winter enthusiasts and creative adventurers to design, construct and activate shanty projects for the 2027 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 2027 Program will take place on Bdé Umáŋ (Lake Harriet) from 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, January 16 – February 7, 2027. All shanties must be activated and facilitated by artists during these open hours.
This call is for SHANTY ARTISTS only; the call for performances and art actions 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 here!
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 shanty artists and newbies – and both informal and formal mentorship takes place.
COMPENSATION
We have increased our shanty stipends by $200 this year. Once again there is a difference in stipends awarded to NEW shanty ideas ($2700) and the remounting of RETURNING projects ($2200). If you are not sure whether your proposal is considered NEW or a REMOUNT, please send an email to Erin at program@artshantyprojects.org
Mentors are compensated an additional $300 for their service. East Lake Community Event artist groups are compensated an additional $800 for their outreach event(s). Information on those opportunities is listed below and in the application packet. There are also sections in our FAQ’s about these opportunities.
Art Shanty Projects does its best to support artists financially and logistically. In addition to the stipend, we provide direct production support and sharing of best practices throughout the process, as well as additional resources for discounted materials and resource sharing through our partner organizations, whenever possible. In recent years 80% of artists reported that some or all of their materials were either repurposed (free) or purchased secondhand/used at a discounted price.
During the program ASP also supports artists by providing a warming shanty for artists & performers, 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 program. We also have a medic onsite for any minor needs.
ADVICE FOR ARCHITECT APPLICANTS
We’ve seen a lot of proposals for very pretty structures that miss the mark on active participation. If you’re an architect considering an application, we are offering some tips from a past architect artist to guide you towards our community-engaged goals, as well as pics and links to architect-designed shanty projects that worked well in our context!
DETAILED TIMELINE
—–2026—–
OPPORTUNITIES FOR APPLICATION INFO AND GUIDANCE:
June 17, 6-8pm: Summer Snowcial – in person at Sociable CiderWerks, 1500 Fillmore Street NE, MPLS.
June 25, 6pm: Artist Forum in person at Powderhorn Rec Center, 3400 15th Ave S, MPLS. Slides from this event are viewable here!
July 6, 6-8pm: Dine Out Give Back – in person at The Lowbrow, 4244 Nicollet Ave S, MPLS.
APPLICATION PERIOD:
July 9: Deadline for proposal submissions (11:59pm CST)
mid-August: Artists selected and notified
PRODUCTION + PUBLIC PROCESS:
September 10, 6-8pm: In-person meeting for all Shanty Artists and Performers, location TBD in S Mpls (SAVE THIS DATE in case your proposal is selected; this will be a mandatory meeting for at least one member of your team who will be responsible for sharing information with other project members. More are welcome!); Paperwork due at this time (contract, community agreement, leave no trace policy). Informal hangout post-event!
September – October: Project production meetings for new groups; Mentorship meetings for those selected to participate as mentors and mentees; East Lake Community Event project meetings for those selected to participate in this opportunity.
October 4, 4-6pm: Artist hangout (FKA Study Hall), in person! Location TBD. Build community of peers, share tips, ask questions, get inspired by one another.
October 13: Preliminary content forms due (images, artist credits + project descriptions for website) so we can announce your projects!. Build visit scheduling form due.
November: Project build visits (in-person; will be individually scheduled and take place at your build site)
November 19, 6-8pm: Shanty Season Launch Party (optional fun!) In person, outdoors, at Lake Monster brewing patio. Artists get a free drink + food.
November 24: Final artist content due (images + project descriptions for website)
December: Accessibility notes due
—–2027—–
January 6, 6pm-8pm: All-artist check-in IN PERSON, location TBD in Mpls (mandatory for at least 1 member from each artist team who will be responsible for sharing information with other project members. More are welcome!).
