The Lanesboro Early Career Artist Residency Program is a place-based program for early career artists where art and the artistic process instigates positive change, addresses or creates an opportunity to move the community forward or is otherwise be central to problem-solving. Supported by the Jerome Foundation, the program is an opportunity for early career artists from Minnesota and the five boroughs of New York City to explore ways in which their work can be applied to the community and how Lanesboro’s rural community can inform their work.

This place-based and community-engaged residency program was designed to align with and amplify Lanesboro Arts’ vision for communities–especially rural communities–to embrace artists as economic drivers, culture bearers, community builders, and problem solvers. Lanesboro Arts is especially seeking residency projects where community engagement is integral to the art making or projects where public interaction with the work is at the core of an artist’s practice.

Before submitting an application, please take moment to review our program guidelines and eligibility criteria.

The Round One application deadline for the 2026 Lanesboro Early Career Artist Residency Program is Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CST. The application opened on April 22nd, 2025.

In 2024, Lanesboro Arts implemented a two-round application process for the Early Career Artist Residency Program, in response to feedback from artists. The two-step application process is meant to alleviate some of the time-consuming nature of applications.

Round One of the application process asks for basic information about the artist, their demographics, and a bit about the proposed project. Round One applications are due May 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

Applications are then reviewed by Lanesboro Arts staff for alignment and best fit with program mission and goals. Following review, applicants will be notified of their application status on June 9th. A smaller pool of selected applicants will then be invited to apply for Round Two, which includes more detail about the artist and their proposed community project. Round Two applications are due August 1st, 2025 at 11:59 pm and are reviewed by a diverse jury of artists from around the state of Minnesota. (You can preview Round Two application questions here; but note: you cannot apply for Round Two unless your Round One application is accepted.)