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A minimalist design featuring a stylized northern light wave, a star, a black circle, and a pine tree.

Applications and Nominations Open October 1st. 

The Creative Spirit of the North award is a distinguished honor that celebrates the extraordinary talent and promise of an emerging visual artist from the Ely, MN, region. This prestigious award is designed to recognize and uplift an artist who is making significant advancements in their creative journey, offering unparalleled opportunities to elevate their craft and impact the cultural landscape.

As the recipient of this esteemed award, the chosen artist will receive a highly coveted year-long studio residency in Ely, MN, providing a dedicated and exclusive space to cultivate and refine their artistic vision. Along with this residency, the artist will be awarded a $500 stipend to support their most ambitious projects and creative endeavors.

The Creative Spirit of the North laureate will also gain the unique opportunity to design the artwork for the Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) merchandise for the following year, ensuring their work gains prominent exposure and recognition within the community and beyond. Additionally, the recipient will play a pivotal role in the local arts scene by leading one class per quarter as part of the ArtisticELY Arts in Action Workshops and sharing their creative journey on the widely respected Portageland Podcast: Craft, Community, and the Creative Mind.

The award year culminates in a distinguished presentation of the artist’s final project at the NLAA Members Meeting in November, where their achievements and contributions will be celebrated and showcased to the community.

Applications and nominations for the Creative Spirit of the North open on October 1st. This prestigious award is more than just a recognition—it’s a platform for emerging artists to inspire, create, and leave a lasting legacy in the vibrant arts scene of Ely, MN. If you’re an artist looking to make a significant impact or know someone who is, don’t miss the opportunity to apply or nominate a deserving candidate.

 Uplift Emerging Artists and Strengthen the Arts in Our Region

We invite you to invest the Creative Spirit of the North award, a prestigious initiative that celebrates and empowers the rising visual artists of our community. This award is more than just recognition; it’s a transformative opportunity that provides an emerging artist with a year-long studio residency, financial support, and the chance to share their work with a wider audience. It’s an investment in the future of our local arts scene and the cultural vibrancy of Ely, MN. Your donation plays a crucial role in making this vision a reality.

 

Join us in this meaningful journey. By donating, you are helping to uplift talented artists, enrich our community, and create a lasting impact on the arts in our region. Click the button below to contribute and be part of this transformative experience. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of artists and the cultural landscape we all cherish.

Thank you for your unwavering support!

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