The Minnesota Museum of American Art (the M) invites Minnesota artists to submit work for the 2027–28 M Triennial, an exhibition in the M’s Nancy and John Lindahl Gallery that brings together contemporary visual artworks reflecting the vitality, diversity, complexity, and cultural landscape of Mni Sóta Makoce.
For this inaugural triennial, we seek to exhibit work that addresses the theme of Held Here:
As we reflect of the events of the past year, and consider our mission to explore complex truths in American art, we feel an urgent need to ask our state’s diverse community of artists: What can you teach us about connection and belonging at this moment in our shared history? This M Triennial invites you to reflect on your rich and varied experiences as Minnesotans to tell the stories of what you hold onto to heal, endure, thrive, and cultivate a hopeful future.
We encourage artists to consider:
What do you hold—in your hands, in your bodies, in your histories, in your hearts, and in your imaginations—as you navigate your lives in Minnesota? Whom do you hold dear, and how do you tend to one another? And how do answers to these questions shift with identity, location, individual, and collective lived experiences?
The M welcomes artwork submissions that consider the exhibition’s theme through expansive as well as deeply personal perspectives, with an emphasis on artworks that engage audiences through storytelling and community-based artistic practices. Artists across all media, including but not limited to painting, drawing, printmaking, book arts, sculpture, photography, video, film, installation, performance, sound, textile, ceramics, and interdisciplinary forms, are encouraged to apply.
As the only major art museum in Minnesota’s capital city of St. Paul, the M seeks to support the state’s arts community through exhibition and programmatic opportunities rooted in the museum’s mission: to inspire understanding of American identities, experiences, and complex truths through art and creativity. The M Triennial is designed to offer this kind of support, while celebrating and learning from living artists connected to Minnesota, highlighting the diversity, creativity, and talent of creators from across the state.
This is an open call for applications to all visual artists, at any stage of their career, who are residents of the state of Minnesota OR have lived in Minnesota during the last year (September 1, 2025–September 1, 2026).
We recognize that some communities have significant ancestral, familial, and/or cultural connections to Minnesota, but may not reside here. If that’s you, please apply and tell us about those connections in your application.
Applications from artists who have historically been underrepresented in museum exhibitions are encouraged to apply. Artists from rural communities, small and mid-sized cities, Indigenous communities, immigrant and diasporic communities, artists of color, and communities across the state are encouraged to apply.
Artist teams are welcome to apply.
Applicants may submit up to three (3) artworks for consideration for the triennial. Artists may apply with completed artwork, artwork in progress, and/or proposed artwork.
Applications for the triennial are accepted via Submittable only. We do not accept emailed or mailed applications; we do not accept applications delivered in-person. For artworks selected for inclusion in the triennial, we prefer to receive artwork that is installation-ready, though it is not a requirement for application or participation.
All applications should include:
Applications for completed artwork (artwork must be created in the past two years, between January 1, 2024–present)
Applications for artwork in progress
For 2D and 3D artwork in progress (up to 9 digital images maximum)
For video, film, performance, sound, or other time-based media in progress
Applications for proposed artwork
For proposed 2D and 3D artwork
For proposed video, film, performance, sound, or other time-based media
Artist Statements
Springboard for the Arts Work of Art – Business Skills For Artists. Unit 3, “Portfolio Kit” includes step-by-step prompts for writing a strong artist statement.
Photographing artwork
University of Maryland Baltimore: Tips for Photographing Your Artwork for Submission
Jackson’s Art Supplies: How to Create the Best Digital Photographs of Your Artwork
Arts Westchester: Artists: 8 Tips for Photographing Artwork With an iPhone
Please note:
Good snapshots and visual/audio files taken by cellphone are acceptable. Images and videos should be clear, with even lighting. Please refrain from submitting images that have an uneven crop.
There is no application fee.
Artwork by approximately 30–40 artists will be selected by five jurors who represent the Minnesota arts community. Jurors are the M’s co-curators in this process, supporting the development and distribution of the call for art, and designing accompanying triennial programming. (Artists who are jurors are ineligible to apply for the triennial.) Works will be considered according to the following criteria:
Rebecca Dallinger (she/her)
Juleana Enright (they/them)
Jovy Rockey (she/her)
Tia-Simone Gardner (she/her)
Tina Tavera (she/her)
Call for art opens: September 15, 2026
Application deadline: November 15, 2026
Notification of final-selection decisions: by February 1, 2027
Images for completed works in progress due: March 1, 2027
Images for completed proposed works due: May 1, 2027
Exhibition dates: September 16, 2027–July 30, 2028
Public reception: September 23, 2027, 6–8 pm
The M is committed to making the application and exhibition process accessible. Applicants who need assistance or have questions about submitting their application materials in an alternative format may contact Nicole M. Watson, Director of Exhibitions & Collections; and Alice Crazy Bull, Assistant Curator: info@mmaa.org, 651-797-2571.
Applications for the M Triennial must be submitted online through Submittable by Sunday, November 15, at 11:59 pm CST.
Questions about eligibility, the application process, or the exhibition should be directed to Nicole M. Watson, Director of Exhibitions & Collections; and Alice Crazy Bull, Assistant Curator: info@mmaa.org, 651-797-2571.
Minnesota Museum of American Art
350 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55101
Located in the Historic Pioneer Endicott
Office: 651.797.2571
The M thrives because of people like you! Your contribution will support dynamic and engaged partnerships and programs related to St. Paul, Minnesota, and shared experiences across difference in the region.