August 5, 2026 (Bemidji, MN) – The Bemidji Area Arts Endowment (BAAE), a fund in the family of funds at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, has awarded $22,000 in grant funding to support a diverse array of arts, music, and cultural initiatives across Bemidji and surrounding communities.
“Strong arts communities create vibrant places to live, work, and thrive,” said Terri Darco, Community Senior Philanthropy Officer at Northwest Minnesota Foundation. “These grants invest in organizations that bring people together, nurture local talent, and make arts and culture accessible throughout our region.”
2026 grant recipients and funded projects:
The following organizations received funding:
- Watermark Art Festival – Art Festival Free Indoor Art Making Activities
- Mask and Rose Women’s Theater Collective – Root Beer Lady Theater Production
- Headwaters School of Music and Arts, Inc. – Headwaters Art Camp
- Bemidji Community Theater – Lion King Performance – Specialty Costumes
- Watermark Art Center – 2026 – 2027 Watermark Poetry Slam Series
- Headwaters School of Music and Arts, Inc. – Jazz Improvisation Residency
- Watermark Art Center – 21st It’s Only Clay with Lee Percell
- Bemidji Performing Arts Academy – Bemidji String Quartet Fellowship
- Beltrami County Historical Society – Revolution History, Music and Arts
- Bemidji Downtown Art Alliance – Public Art Directory Project
- Bemidji Symphony Orchestra – 2026 – 2027 Burkhardt Composition Project
- Miikanan Gallery-Watermark Art Center – Indigenous Art Demonstrations – Art Festival 2026
- Clear Waters Life Center –Youth Art Classes
- Belle Thalia Creative Arts Space – Art Reflection Walk
- Watermark Art Center – Writer’s Development Program
- Bagley Arts Collaborative, Inc. – Emerging Artists-Restart
- Clear Waters Life Center – Youth Theater Program
- Bagley Arts Collaborative, Inc. – Multi-generational Music and Movement at Cornerstone Assisted Living
Together, these projects reflect BAAE’s commitment to strengthening communities through creative expression, lifelong learning, cultural preservation, and meaningful artistic experiences for residents of all ages.
Save the Date: Annual BAAE Fundraiser & Art Legacy Project
The BAAE will host its annual fundraising event on October 24th at The Loft in downtown Bemidji.
This year, attendees will be introduced to the BAAE Art Legacy Project, an initiative designed to grow the endowment through the online auction of donated original artwork. Proceeds will help ensure continued investment in arts and cultural opportunities throughout the greater Bemidji area.
About the Bemidji Area Arts Endowment
The Bemidji Area Arts Endowment supports arts and music education, public art, performances, cultural events, and creative projects that enrich communities across the greater Bemidji area.
The BAAE Advisory Board includes Bev Erickson (Chair), Sue Snider (Treasurer), Tricia Andrews, Lisa Bruns, Ron Erickson, Virginia Holy, Lisa Jonas, Mike Jonnides, Ilene Johanneson, and Marsh Muirhead.
How to Give:
To support local arts and help grow the endowment, click Bemidji Area Arts Endowment.
For more information about the Bemidji Area Arts Endowment, future grant opportunities, or ways to become involved, contact Terri Darco, Community Senior Philanthropy Officer, at terrid@nwmf.org.
