Ignite Rural is an “at-home” artist residency focused on uplifting and supporting emerging rural artists that engage in social/civic work. To be considered for the Ignite Rural program, artists must reside in rural communities with a population of 20,000 or less within the colonial state borders of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native Nations that share that geography with priority given to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and Native artists and culture bearers.

Ignite Rural operates as a cohort model to connect rural artists with each other, provide digital learning exchange opportunities, and support rural artists in their social and civic work within their communities. Ignite Rural uplifts rural arts and cultural workers as invaluable contributors to increasing community connection, therefore Ignite Rural artists will receive a creative fund, an additional living stipend, and access to an artistic development/wellness fund.