Lanesboro, Minn. – Lanesboro Arts is seeking proposals for its upcoming public art initiative The Scenic Route: Re-imagining Highway 250. Through this program, Lanesboro Arts will support artists in creating engaging community art projects during extensive construction along Highway 250 through downtown Lanesboro in 2027.
Between 10 and 20 artists will be awarded up to $1500 each to host their own artistic activation in the spring and summer of 2027. Projects should create beauty and pride in downtown Lanesboro; encourage visitors and residents to stop, shop, and linger; foster collaboration and connection amid construction disruptions; and/or spark conversations around construction, maintenance, and building for Lanesboro’s future.
Applications are now open at Lanesboro Arts’ website (https://lanesboroarts.org). The priority deadline to submit an application will be January 15th, with projects taking place spring and summer of 2027. Rolling applications will be accepted until project funds are depleted. Lanesboro Arts invites artists and community members to apply, with priority given to Fillmore County residents as well as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or disabled individuals. Priority will also be given to applicants whose proposals engage with downtown Lanesboro businesses. The application will ask for a brief project proposal, including information about the intended location, audience, goals, and timeline. The first fifty applicants who submit a full, completed application will receive a $75 seed stipend, in recognition of the time, energy, and care that went into the application process.
Artists interested in learning more are encouraged to attend any of the following free events meant to learn more help develop project ideas:
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Virtual Civic Arts Engagement Workshop: Thursday, November 12th, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Online via Zoom
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Creative Idea Development Round Table: Sunday, December 13th at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Sylvan Brewing Scale Room
Lanesboro Arts serves as a regional catalyst for artistic excellence and educational development in providing diverse art experiences for people of all ages. Lanesboro Arts has been weaving art through the social and physical infrastructure of rural Lanesboro for over four decades. The Scenic Route leans on the organization’s history promoting the arts as an avenue for community vitality, along with its belief in artists as partners for honest transformation. With it, Lanesboro Arts hopes to change the narrative from one of uncertainty to one of opportunity by supporting local artists to create projects that celebrate downtown Lanesboro in new ways.
The program was designed with support from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, The University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Springboard for the Arts.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
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