January 9-10: Installation on the ice at Bdé Umáŋ (time slots during daylight hours to be scheduled in advance)
January 16 – February 7: On-Ice Program, every Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
February 3, 6-8pm: Member Night on Ice – 6-8pm, in the village (optional)
February 4, 6-8pm: alternate date for Member Night on Ice – 6-8pm, in the village (optional; only in case of bad weather on Feb 3)
February 13-14* Deinstallation (time slots during daylight hours to be scheduled in advance)
February 20, 5-7pm: Wrap Party (in person at Lake Monster Brewing, optional fun!)
*Depending on weather conditions artists may be required to move shanties off the ice at an earlier date.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MENTORSHIP
Art Shanty Projects informally fosters a co-learning community that is committed to sharing skills and resources between artists! We also have a formal mentorship program that pairs seasoned shanty artists with newer folks wanting support on specific skills and best practices in our unique context. Past topics of mentor/mentee pairings included honing design & construction skills, developing audience engagement plans, understanding how the cold impacts materials and equipment, and translating scientific information to artistic experiences.
Mentorship timeline:
- August: staff pairs mentor/mentees from accepted open call projects
- September: staff hosts initial meeting to review guidelines, expectations
- October – February: pairs work together; mentors are integrated into build visits with staff in November. Mentors share a short written status update in December with staff
- March: group debrief and celebration!
Mentors are expected to work no more than 12 hours with their mentee group, and will be compensated with a stipend of $300.
HOW TO APPLY:
Mentors
Indicate in the application if anyone in your group would like to be a mentor. More than one person per group can indicate interest.
Mentees
Indicate in the application if your group would like to be paired with a mentor. You will be asked what skills or topics you’d like support with.
We have capacity to select up to 6 pairs of mentors/mentees. Indicating interest in this program does not guarantee you will be paired.
EAST LAKE CULTURAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY EVENTS
If you are an artist who lives, works, or is connected to the East Lake Cultural district, you’re eligible for funding to host community events in support of your shanty! This includes an additional $800 for outreach work (connecting with community, inviting people in, hosting one or more community events).
The geographic bounds of East Lake Cultural District include Pillsbury Ave on the west to Cedar Ave on the east, and can extend a 5 block radius in any direction (N-S-E-W).
What you offer:
- Host 1 or more community events within the East Lake Cultural District where your team invites the public to participate
- Artists are responsible for promoting/inviting the community to these builds through digital or physical means (social media, flyers, etc). We will support your efforts.
What we offer:
- Graphics / graphic design template for flyers /promotional materials
- Extending the reach of your promotions through our digital channels (social media, newsletters, website)
- An additional $800 stipend for promoting and hosting these events
Some Examples of Community Build Activities:
- Building or painting portions of your shanty
- Creating costumes, props or decor for your shanty
- Content generation / idea sharing about the shanty design or activities
- Rehearsing the interactive / social aspect of your shanty
To apply, indicate interest and neighborhood relationship in your shanty proposal, as well as an initial idea of what you’d like to propose for your event(s). Indicating interest does not guarantee acceptance.
FULL GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION QUESTIONS
DOWNLOAD the 2027 application guide for shanty artists before beginning your proposal.
STILL CURIOUS ABOUT SOMETHING?
Please visit our FAQs.
Review the Artist Forum slides.
Stop by the DINE OUT GIVE BACK event
Monday, July 6, 6-8pm
The Lowbrow, 4244 Nicollet Ave S, MPLS
FREE (but please purchase something from the Lowbrow)
Grab a bite or a drink and sit down with shanty staff (or other artists, if they’re around!) to ask your last minute questions before submitting your application. 10% of proceeds from this evening will support Art Shanty Projects.
If we haven’t proactively answered your question, contact Erin Lavelle, Artistic Director: program@artshantyprojects.org
If you have a Google account, please use it to apply! This allows uploads of your required supporting materials (photos, videos, and/or audio). If you DO NOT have a Google account, you will need to email your required supporting materials (photos, videos, and/or audio).
Shanty scenes from past programs illustrate designs for various types of Classic and Open Air shanties. Photos: ASP staff (Quilt Shanty, outside of -7* Entry Danceteria), Drew Arrieta (Cat World), Ryan Stopera (all others)