Call for Digital Storytellers: Light on Lake – A Winter Projection Art Series
Call Opens: June 27, 2025
Deadline to Apply: August 1, 2025
Location: East Lake Street Cultural District, Minneapolis, MN
Projection Dates: January 28–31, 2026
Overview
The Great Northern invites Minnesota-based artists to submit proposals for “Light on Lake,” a four-night public art experience that will transform East Lake Street into a large-scale moving projection installation. This event will illuminate the walls and facades of East Lake Street businesses, turning them into animated canvases for local artists to share their work with the community.
This unique project is an opportunity to tell local stories and reimagine familiar buildings as vibrant, shared spaces for creative expression.
What We're Looking For
We are commissioning three Minnesota-based artists to develop site-specific digital projection artworks that:
Reflect the cultural identities, histories, and stories of East Lake Street communities.
Encourage shared experience and neighborhood gathering in public space.
Are suitable for large-scale projection onto building facades or storefront walls.
Are accessible, welcoming, and family-friendly.
Engage with themes of winter, climate, or the environment—whether through subject matter, mood, or message.
Selected Artists Will Receive:
A $2,500 artist stipend.
Technical and production support for projection setup and display.
Opportunities to lead or participate in community co-creation workshops.
Promotion through The Great Northern’s festival marketing channels.
Access to pre-approved projection sites and assistance with permitting and logistics.
Eligibility
Open to artists residing in Minnesota.
Artists must demonstrate a meaningful connection to the East Lake Street Cultural District—through lived experience, work, collaboration, or community ties.
Previous experience with digital media, video art, animation, or projection mapping is preferred.
Artists must be available for workshops and production in Fall 2025–Winter 2026.
Key Dates
Call Opens: June 27, 2025
Submission Deadline: August 1, 2025
Artists Selected: September 15, 2025
Workshops + Production: October 2025–January 2026
Public Projections: January 28–31, 2026
How to Apply
Submit the following materials by August 1, 2025 through the Google Form linked below:
A brief project proposal (max 500 words).
3–5 examples of past work (images or video links).
Artist bio or CV (1–2 pages).
A short description of your connection to the East Lake Street community.
Optional: Ideas for community engagement or storytelling themes.
About The Great Northern
The Great Northern celebrates Minnesota’s signature season through 5 days of programming that explores climate solutions, outdoor adventure, local food, and the arts. “Light on Lake” is part of our commitment to uplifting neighborhood stories and fostering joyful, creative connections in public space.
This Cultural Districts Arts Fund activation is funded, in part, by the City of Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department.
