2025 Artist in Residence Grant Program

The Artist in Residence (AIR) Grant Program, administered by the North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA), is a noncompetitive reimbursement program designed to support collaborative arts education between professional teaching artists and North Dakota pre-K-12 students and teachers. The program funds up to $2,500 per project and supports residencies within traditional schools, after-school, or summer programs. All projects must span at least four days and include a minimum of 20 contact hours, with up to five hours of artist-led activity per day. Applications are accepted until May 31, 2025, or until available funds are depleted. Applications must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the proposed project start date. All grant-supported projects must be completed between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, with final reports due within 30 days of project completion or by June 30, 2025, whichever comes first. Eligible applicants include North Dakota-based public schools, private schools, school districts, government agencies, nonprofits, and fiscally sponsored groups that meet specific criteria. Applications are evaluated based on completeness and eligibility. While the program is noncompetitive, grants are awarded in the order received, contingent on available funding approved by NDCA’s Board of Directors. Grants can fund proposals involving either in-state or out-of-state teaching artists, with corresponding matching fund requirements of 30 percent and 50 percent, respectively. The funding cannot be used for performance-only activities, professional development, or projects replacing existing arts programs or educators. Expenditures for capital improvements, equipment over $5,000, fundraising, entertainment, and other non-qualifying uses are also ineligible. Each proposal must demonstrate community impact and culminate in a final project or community event. Residencies must be documented and evaluated, with outcomes shared in the final report. Applicants are encouraged to promote residency events to local stakeholders, including school boards and legislators. The application process requires submission through the NDCA’s online grant system. Applicants must submit a narrative, budget, agreement form, and applicable support materials, such as teaching artist resumes and work samples. Additional requirements include a SAM Unique Entity ID, organization mission statement, and documentation verifying nonprofit or public status. Support is available from Matthew Anderson, Arts in Education Director, who can assist with application questions and project development. Accessibility compliance is required, and accommodations must be documented or planned.