GRANITE FALLS — Applications are open for the Dakota Community Artist-in-Residence program , a pilot project that supports artist-led solutions to community issues caused by COVID-19. The program was launched by the Department of Public Transformation, Dakota Wicohan and Racing Magpie.
According to a news release announcing the project, two Dakota artists based in the 18-county region of southwestern Minnesota, Upper Sioux Community, and/or Lower Sioux Community or enrolled members that live within 50 miles of the two communities will be selected for a two-week online residency from June 26 to July 12.
Applicants can apply at the Department of Public Transportation web page at publictransformation.org . Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. June 17. Each artist will receive a stipend of $1,000 and a project budget of $400.
The program is open to Native artists and culture bearers of any genre and level of experience, as well as Native artists whose work, business, family, or community has been affected by COVID-19.
Examples of creative solutions are care packages for neighbors or hand-sewn masks inspired by traditional Dakota designs.
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According to the release, the two selected artists will design and implement a creative project to address a local need identified by the community, such as food access, anti-bias and anti-racist efforts, or community connections. They will then work with project partners to document and share their project with the community.
There is a lack of access to necessities like health care, child care, healthy food, and economic relief in rural and tribal communities during COVID-19. The Dakota CAIR project will support Native artists and culture bearers financially and organizationally in their endeavors to increase access to these necessities.
The selection and outreach committee is made up of representatives from Dakota Wicohan, Racing Magpie and the Department of Public Transformation. They designed the program along with support from the Southwest Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership and a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council.
Questions can be emailed to publictransformation@gmail.com or call 952-486-0533.
