a new landscape for Ignite Rural

Ignite Rural is an “at-home” artist residency focused on uplifting and supporting rural artists who engage in social/civic work and are in the early stages of their artistic practice.

For 2026, Ignite Rural is focusing on deepening relationships with the artists who have shaped the program since its launch in 2021. As the funding landscape evolves, our focus turns toward connection and continued support for the Ignite Rural community. Throughout 2026, Ignite Rural will design a series of professional development offerings for program alumni, celebrate their creative growth through storytelling, and continue to support rural artists across the Upper Midwest.

Ignite Rural 2026 will include a Where Are They Now? storytelling series, an ongoing collection of spotlights featuring updates from alumni and glimpses into how their lives have evolved since the program. Alumni will also have access to a curated series of free virtual professional development workshops, ranging from self-care for artists, portfolio building, and interview skills.

To continue supporting alumni and their creative practices, they will also be invited to do DIY Residencies at The YES! House in Granite Falls, MN. These residencies will provide space for alumni to focus on projects, learn new creative practices, or simply to build out their portfolio.

While we are currently unable to offer a 2026 Ignite Rural Call for Artists, we will host a public webinar series designed for early-career artists and cultural workers everywhere, including public safety trainings and the Spark Series, featuring Ignite Rural artists who are stepping further into their roles as community leaders.

These activities reinforce Ignite Rural’s commitment to long-term artist support, building a network of artists, providing resources, and sharing stories that continue to spark creativity and connection across rural places.

The Spark Series is a public listen and learn webinar series highlighting the continued impact of Ignite Rural alumni who have expanded their creative work and are emerging as leaders in their fields.

Each Spark webinar invites one Ignite Rural artist to share deeper reflections on their journey since completing Ignite Rural, with a Q&A.

Where are they now? is a storytelling series featuring alumni of the Ignite Rural Artist Residency, capturing a snapshot in time of what each artist has been up to since completing their residency.

To continue supporting alumni and their creative practices, Ignite Rural alumni have been invited to participate in self-directed (DIY) residencies at The YES! House in Granite Falls, MN. These residencies offer dedicated time and space for alumni to deepen their work in ways that feel most meaningful to them. This could look like working on specific projects, experimenting with new creative practices, or creating to expand their artist portfolio. Designed to be flexible, the residency will center each artist's individual goals while providing space that encourages reflection and growth.